Sleeping with tape on your mouth is the new hype: is it really that innocent?

Experts believe that sleeping with your mouth closed and thus through your nose is better for you. And so I see one influencer after another taping their mouth (and that of their child) shut with tape. But is that taping really as innocent as it seems?

Mouth taping involves placing a piece of tape over your mouth before you go to sleep. The idea is that this forces you to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Many health gurus advocate nasal breathing, claiming that you'll have fresher breath the next morning, feel fitter, and sleep deeper.

Okay, sounds nice, but it just looks weird... Especially on a child. So are these benefits really proven? Good news for the skeptics. Yes, there is a scientific kernel of truth to it. With nasal breathing, the air you inhale is filtered, warmed, and moistened, which is healthier for your airways. Moreover, it stimulates diaphragmatic breathing, promoting relaxation and a lower heart rate. So: breathe through your nose if you can. But: taping your mouth shut before you go to sleep? It hasn't been proven to be much better than ‘just sleeping’. Medical professionals therefore recommend first trying to sleep with your mouth closed on your own and breathing through your nose. They also say that it's certainly not a good idea for children. So those benefits of ‘sleep tape’, so to speak, are not proven.

If you want to try it
Do you still want to try mouth taping? Then pay special attention to this:

• Use safe and special tape. Choose tape that is specifically designed for mouth taping, such as medical or hypoallergenic tape. Avoid duct tape or other extremely strong rolls that are not intended for this purpose, but more for sticking a car door, for example.
• Start small. Try it first for a few minutes while you are awake, so you can get used to the feeling.
• Ensure a clear nose. Check that your nose is completely clear; consider using a nasal spray or steam bath before sleeping.
• Stop if uncomfortable. If you have trouble breathing or feel uncomfortable, remove the tape immediately. And do not use it on a child.

If you get panicky quickly, then it's not recommended, you know. I'm definitely not going to try it: I already feel suffocated just thinking about it. You're not going to tape your mouth shut, are you? No, I breathe through my nose if I can. And if not, the world won't end, I believe.