What Is Mouth Taping, and Should You Try It?

Could a better night’s sleep be as simple as taping a tiny strip of tape across your lips?

Mouth taping is a device strategy to help you breathe through your nose while you sleep. Experts recommend breathing through your nose because it filters out air particles and bacteria, moistens the air, and may even have some cardiovascular benefits. Mouth taping may also reduce snoring by blocking the vibration of air between the uvula and soft palate.

But Dr. Adam Glassman, Medical Director of Holy Name’s Center for Sleep Medicine, says that people need to be very careful about trying this trend.

“You really should discuss it with your doctor,” he says. “It could be dangerous for people who have sleep apnea or COPD, which a lot of times people don’t know they have.”

If you choose to try it, Dr. Glassman says not to cover your whole mouth or use a strong tape like duct tape. You only need a couple tiny strips of medical tape positioned vertically “as a cue to help you keep your mouth closed.”

Dr. Glassman recommends a chin strap as a good alternative because it holds your mouth closed in a better and stronger way than tape does. “It’s a safer way to help reduce sleep apnea and snoring,” he says.

To make an appointment with Dr. Glassman, call 201-871-8366.