The Benefits and Risks of Mouth Taping For Sleep

If the idea of taping your mouth shut at night sounds crazy, hear me out. There's actual scientific research showing how mouth taping can dramatically improve your sleep. By forcing yourself to breathe through your nose, you can unlock a surprising range of benefits.

Benefits of Mouth Taping

  • Increased REM sleep and cognitive function

  • Reduced blood pressure

  • Reduced inflammation

  • Improved athletic performance

  • Accelerated weight loss

  • Improved digestion

If you struggle with sleep apnea, snoring, or just know you sleep with your mouth open, this could be a game-changer!

My Mouth Taping Story

I've been a mouth breather most of my life. My jaw development caused issues with comfortably closing my mouth, leading to open-mouth sleeping. Determined to optimize my sleep, I discovered mouth taping and saw MASSIVE improvements in my sleep quality.

Of course, I had double jaw surgery in late 2021, which corrected these issues. I can now close my mouth properly and breathe through my nose naturally. While surgery isn't the solution for everyone (and it's a significant step!), it highlights my experience with the benefits of mouth taping.

What is Mouth Taping?

Mouth taping involves using gentle tape or specially designed strips to seal your lips shut during sleep. This forces you to breathe through your nose, which is how humans are designed to breathe while sleeping.

Why Nose Breathing Matters

Nasal breathing is vital because it boosts nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide improves blood oxygen levels, relaxes blood vessels (lowering blood pressure), supports cognitive function, strengthens the immune system, and even enhances exercise performance. Mouth breathing doesn't offer these benefits. Considering we spend a third of our lives sleeping, maximizing nasal breathing during this time is crucial.

Are You a Mouth Breather?

Not everyone needs to mouth tape. Here are some signs you might be a mouth breather:

  • Tossing and turning at night

  • Bad breath in the morning

  • Waking up to pee frequently

  • Drool on your pillow

  • Teeth grinding

Who Benefits Most From Mouth Taping

  • Snorers: It's simple – a closed mouth prevents snoring, improving both your sleep and that of those around you.

  • Sleep Apnea Sufferers: Sleep apnea occurs when your throat becomes blocked during sleep, often caused by excess weight or obesity. Nasal breathing reduces this risk.

How to Mouth Tape

  • Choose your tape: Use a gentle tape to avoid skin irritation, or try strips specifically designed for mouth taping (like SomniFix, which have a small breathing hole for peace of mind).

  • Application: Experiment with different taping techniques to find what works best for you.

Is Mouth Taping Safe?

While generally safe, address any chronic nasal breathing issues first. Your body won't let you suffocate – you'll wake up and remove the tape if needed. SomniFix strips even offer a built-in breathing hole.

Mouth taping might seem strange at first, but the potential benefits for your sleep, health, and energy levels make it worth exploring. If you're ready to take control of your sleep and unlock a better version of yourself, start experimenting with mouth taping tonight!