The link between beauty sleep and your natural glow is undeniable. A good night’s rest can recharge your energy, refresh your mind, and work wonders on your skin. However, achieving restful sleep can feel like an uphill battle for those struggling with snoring.
When some people sleep, their throat muscles become more relaxed, causing the airways to narrow. This narrowing makes the air passing through vibrate, creating the snoring sound we’re all familiar with. The narrower the airway, the stronger the vibration, making a good night’s rest uncomfortable. And let’s not forget how disruptive it can be for anyone trying to sleep nearby.
While there have been several plausible solutions for snoring, mouth taping has gained popularity as an easy solution to improve beauty sleep and, as a result, enhance your glow. Who would have thought a small strip of tape across the top and bottom of your lips could make such a difference? Research shows that mouth taping opens up narrow pathways that typically cause discomfort, improving breathing. The result? A good night’s sleep and a radiant look in the morning.
In this article, we’ll explore how this unconventional yet effective practice can redefine your beauty sleep and help you wake up with a healthier glow.
Importance of Nasal Breathing
Nasal breathing has always been superior to mouth breathing. The nose plays a vital role in regulating airflow and optimizing oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. It also warms, humidifies, and filters the air we breathe—crucial for improving lung health. Beyond the science, nasal breathing is more natural and effortless than mouth breathing.
Proper nasal breathing significantly improves sleep quality. Promoting steady, slow breaths creates the perfect conditions for entering and sustaining deeper sleep phases. These phases go beyond physical and mental rejuvenation—they’re also about looking your best. During deep sleep, the body repairs and regenerates skin cells, produces collagen, increases blood flow, and regulates water balance. All these processes are key to waking up with refreshed, glowing skin.
On the other hand, mouth breathing often leads to snoring and prevents you from consistently reaching those deep, restorative phases of sleep. As such, there’s a tradeoff that affects not just your physical health but also your skin’s appearance, cognitive function, and mental clarity. This is where mouth taping comes in, serving as a simple yet effective tool to combat snoring.
Mouth Tapes and Their Benefits
Mouth tapes are small pieces of adhesive designed to gently cover the lips, either completely or as a central strip. Their purpose is simple but effective: to create a lip seal, promoting nasal breathing for better, deeper sleep.
Mouth taping has been around for quite a while, but it has recently gained the attention of wellness and beauty experts alike because of its impressive benefits. One major benefit of mouth taping is its ability to reduce snoring by encouraging nasal breathing, leading to better-quality sleep. For wellness professionals, this simple practice indirectly addresses several medical concerns associated with poor sleep, including high blood pressure, dementia, weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and mental health conditions. Meanwhile, beauty experts see mouth tapes as an easy and natural way to enhance your skin and glow.
In addition to improved sleep, mouth tapes offer other benefits, such as helping with bad breath. Sleeping with your mouth open can increase bacteria, contributing to bad breath. Snoring also dries out the mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and other oral health issues. Since mouth taping encourages nasal breathing, it reduces bacteria and improves oral conditions.
There is also evidence that mouth taping can improve the jawline by encouraging mewing while you sleep. However, the impact of mouth taping on your jawline is minimal at best. In fact, the other benefits of mouth taping will also be minimal if you have obstructive airflow issues or poor oral hygiene.
Recommended Mouth Tapes
For those looking to explore the benefits of mouth taping, here are four great options to enhance your sleep quality and improve overall well-being:
1. The Skinny Confidential Mouth Tape
A chic and functional choice, these pink single-use patches promote nasal breathing with a spandex design that moves with you as you sleep. The package includes 30 single-use patches in a compact container for easy storage.
2. ShhTape Mouth Tape
Designed for comfort and flexibility, these wide tapes stabilize nasal breathing and improve sleep quality. With 30 single-use patches, it’s an excellent value.
3. Dream Recovery Dream Mouth Tape Strips
Crafted from lightweight, breathable fabric, these tapes feel comfortable against the skin and conform easily for a snug fit, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep.
4. PATCH4U Micropore Tape
Hypoallergenic and breathable, this tape is suitable for sensitive skin. Its softness and ease of application make it perfect for extended use.
Selecting Suitable Mouth Tapes
Choosing the right mouth tape ensures comfort, effectiveness, and safety. Consider these factors when searching for the most suitable option:
- Hypoallergenic Material: Choose gentle tapes to avoid irritation or allergic reactions.
- Porous Material: Opt for breathable materials to prevent moisture buildup.
- Mild Adhesive: Select tapes with adhesives that hold firmly but can be removed easily without causing discomfort.
Are There Any Side Effects of Mouth Taping?
Mouth taping is generally safe, but some side effects may occur, including anxiety from discomfort, allergic reactions to adhesives, and difficulty breathing if the tape is nonporous. Always use porous tapes for proper airflow and consult a professional if you have underlying issues contributing to snoring.
For instance, individuals with sleep apnea—a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts—should address this condition before trying mouth taping, as it might worsen their symptoms.
