Tape for Mouth Breathers: Pros and Cons

If you’ve been struggling with mouth breathing while you sleep, you’ve probably come across the trend of mouth taping. This practice, where tape is placed over the lips to keep the mouth closed, is said to encourage nasal breathing, reduce snoring, and even improve sleep quality. But is it really the best solution for mouth breathers? And more importantly, is it safe?

We’ve been asking the same questions. And while mouth taping has its proponents, it also has some risks that can’t be ignored. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using tape for mouth breathers, how it works, and whether it’s the right solution for you.

If you’re looking for a safer, more reliable way to manage mouth breathing, we’ve got you covered. Check out MouthShield to see how it can improve your sleep quality.

What Is Mouth Taping, Anyway?

Mouth taping is pretty much what it sounds like: you place a piece of adhesive tape over your lips before bed to keep your mouth closed. The idea behind it is simple: by sealing your mouth shut, you train yourself to breathe through your nose when you’re sleeping. Proponents claim it can reduce snoring, improve oral health, and even help with sleep apnea symptoms.

Typically, people use medical tape for mouth breathers, which is designed to be skin-friendly and easy to remove. Some brands offer specialized mouth tape for mouth breathers with pre-cut shapes and gentle adhesive.

While this method has gained a loyal following, mouth taping isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all solution. For some, it works; for others, it feels like sticking a Band-Aid on a much bigger issue. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Pros of Using Tape for Mouth Breathing

Mouth taping has its fans for a reason. Here’s what some people like about it:

• More Nasal Breathing: Nasal breathing helps filter and humidify air, improving overall respiratory health. Taping can encourage this habit by keeping your mouth closed.
• Less Snoring: Mouth breathing often leads to snoring due to the relaxed position of the tongue and soft tissues. Taping your mouth can minimize this, leading to quieter sleep for you and your partner.
• Improved Oral Health: Mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, which contributes to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Keeping your mouth closed while sleeping helps maintain saliva production and protects your oral health.
• Potential for Better Sleep: Some users report waking up feeling more rested after mouth taping, possibly due to increased oxygen absorption from consistent nasal breathing.

These benefits sound great, right? But—and it’s a big but—mouth taping isn’t perfect. For some of us, the risks and downsides outweigh the perks.

Cons of Mouth Taping

We’ve tried mouth taping, and while it works for some people, it comes with a few red flags. Here are some of the not-so-great parts:

Safety Risks

Is mouth taping safe? Not always. If you have nasal congestion, sleep apnea, or respiratory conditions, forcing your mouth shut at night can make breathing harder—and potentially even dangerous.

Skin Irritation

Regular use of tape can cause soreness, irritation, redness, or even rashes around the lips. If you have sensitive skin or allergies to adhesives, this can be a dealbreaker.

Discomfort and Anxiety

There’s something about taping your mouth shut that can feel, well, claustrophobic. For some people, this leads to anxiety and restless sleep.

Ineffectiveness for Certain Conditions

If you suffer from severe nasal congestion, allergies, or structural issues like a deviated septum, taping your mouth shut isn’t going to help. It might even make your sleep quality worse.

Risk of Improper Use

Using the wrong type of tape (hello, duct tape) or applying it incorrectly can lead to painful mornings or even minor injuries and complications. Medical tape for mouth breathers is safer but still not foolproof. Not exactly a recipe for restful sleep.

If any of these issues sound familiar, you might be wondering if there’s a better way. We thought the same thing—and that’s how MouthShield came to be.

MouthShield: A Safer Alternative to Mouth Taping

While mouth taping might work for some, it’s not for everyone—and clearly, it can be risky.

MouthShield was created because we get the frustration of mouth taping.

These exact challenges were what led Marlin, a retired medical sales professional and long-time sleep apnea sufferer, to look for gentler, safer alternatives. 

MouthShield was born from Marlin’s personal frustration with mouth tape and other restrictive devices. He'd tried adhesives, chin straps, and everything in between. The result? Jaw pain, skin irritation, and a whole lot of sleepless nights.

Fed up, he decided to create something better for everyone.

MouthShield is a soft, silicone device that fits comfortably between your lips and teeth. It gently encourages you to keep your mouth closed, promoting nasal breathing naturally without the adhesives or the anxiety. Marlin developed the first MouthShield prototype to prioritize both comfort and effectiveness, and meticulously refined its design through real-world use and feedback from fellow sleep apnea sufferers.

Here’s why MouthShield stands out:

• Kind to Your Skin: No tape, no irritation, no sticky residue. MouthShield’s medical-grade silicone is soft, gentle, and hypoallergenic.
• Comfort You Can Trust: MouthShield’s flexible design feels natural, so you can sleep without feeling restricted or anxious. You’ll barely notice it’s there.
• Safe and Easy to Use: Unlike tape, you can easily remove MouthShield if your nose gets congested. It provides a secure fit without the possibility of airway obstruction.
• Reusable and Cost-Effective: Say goodbye to buying disposable tape over and over again. MouthShield is built to last, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly investment.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your sleep without the risks associated with mouth taping, MouthShield offers a simple, stress-free alternative that actually works.

Nasal vs. Mouth Breathing

If you’ve ever wondered about nasal vs. mouth breathing, here’s the short version: nasal breathing is how your body wants to breathe. MouthShield helps make that happen naturally, without the risks of taping.

Switching from mouth breathing to nasal breathing can change your nights and your mornings. Nasal breathing filters out allergens, warms the air, supports oxygen absorption, and reduces the risk of dry mouth and throat infections. In contrast, mouth breathing can lead to snoring, poor sleep quality, and oral health problems.

Comparing Mouth Taping and MouthShield

Here’s how MouthShield stacks up against traditional mouth tape:

If you’re looking for a safer, more comfortable option, MouthShield was created for people who want the benefits of nasal breathing without the drawbacks of taping.

Final Thoughts: Breathe Better to Sleep Better

Mouth taping has its fans, but the risks can’t be overlooked. For many, the discomfort, safety concerns, and irritation make it far more trouble than it’s worth. That’s why we’re so passionate about MouthShield—it was designed by people who’ve been there and who know what it’s like to chase a good night’s sleep.

Ready to explore a safer solution for mouth breathing? Try MouthShield to find out how it can transform your nightly routine.

FAQs

Is mouth taping safe?

Mouth taping can be safe for some people but poses risks, especially for those with nasal congestion, sleep apnea, or anxiety. Alternatives like MouthShield provide a safer option for promoting nasal breathing.

What’s better—nasal breathing or mouth breathing?

Nasal breathing is generally healthier. It filters, humidifies, and warms the air, while mouth breathing can lead to dryness and snoring.

How to stop mouth breathing?

Try using a humidifier, clearing nasal congestion, practicing breathing exercises, and incorporating tools like MouthShield to encourage nasal breathing.

How to sleep with your mouth closed without tape?

Try sleeping on your side, using a supportive pillow, and using devices like MouthShield that encourage nasal breathing without the need for tape.