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Experts Warn Against Mouth Taping Trend Due to Asphyxiation Risks

A new systematic review finds no substantial benefits to mouth taping for sleep-disordered breathing and highlights serious safety concerns for individuals with nasal obstructions.

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Mouth tape is used to help promote healthier breathing, improve sleep quality and reduce snoring.
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Overview

  • A systematic review of 10 studies involving 213 participants found no robust evidence supporting mouth taping as a treatment for sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Only two studies showed minor improvements in sleep apnea severity among individuals with mild cases, but these benefits were not clinically significant.
  • Four studies explicitly warned of the risk of asphyxiation for individuals with nasal obstructions, such as those caused by rhinitis, deviated septums, or chronic allergies.
  • Medical professionals strongly advise against attempting mouth taping without consulting a healthcare provider, recommending evidence-based alternatives like CPAP machines and nasal strips instead.
  • The trend, popularized by social media influencers and celebrities, has been criticized for oversimplifying complex sleep issues and potentially delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.