Doctors Warn Against Taping Your Mouth Shut While You Sleep

Medical experts are warning against a social media trend where people tape their mouths shut at night, claiming it improves sleep and reduces snoring. Dr. Kimberly Hutchison, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert at Oregon Health & Science University, said “The studies behind mouth tape are small, the benefits are modest and the potential risks are there.” Those risks include worsening sleep disorders like sleep apnea or causing suffocation. While nose breathing is preferable to mouth breathing, doctors say mouth taping isn’t the solution. Dr. David Schulman from Emory University recommends alternatives like prescription mouth pieces or CPAP machines. Dr. Brian Chen at Cleveland Clinic notes mouth breathing could signal obstructive sleep apnea. Schulman advises getting a sleep test, saying “It’s always better to know than not know.” The trend has been circulating on platforms like TikTok. (Story URL)