Mouth taping has become a common solution for people who wish to sleep better and who suffer from mouth breathing or snoring. The strategy is to promote breathing by the nose, which has the likelihood of improving sleeping patterns. Mouth tape is harmless to most and can be used to stop the movements of the lips at night. However, if one has certain conditions, such as restricted breathing because of a stuffy nose or a respiratory condition, then it is advisable not to use mouth taping.
Purpose of Using Mouth Tape for Sleep
Muzzle is a practice that involves covering the mouth with tape before going to bed to ensure that the person breathes through the nose. The primary goal is to teach the child to breathe only with the help of his nose, and this can have a number of advantages. It helps filter the air, add moisture to it, control the rate at which the air gets into the body, and enhance oxygenation and blood flow. It can also be useful in minimizing snoring, preventing the development of dry mouth, and enhancing the quality of the sleep we have at night.
According to the users, mouth taping makes snoring disappear and sleep more refreshing. Some of the many benefits reported include better respiration and not suffering from dry mouth. However, there are certain drawbacks that should be put into consideration, that is if you have sensitive skin where peeling of adhesive is not easy, then it may not be the best to use since the tape is very sticky.
Surprisingly, certain research supports these statements, stating that mouth taping can solve snoring and mild OSA by promoting nasal breathing. Nevertheless, more empirical studies are required to support these findings and assess mouth tape as an overall remedy for sleeping disorders.
This is because mouthtaping is still a topic of debate, and there is evidence that it might be dangerous for some people; therefore, it is always wise to speak with your doctor before attempting mouthtaping and look for other safe practices backed by research evidence.
Is Mouth Tape Safe?
The effectiveness of mouth taping is premised on the health status of the individual and, most importantly, on the use of the tape. It is safe for healthy people, although the tape should be medical-grade skin tape, which is breathable and hypoallergenic. People with certain medical concerns, including sleep apnea, nasal obstruction, or respiratory illnesses, should not practice mouth taping without discussing it with their doctor first. Misuse, for instance, when using non-breathable or sticky tapes can cause inflammation of the skin or breathing problems.
Dangers of Mouth Taping
Mouth taping has some risks that must be considered when deciding whether this technique is suitable for you. The first issue relates to the possibility of being unable to breathe through the nose at night if the nasal passage gets blocked, in which case the person is likely to panic or wake up frequently. Moreover, adhesive tapes may lead to the formation of rashes or allergies on the human skin.
In cases of sleep apnea, mouth taping can become counterproductive and worsen the situation because oral breathing is required if the nasal passages are obstructed. This is because, even with proper use, there are complications associated with the use of this method; using non-breathable tapes or types that are highly adhesive only increases the risk of developing complications. Thus, people should be careful with mouth taping, particularly if they have certain health conditions, and always seek medical advice before attempting it.
Is Mouth Tape Effective?
Mouth taping is a process that may bring different results depending on each person. Some of the side benefits that people claim are that they no longer snore, there is less dryness in the mouth and throat, or the quality of sleep is generally better. The majority of such advantages can be attributed to the fact that nasal breathing is considered more favourable than oral breathing. Breathe through the nose because it condenses and purifies the air, has better oxygen results, and can help with sleep. There is a dearth of well-designed and well-conducted studies to ascertain the effectiveness of mouth taping. Hence, though it can be said that it could be useful for some people to change their habits, it is not a sure-shot remedy for everyone and results may vary.
Conclusion
Mouth taping for sleep is a practice that helps ensure one breathes through the nose to have a better quality of sleep as well as minimizing instances of snoring. Though it is safe and efficient for some people, it is dangerous and potent for those who have respiratory problems. It is recommended to consult with a health care provider before starting mouth taping, to make sure it is safe and suitable for one’s health conditions.
