Mouth Taping for Sleep Apnea: Is It Safe?

In recent years, mouth taping has become popular in social media as a cheap method that can help individuals breathe through the nose while sleeping. It is believed that the technique can help in reducing snoring, dry mouth and improve the quality of sleep. Nevertheless, this new phenomenon raises questions regarding the safety of those who suffer from sleep apnea.

Is it safe to tape the mouth of patients suffering from sleep apnea while sleeping? No, it is not.

What Is Mouth Taping and Why Is It Popular?

Mouth taping involves using tape across the mouth before sleeping in order to keep the mouth shut and facilitate nose breathing.

Many social media accounts have advocated the use of sleep strips for snoring reduction, dry mouth upon waking up and improved sleep quality. Yet, these claims do not enjoy strong scientific backing.

Nose breathing aids the filtration, warming and humidification of air. However, making someone breathe via their nose does not necessarily make their sleep better or address the breathing problem.

Is Mouth Taping Safe for People With Sleep Apnea?

People suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should not attempt mouth taping without professional health advice. Obstructive sleep apnea results in the narrowing of the upper respiratory tract and subsequent blockage during sleep, which leads to interruptions in breathing and reduction in oxygen content in the bloodstream.

For some individuals, the breathing through the mouth serves as compensation for nasal airflow limitations. Covering one’s mouth could make the breathing process more challenging, especially in the case of nasal congestion, the deviation of the septum or another blockage.

A systematic review conducted in 2025 and published in PLOS ONE analyzed 10 studies dedicated to mouth taping interventions. The researchers concluded that the evidence of any benefits was insufficient, as well as noted possible risks, specifically for people with nasal obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing.

In addition, a 2026 study, published in OTO Open, identified that there was only some limited evidence about the possible effectiveness of mouth taping for some people with sleep apnea.

Who Should Avoid Sleep Strips?

Mouth taping is especially dangerous for those who have:

Diagnosed or presumed obstructive sleep apnea.
Difficulty breathing through the nostrils or suffer from congestion.
Allergies, nasal polyps, or a crooked septum.
Breathing problems when sleeping.
Difficulties breathing through the nose.

Those who suffer from loud snoring, choking, or interruptions in breathing while sleeping or excessive sleepiness during the day should visit their doctor.

What Are Safer Alternatives?

Individuals suffering from sleep disturbances or chronic snoring need to diagnose what is causing their problem. The doctor may decide to conduct a sleep study to evaluate sleep apnea and its degree of severity.

Based on the outcome, the individual can receive CPAP treatment, oral appliances, positional treatment or treatment for nasal obstruction.

Weight management, avoiding alcohol at bedtime and sleeping sideways can help some individuals cope with the disorder.

Should You Follow the Mouth Taping Trend?

While it might seem like a cheap way to improve one’s sleep, at present, there is no scientific proof to show that mouth taping is a safe or effective method for treating sleep apnea. While getting some quiet sleep and fewer instances of snoring do not guarantee an end to breathing difficulties during sleep.

If you experience persistent snoring, interruptions in breathing, or daytime sleepiness, it is advisable to speak to a medical expert before trying this latest sleep fad.