„Mouth taping“ is a rather unconventional practice that has gained increasing popularity within the last few years. Mouth taping“ describes a method of improving individual sleep quality, which is to be realized by taping the mouth shut during sleep. This is to prevent breathing through the mouth rather than the nose during sleep. Proponents of „Mouth Taping“ expect fewer negative effects, such as those caused by snoring. In addition, the „Mouth Taping“ is used by users for self-optimization with regard to the improvement of sleep quality.
Since „Mouth Taping“ is still a comparatively unknown practice in this country, it will be explained comprehensively in the following article. In addition to a detailed definition of the term, the origin, the mode of operation as well as all positive and negative effects of „Mouth Taping“ will be shown.
Definition of the term „Mouth Taping“
Mouth Taping refers to a controversial practice in which the user tapes his mouth shut with a special (usually skin-friendly) adhesive tape before sleeping. The aim is to ensure that the mouth cannot be opened either voluntarily or involuntarily during sleep. The user is thus forced to breathe through the nose for the entire duration of sleep, which is more beneficial to health.
The entire mouth area is taped – and this is done with a special „tape“ (in German: „Klebeband“). „Mouth taping“ is said to have numerous, positive effects on individual sleep quality. It is therefore a sleep trend that is currently being strongly hyped, especially in the self-optimization scene.
Origin of the „Mouth Taping“ trend
The chronological origin of „Mouth Taping“ is not exactly known. However, the idea behind it probably comes from the world of yoga, which has a long tradition regarding holistic health techniques and conscious breathing techniques. In the latter, nasal breathing plays an important role. „Mouth taping“, however, has also gained a great popularity in sleep medicine within the last 3 to 5 years. Mentally, breathing through the nose during sleep appears to be the much healthier option (compared to breathing through the mouth). Although there is in fact no inventor of „Mouth Taping“, within the past few years various experts and advocates have repeatedly contributed to this trend becoming more and more widespread.
How does „Mouth Taping“ work in detail?
For „Mouth Taping“ a special plaster or adhesive tape is used, which is stuck over the lips and mouth before sleeping. This must be applied in such a way that the mouth cannot be opened during sleep (without having to remove the patch or tape beforehand for this). It is recommended that the mouth area be shaved prior to applying the patch or tape to avoid painful removal after sleeping.
In this way, the mouth should be covered – thus, breathing through the mouth is no longer possible. By forcibly closing off the alternative air supply through the mouth, the user is essentially left with only an air channel through the nose. By completely closing the mouth, the user is forced to breathe through the nose (consciously as well as unconsciously). Nasal breathing offers numerous advantages in terms of oxygen intake.
After sleeping, the patch or tape is carefully removed. This allows breathing through the mouth again outside of sleep.
What positive effects does „Mouth Taping“ promise?
The „Mouth Taping“ is attributed by proponents numerous, positive effects, which are listed below:
- Promoting healthier nasal breathing (which leads to better oxygen intake).
- Better cleaning, humidification and warming of the inhaled air.
- Reduction of snoring
- Improved sleep quality
- Greater social compatibility (in that potential partners are less disturbed by snoring)
However, the positive effects have not been precisely proven scientifically and are therefore controversial. For many people, „Mouth Taping“ represents the remedy of choice, while this trend is again strongly doubted by other people.
For which people is „Mouth Taping“ suitable?
Mouth Taping“ is primarily suitable for people who are able to breathe through their nose during sleep without any problems. It can also be used by people who snore only lightly and have only occasional breathing pauses during sleep. So, if there are no underlying diseases of the respiratory tract, the „Mouth Taping“ can be tried without hesitation. It is recommended to test it first for a few days under observation (for example by your sleeping partner).
For which persons is „Mouth Taping“ not suitable?
Mouth Taping“ is less suitable for people with respiratory diseases. This can include, for example, crooked nasal septum, central and obstructive sleep apnea or other respiratory diseases. Mouth taping should also be avoided during colds. This is because these usually lead to nasal breathing being possible only to a limited extent or in some cases not at all. In all these cases there is a danger of suffocation!
Critical considerations of „Mouth Taping“
Mouth Taping“ has a number of critics who urgently warn against the negative consequences of this practice. In many people, reasons prevail that force the body to breathe through the mouth during sleep (for example, sleep apnea, respiratory diseases, allergies, etc.). By disturbing the natural breathing pattern, the actual quality of sleep can suffer considerably. Many users are often not even aware of the individual sleep patterns, respectively respiratory diseases. Especially since the positive effects of „Mouth Taping“ are strongly doubted.
Conclusion on the subject of „Mouth Taping“
In summary, it can be said that „Mouth Taping“ is an interesting, new sleep trend that is becoming increasingly popular in this country. In this method, the mouth is taped shut for the sleep period to exclude breathing through the mouth. The nasal breathing forced in this way is said to have positive effects on sleep quality and thus on health, but this is strongly doubted by critics.
In addition to „mouth taping“, there are a number of other sleep trends, such as nose clips or special breathing techniques, such as „pranayama“. These are also intended to improve individual sleep quality.