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11h ago

Study Finds Mouth Taping for Sleep Offers Little Benefit and Poses Safety Risks

A new review of 10 studies highlights minimal efficacy and significant asphyxiation dangers, prompting experts to discourage unsupervised use of the viral trend.

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Dr. Brian Rotenberg, an otolaryngologist in London, Ont., is shown in an undated handout photo. Rotenberg says there is no evidence that a social media trend of mouth taping has any health benefits. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, *MANDATORY CREDIT*
Multiple previous studies indicate mouth taping isn't very helpful, and may actually be dangerous.

Overview

  • Mouth taping, a social media-fueled trend endorsed by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Erling Haaland, aims to promote nasal breathing during sleep.
  • A systematic review of 10 studies involving 213 patients found minimal evidence of benefit, with only slight improvements noted in mild cases of sleep apnea.
  • Four studies raised concerns about the serious risk of asphyxiation, particularly for individuals with nasal blockages caused by conditions like chronic rhinitis or a deviated septum.
  • Medical professionals caution against trying mouth taping without consultation and recommend evidence-based alternatives such as CPAP machines, nasal strips, or decongestants.
  • The review, published on May 21, 2025, underscores the importance of seeking professional evaluation for sleep-disordered breathing rather than relying on unregulated wellness trends.