Risks of Nighttime Mouth Taping Promoted on Social Media for Sleep Breathing Issues

The recent trend on social media encouraging people to tape their mouths shut during sleep to combat mouth breathing may not only be ineffective but also potentially hazardous. A comprehensive review of ten scientific studies involving 213 participants reveals that the practice offers limited benefits and poses significant health risks, particularly the danger of asphyxiation.

Lack of nasal airflow causes some individuals to switch to mouth breathing, which has been associated with sleep disorders such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea—a condition characterized by frequent breathing interruptions during sleep. The fad of mouth taping emerged as a presumed remedy, with many advocates claiming it improves sleep quality. However, current scientific evidence does not strongly support these claims.

Analyses indicate that only in cases of mild obstructive sleep apnea, some studies suggest slight improvements with mouth taping. Conversely, many studies found no significant benefit for sleep disordered breathing or apnea from sealing the mouth. Moreover, serious risks are involved, especially when nasal passages are obstructed due to conditions like hay fever, chronic rhinitis, deviated septum, sinus issues, or enlarged tonsils. Sealings the mouth in these scenarios can severely impair airflow, increasing the danger of dangerous asphyxiation.

Based on the available evidence, experts advise caution. They emphasize that mouth taping is not a scientifically validated treatment and may lead to serious health complications if misused. Further research is necessary to fully understand the safety and efficacy of this practice. Professionals warn that despite endorsements from celebrities or social media influencers, mouth taping should be approached with skepticism and is not suitable for everyone.

This assessment underscores the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before trying unproven sleep remedies and highlights the risks associated with popular but unverified trends.

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-social-media-fad-nighttime-mouth.html]