Is it dangerous to stick on the mouth? A new study shows it can

Many TikTok videos promoting mouth stickers claim it can improve your breathing and oral health and even reduce the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition characterized by abnormal breathing during sleep. But doctors warn that this practice isn’t safe if you’re naturally prone to mouth breathing while sleeping due to things like nasal congestion, undiagnosed OSA, airway obstruction, or other inflammation.

A recent study highlights these concerns JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. This non-randomized clinical trial performed drug-induced sleep endoscopy in 54 patients with OSA. The researchers assessed airflow when they opened and closed their mouths. Twelve of the 54 participants experienced a significant reduction in inspiratory airflow when the mouth was closed. They also found a link between velopharyngeal obstruction, a weakening of the tissue between the nose and mouth, and reduced airflow when the mouth is closed.

Despite this finding, there is limited research on the benefits of nighttime mouth taping, especially as it relates to OSA. If you’re considering trying this trend, here’s what you need to know about the personal risks of mouth tape.

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Is it dangerous to have tape on your mouth?

If you can breathe easily through your nose while lying down and don’t have any of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (loud snoring, waking up gasping or choking, morning headaches, daytime drowsiness), then you may be able to stay clear by trying Tape over mouth. However, it’s a good idea to have your sinuses checked by your doctor first to make sure you don’t have any undiagnosed obstruction, a deviated septum, or even mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can increase low oxygen levels and symptoms The risks, according to the Mayo Clinic, are high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems and heart disease.

Worth noting: A small 2015 study did find that open-mouth sleepers with mild sleep apnea may benefit from covering their mouths with porous tape (i.e., tape with holes) while sleeping to reduce snoring and the intensity and frequency of apneas. But more research is needed to fully determine whether oral tape is completely effective.

According to the Henry Ford Health Center, taping your mouth may only help you breathe through your nose if your doctor’s diagnosis says “everything is normal,” and some studies suggest it can help prevent you from waking up with that annoying dry mouth feeling . But what if you’re doing it to tighten your jawline or reduce facial wrinkles? The jury is still out on whether this will work.

That said, if you snore or have trouble breathing through your nose as soon as your head hits the pillow (whether due to allergies, congestion, a deviated septum, or another health issue), check with your doctor before trying any trends like mouth Same as tape. Your doctor or sleep specialist can evaluate you for OSA or other sleep issues and make sure you get appropriate treatment with clinically supported options, such as mouthguards, hypoglossal nerve stimulators, or even minor surgery to open your airway. .

Ultimately, despite TikTok’s claims, gagging isn’t for everyone. If you’re concerned about breathing problems during sleep, your best bet is to see your doctor.