Is Mouth Taping the Right Fit for Everyone?
After the overwhelming response to my previous article on mouth taping, I found myself swamped with advertisements for various tapes. One particular ad, shared by a friend with humorous commentary, showcased a wide tape that covered half of the face and promised to be a cure for everything from sleep apnea to wrinkles. This sparked a deeper reflection on the topic, leading me to revisit the subject and share my own protocol for mouth taping.
Before diving into my protocol, it’s essential to emphasize a crucial point: I don’t recommend mouth taping to obstruct airflow entirely, nor should it be attempted without addressing underlying breathing patterns first. If daytime breathing is dysfunctional, nighttime breathing will likely follow suit. Mouth taping, in such cases, would merely be a superficial fix for a more significant issue.
It’s worth noting that individuals with sleep apnea, particularly those who are overweight, may not find mouth taping beneficial and could even exacerbate their condition.
Additionally, the influence of alcohol on breathing patterns underscores the importance of avoiding mouth taping during sleep. Alcohol’s muscle-relaxing effects extend to the muscles in the upper airway, including the tongue and throat muscles. This relaxation can contribute to the collapse of the upper airway during sleep, potentially worsening conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
In my previous article “ To Tape Or Not To Tape: The Dilemma”, I highlighted specific groups for whom mouth taping is not advisable, including pregnant women, children under the age of five, and individuals using recreational drugs.
Now, a short tutorial on mouth taping: when and how. I begin by working on improving breathing habits, focusing on diaphragm recruitment and nasal breathing. I encourage light, slow, and low breathing techniques during waking hours.
If mouth taping remains relevant after addressing breathing habits, I advice starting by applying tape vertically down the middle of the lips. This allows the lips to remain somewhat flexible, permitting air to escape if necessary. It’s crucial to avoid taping the mouth shut for those who may be puffing through the mouth.
I recommend wearing the tape for an hour before bedtime to acclimate to the sensation. If comfortable, gradually increase the duration of wear each night until wearing it throughout the night feels natural.
To ease removal and prevent discomfort, create a small tab or flap at one end of the tape. This facilitates easy removal without causing irritation to the skin.
While there are various methods of mouth taping, this protocol aligns with my approach in clinical practice. It prioritizes gradual adjustment and ensures that individuals are comfortable throughout the process.
If anyone has questions or is curious about the breathing techniques I teach, they can visit my website www.happymyo.com for more information.
Mouth taping can be a valuable tool for promoting nasal breathing and improving sleep quality. However, it’s essential to approach it with caution and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare or wellness professional. By addressing underlying breathing patterns and implementing a structured protocol, individuals can harness the potential benefits of mouth taping while minimizing risks.
