An unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle are well-known contributors to heart disease and stroke, but sleep apnoea—where the airway temporarily collapses during sleep, causing brief pauses in breathing—is also a significant risk factor for cardiovascular issues.
While the solutions for poor diet and lack of exercise are well understood, addressing sleep apnoea is more complicated. There are treatments like CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, which assist breathing during sleep, and “mandibular advancement devices” that fit in the mouth to keep the airway open. However, both options come with their own drawbacks.
Mandibular advancement devices, resembling a gum shield, are effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms of sleep apnoea, like daytime drowsiness. However, they can be uncomfortable initially, causing drooling, dry mouth, and discomfort in the jaw, teeth, and gums. Additionally, long-term use requires monitoring because they may lead to changes in bite alignment, sometimes requiring orthodontic treatment.
These devices tend to work well for people with mild to moderate sleep apnoea, but they are less effective for older individuals, those with obesity, or those with more severe forms of the condition.
CPAP is considered the gold standard treatment, having been in use for over four decades. It involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth through which air is pumped to keep the airway open. Despite its effectiveness, many patients struggle to tolerate it long-term. Studies have shown that around 50% of patients prescribed CPAP machines stop using them within three years.
This has led many people to seek more affordable, less invasive alternatives. One such option gaining popularity is “mouth taping.”
Mouth taping involves taping the mouth shut to encourage nasal breathing and reduce the likelihood of airway collapse. Advocates typically recommend using breathable medical tape (not common household tapes like Sellotape or masking tape), with the tape often applied vertically across the mouth to avoid covering it entirely.
However, a recent study showed that mouth taping may not be the miracle solution many had hoped for. While it increased airflow in some individuals, it actually reduced airflow in others. Therefore, mouth taping is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Other studies on mouth taping have suggested some benefits, but these tend to involve a small number of participants, mostly those with mild sleep apnoea.
A significant issue with mouth taping is that some people end up exhaling through the sides of their mouth where there is no tape, known as “mouth puffing.” This can lead to insufficient oxygen in the blood and excess carbon dioxide, potentially placing the body in a stressed state.
Additionally, about a third of people who use mouth taping experience worsening of symptoms, such as increased snoring and a reduction in airway diameter.
The skin around the mouth is particularly sensitive, which can lead to irritation from the tape. This can range from mild discomfort to more serious issues like dermatitis or folliculitis (inflammation or infection of hair follicles). In the worst-case scenario, prolonged irritation could cause skin to peel off, leaving more sensitive layers exposed, leading to increased risk of infection and significant pain.
More dangerously, mouth taping can be hazardous for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions that narrow the airway, as it can further restrict oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal. Additionally, if someone who uses mouth tape is sick with a condition like norovirus or has had a night of drinking, the risk increases. If they were to vomit with their mouth taped shut, it could lead to aspiration pneumonia—a potentially fatal condition.
In conclusion, mouth taping is not a recommended treatment for sleep apnoea due to its potential risks and side effects.
