To Hack or Not to Hack | Mouth Taping
A Trend That’s Gaining Buzz While You Sleep—But Should You Try It?
Exploring the Mouth Taping Trend
Welcome back to the second post in the “To Hack or Not to Hack” series—where I continue to uncomplicate wellness by breaking down trending hacks with real science, smart skepticism, and practical insights.
This method involves applying adhesive tape over the lips during sleep to encourage nasal breathing. Proponents claim it enhances sleep quality, reduces snoring, and promotes overall health. But what does the science say? Let's delve into the origins, purported benefits, potential risks, and the stance of Vango Wellness on this trending topic.
What Is Mouth Taping?
Mouth taping is the practice of sealing the lips with specialized adhesive tape before bedtime to prevent mouth breathing and promote nasal respiration during sleep. Advocates suggest that nasal breathing offers various health benefits, including improved oxygenation and reduced snoring.
Origins of Mouth Taping
The practice of mouth taping—sealing the lips during sleep to encourage nasal breathing—has historical roots and has evolved over time:
19th Century Observations: In the 1860s, American painter and author George Catlin documented in his book The Breath of Life that certain Native American tribes promoted nasal breathing for better health. He observed that mothers would gently close their infants' mouths during sleep to instill this habit. 1
Buteyko Method: In the late 1950s, Ukrainian physician Dr. Konstantin Buteyko developed a breathing technique emphasizing nasal breathing to address respiratory conditions. By the 1960s, practitioners of the Buteyko Method began recommending mouth taping during sleep for individuals struggling to maintain nasal breathing.
Modern Popularity: In recent years, mouth taping has gained renewed attention, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag #mouthtaping has garnered millions of views, with users sharing personal anecdotes and experiences related to the practice.
Scientific research on this practice is limited, but existing studies offer some insights:
Potential Benefits:
Reduction in Snoring and Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): A preliminary study involving 13 individuals with mild OSA found that mouth taping during sleep led to a significant decrease in the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and the snoring index. The more severe the baseline AHI and snoring, the greater the improvement observed after mouth taping. 2
Improved Compliance with Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: For patients using nasal CPAP therapy, mouth breathing can reduce treatment effectiveness. Mouth taping has been suggested as a method to prevent mouth leaks, potentially enhancing CPAP compliance. 3
Potential Risks:
Breathing Difficulties: Individuals with nasal obstructions, such as a deviated septum or chronic congestion, may experience increased difficulty breathing when using mouth tape.
Skin Irritation: The adhesive used in mouth taping can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions around the mouth area.
Anxiety and Discomfort: Some individuals may feel anxious or claustrophobic when their mouth is taped shut, leading to discomfort and potentially disrupting sleep.
Sleep Disorders: For those with conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, mouth taping might worsen symptoms by restricting alternative breathing pathways.
Given the limited scope of research and the potential risks involved, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before considering mouth taping as a remedy for sleep-related issues.
Is Mouth Taping Here to Stay?
The surge in popularity of mouth taping, particularly on platforms like TikTok, indicates a growing interest in accessible sleep-enhancing techniques. However, the longevity of this trend remains uncertain, especially given the very limited scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and safety. As with many wellness trends, its staying power will likely depend on forthcoming research and professional endorsements.
TO HACK OR NOT TO HACK?
✔️ Not To Hack.
At Vango Wellness, I advocate for evidence-based practices that prioritize individual safety and well-being. While the concept of promoting nasal breathing holds merit, the method of mouth taping lacks substantial scientific backing and poses potential risks. And to be honest, I rather have a sexy night while sticking to my sleeping habits, than adding a tape that irritates my skin and is not proven to provide major benefits.
But, if you are interested to try it out, I’d recommend you follow these guidelines
Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before adopting practices like mouth taping, seek advice from a sleep specialist to ensure it's appropriate for your specific health circumstances.
Explore Alternative Methods: Consider other proven strategies supported by the Vango Wellness Method to enhance sleep quality, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, optimizing your sleep environment, and addressing underlying health issues.
Prioritize Safety: Be cautious of trends lacking robust scientific validation. Your health and safety should always take precedence over unverified wellness hacks.
Stop Mouth Taping immediately if you feel adverse reactions.
📩 Up next in the “To Hack or Not to Hack” series: Sea Moss. Superfood sensation or just slick marketing? Let’s peel back the label.
Join the Vango Wellness Community!
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for more wellness tips.
📲 Follow us on Instagram for daily motivation.
🎯 Book a FREE coaching consultation to start your personalized wellness journey.
Your healthiest, most vibrant life starts with the choices you make today!
The breath of life, or mal-respiration, and its effects upon the enjoyments & life of man. HathiTrust. 1862. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
https://www.pulmonologyadvisor.com/news/nocturnal-mouth-taping-shows-promise-for-sleep-apnea/