The growing trend of “mouth taping” to combat snoring has raised alarms among researchers, who warn of potential serious health risks associated with the practice. This method, which involves placing tape over the lips during sleep, has gained popularity thanks to endorsements from celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Emma Roberts, and Jimmy Fallon. Advocates claim it helps prevent mouth breathing, a habit linked to various sleep disorders, including snoring and sleep apnea.
However, experts caution that this trend may not offer the benefits it promises and could even increase the risk of asphyxiation in certain individuals. Dr Brian Rotenberg from Western University and his colleagues analysed ten studies related to the effects of mouth taping. While a couple of studies indicated minor improvements in sleep apnea severity among a specific group of people, the majority found no substantial evidence that mouth taping effectively addresses mouth breathing or associated sleep disorders.
Furthermore, four of these studies highlighted a significant risk of asphyxiation, particularly for individuals who experience mouth breathing due to severe nasal airway restrictions or blockages—conditions possibly arising from chronic rhinitis, hay fever, a deviated septum, sinonasal diseases, or enlarged tonsils.
The authors of the recent review, published in the journal PLOS One, noted that the existing evidence does not sufficiently endorse mouth taping as a safe or effective treatment. They stressed that while it has gained traction largely due to celebrity influence, the practice lacks scientific verification and may pose health risks to many. The researchers concluded that further investigation is necessary to better understand the implications of mouth taping, especially regarding who might safely engage in this practice.
In summary, mouth taping, although popularised through social media and celebrity endorsements, raises health concerns and is not a universally appropriate solution for sleep-related issues.