#102 - Mouth Taping

48 snips

Jul 21, 2025

The podcast dives into the viral trend of mouth taping, designed to aid snoring and sleep apnea. It explores the benefits of nasal breathing while highlighting potential dangers for those with moderate to severe conditions. Emerging research suggests possible advantages for mild obstructive sleep apnea, but there are significant safety concerns. Matt emphasizes the risks, particularly for children and those with respiratory issues, urging listeners to seek professional guidance before experimenting. Caution is key amidst the hype!

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INSIGHT

Theory Behind Mouth Taping

Mouth taping encourages nasal breathing by sealing lips to prevent mouth breathing during sleep.
Nasal breathing warms, filters, and humidifies air, making it healthier than mouth breathing.

INSIGHT

Mouth Taping Reduces Snoring Variedly

Mouth taping may reduce snoring frequency and volume notably in people with mild obstructive sleep apnea.
Effects vary, with some not responding, highlighting mouth taping's non-universality.

INSIGHT

Potential Benefit in Mild Sleep Apnea

Preliminary studies show mouth taping may reduce apnea events by nearly half in mild obstructive sleep apnea.
These studies are small, short term, and lack long-term safety data, so caution is needed.

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This week, Matt examines the viral trend of mouth taping, a practice touted as a remedy for snoring and sleep apnea. He explains the core theory, which centers on promoting the benefits of nasal over mouth breathing, before critically assessing whether this popular ritual is a scientifically sound solution or a risky trend whose dangers are lost amidst the online hype.

Matt navigates the scientific evidence, revealing a cautionary tale: while preliminary data suggests a potential benefit for a select group with mild obstructive sleep apnea, he sounds a marked alarm for those with moderate to severe conditions. For this latter group, mouth taping can be dangerous, potentially worsening airway obstruction by blocking a necessary escape valve for air. Our host also warns that you must never tape an infant or young child's mouth, and to always skip taping if you have a cold or severe allergies. He concludes that for most, the practice is unproven with unknown long-term safety, and the hype has far outpaced the data, making a cautious approach and professional medical consultation essential.

Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

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As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out:

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat,

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