Mouth taping is a viral trend that promises to help people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring by encouraging nasal breathing. While TikTok videos using the hashtag #mouthtape have drawn millions of views, recent research suggests this practice may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found that while mouth closure can improve airflow for some patients, it can worsen it for others.
Key Findings From the Study
The research involved 54 patients with OSA who had their mouths manually closed during drug-induced sleep. For those with moderate mouth breathing, airflow improved by 27.8%, showing some potential benefit. However, for the 12 participants who heavily relied on mouth breathing, airflow decreased by 40%, indicating significant risks. The negative effects were especially pronounced in patients with soft palate obstructions, which blocked nasal airflow when their mouths were closed.
The findings highlight that for some individuals, particularly those with soft palate issues, forcing nasal breathing can lead to worse airflow, not better. This suggests that mouth taping should not be universally recommended for OSA patients without professional guidance.
How Mouth Taping Works
The idea behind mouth taping is that by keeping the mouth closed, people are forced to breathe through their noses during sleep. Nasal breathing is believed to be more efficient and can prevent issues like dry mouth and snoring. Many people mouth-breathe due to nasal obstructions or out of habit, and mouth taping is thought to correct this, promoting better sleep. However, the actual effects vary widely depending on the individual.
The Risks of Mouth Taping
Although mouth taping may seem harmless, the study points to potential dangers for those with severe OSA or soft palate obstructions. These individuals often rely on mouth breathing because nasal airflow is restricted. Closing the mouth forces them to breathe through a compromised nasal airway, which could exacerbate their sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties. The study authors advise caution, recommending that clinicians closely monitor patients using any therapy aimed at preventing mouth breathing.
Should You Try Mouth Taping?
Before trying mouth taping, especially if you have OSA, it's crucial to consult with a sleep medicine specialist. This practice is not without risks, particularly for those with certain airway obstructions. A sleep expert can assess whether mouth taping is safe for you and whether other therapies might be more suitable.
For people with mild sleep issues or those looking to improve nasal breathing, mouth taping might help under the right conditions. However, if you’re relying heavily on mouth breathing due to obstructions or more severe OSA, mouth taping could actually make things worse. Proper evaluation and tailored treatment are essential for avoiding complications.
Alternatives to Mouth Taping
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to mouth taping that don’t carry the same risks. Nasal dilators, CPAP machines, and positional therapy are proven solutions for treating OSA and improving airflow during sleep. For people with nasal blockages, addressing underlying nasal obstructions through surgery or medical treatments might be a more effective and safer approach than mouth taping.
Conclusion
Mouth taping might work for some, but the risks uncovered by this study show that it’s not a universal fix for obstructive sleep apnea or mouth breathing. The variability in airflow responses among different patients indicates that individual factors—like the extent of mouth breathing and nasal obstruction—must be considered. Consulting with a healthcare provider before trying mouth taping is essential to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your condition.
Source: MedPage Today, JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Comments