SomniFix Mouth Strips conform to your lips with a transparent, ergonomic design and center mesh vent—secured with hypoallergenic, gel adhesive that stays gentle and removable.
ZzzTape Mouth Tape comes in two sizes and colors, with medical-grade woven fabric and beard-friendly adhesive.
VIO2’s Unscented Mouth Tape features a soft cotton-poly blend in an “H” shape that lets you wear it horizontally or vertically.
Loftie Mouth Tape uses stretchy, latex-free material with grab tabs and a center vent to encourage nasal breathing and help you stay comfortable all night.
SayLess Night Lips Mouth Tape features a soft, stretchy latex-free lip-shaped patch in three fun colors, breathable and facial-hair-friendly.
Mouth taping refers to the practice of sealing the lips shut with a removable adhesive strip. It’s most often used at night to discourage mouth breathing and encourage breathing through the nose instead.
Mouth taping has only gained popularity in the last several years, so research on its benefits is limited. It’s thought that by redirecting breathing through the nose and adjusting the shape of the airway, mouth taping during sleep may help improve symptoms related to breathing and dental health.
Mouth breathing during sleep allows tissues in the back of the throat to relax and close the airway. By taping the lips shut, the lower jaw is less likely to fall back, which, in theory, opens up the airway. Though more research is needed, a few small studies do support the idea that mouth taping can reduce snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, especially for back sleepers.
However, it’s important to note that mouth tape isn’t a treatment for moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea and could actually be dangerous for people who have this condition. If you’re experiencing disrupted sleep, snoring, or other symptoms, it’s important to seek professional treatment to avoid the risk of long-term health problems.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea keeps the airway open by blowing pressurized air into the nose and/or mouth. When using a nasal mask, there’s a risk of the air escaping through the mouth. The current recommendation is to wear a chin strap or try a full-face mask, but some people suggest mouth taping could also reduce mouth leaks, though more research is needed.
Nasal breathing is considered better than mouth breathing because the nose humidifies and warms air as it passes through, while also filtering out allergens and other contaminants. But current research doesn’t support the claim that mouth taping during sleep has a significant effect on allergy or asthma symptoms.
Mouth breathing is linked to tooth and gum disease, and anecdotal reports suggest that mouth taping helps reduce dryness in the throat and mouth. However, the claims of mouth taping helping fight bad breath, cavities, and gum disease aren’t supported by science yet.
You may also see claims that mouth taping improves jaw definition, sleep quality, skin health, immune system, digestion, tooth grinding, mood, and mental clarity. Most of these claims haven’t been directly studied, and the purported benefits may be exaggerated or even false.
Mouth tape is a pretty straightforward product, but a few small variations can make all the difference to your experience.
Depending on what you’re using it for, mouth tape is just one option among several.
There isn’t a lot of research on the safety of mouth tape. It’s assumed to be generally safe to use by most adults who can breathe freely and easily through their nose, but there are potential risks, so you should talk to your doctor before using mouth tape for the first time.
Mouth tape is classed as a wellness device, so medical claims surrounding its use are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
You shouldn’t use mouth tape if you aren’t able to breathe clearly through your nose, for example due to allergies, a cold or flu, a deviated septum, a sinus infection, acid reflux, or large tonsils. You should also avoid using mouth tape if:
People with latex allergies should confirm the materials with the manufacturer before using mouth tape.
