Have you ever woken up with a parched mouth and throat after a night's sleep?
Do you struggle with heavy snoring or wake up fatigued?
Mouth breathing during sleep could be the culprit.
Luckily, a simple technique called mouth taping can train you to breathe through your nose at night for more restorative rest.
What is Mouth Taping?
Mouth taping refers to placing a small piece of tape over the lips before going to sleep.
This gently prevents the mouth from falling open during sleep, encouraging nasal breathing instead.
With the mouth sealed shut, you reap the benefits of continuing to breathe through the natural air filtration system of the nose all night long.
Why Mouth Tape?
Mouth taping leads to improved sleep quality, reduced snoring, and better oxygen circulation.
It also prevents a dry mouth by keeping you from breathing through your mouth as you slumber. This ancient practice has its origins in Ayurvedic medicine and has recently gained popularity in wellness circles as an aid for restful sleep.
A Brief History of Mouth Taping
The practice of sealing the lips to promote nasal breathing dates back thousands of years to early Ayurvedic traditions from India. Ayurvedic teachings held that breathing through the mouth diminished vital life force, while nasal breathing enhanced wellbeing.
Mouth taping as a modern sleep aid first started garnering attention in the 1980s. In recent years, functional medicine practitioners, dentists focused on airway health, and fitness influencers have praised mouth taping for its ability to improve breathing efficiency, energy levels, and sleep quality.
How to Use Mouth Tape: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of better sleep via mouth taping, here’s how to go about it:
Choose the Right Tape
Look for breathable, porous medical tape that gently sticks to skin. Avoid heavy duty packing tapes. Our SomaBody mouthtapes are perfectly designed after years of rigorous research and trial.
Where to Apply the Tape
Gently press the strip across the lips - above the top lip and below the bottom lip. Try to mostly adhere the tape to the skin around the mouth rather than directly to the lips themselves. This prevents irritation.
Getting Used to It
You can start by mouth taping for short naps, working up to full nights. Expect a period of adjustment as your body gets used to primarily nose breathing during sleep. Be patient and persistent.
Tips for Comfortable Taping
Apply tape after brushing teeth so lips are smooth and dry. Apply with your lips lightly but firmly closed and cover the entire mouth . Smooth down the edges after application. Sleep with humidifier to prevent nasal dryness.
Precautions to Keep in Mind
Ease into mouthtaping if you have breathing issues, congestion, respiratory illness, or claustrophobia. Make sure the tape's material is not irritating on your skin. Check for skin irritation and stop if any develops. Keep lips moisturized during day.
Getting Into a Routine
Make mouth taping part of your regular bedtime prep like brushing teeth or washing your face. Keep tape handy on your nightstand for easy access. Over time, your body will adjust to sleeping with lips sealed and you’ll drift off easily.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you accidentally open your mouth during sleep, re-apply tape and try again the next night. Check tape adhesion in the mornings and switch brands if needed. Manage seasonal allergies for open nasal airways.
Benefits with Regular Mouth Taping
With nightly use, you can expect:
- Less dry mouth and throat upon waking
- Reduced snoring
- More restful, uninterrupted sleep
- Increased energy and alertness during the day
- Clearer breathing and respiration
- Overall improved sleep quality!
Ready to breathe better overnight?
Try this simple habit to keep your mouth closed, promote nose breathing, and wake up feeling recharged.
Sweet dreams!
