Best Mouth Tape For Sleeping 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Many experts tout the benefits of nasal breathing over mouth breathing, and the best mouth tape for sleeping can help people achieve exactly that. Since some people tend to sleep with their mouth agape at night, many are experimenting with taping their mouth shut to promote nasal breathing. We picked the 3M Micropore Tape as the best mouth tape overall since it’s hypoallergenic, gentle on the skin and is backed by medical professionals.

The best mouth tape for sleeping is breathable and comfortable to help you get better rest.

“Breathing through the nose increases the production of nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator that improves blood circulation and enhances oxygen update in the blood,” says Dr. Audrey Yoon, a double-board certified sleep specialist with Stanford Health Care Sleep Medicine Center. While mouth taping for sleeping has its proponents, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consult with a medical professional before getting started. If you’re ready to give it a try, read on for our picks of the best mouth tape for sleeping.

Amazon

Style: Medical tape | Material: Microporous | Key features: Breathable, hypoallergenic

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While not specifically designed for mouth taping, the 3M Micropore Tape is highly breathable, hypoallergenic for sensitive skin and a cost-friendly option. It was used as part of a mouth taping study evaluating the efficacy of this practice for snoring and sleep apnea. The study found that mouth taping could be useful for managing both. Plus, Yoon recommends this tape specifically because it’s “gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation.”

What the sleepers say: Customers rave about this tape, with one calling it “a game changer for anyone suffering with sleep apnea, dry mouth or mouth breathing.” Another reviewer says, “I'm using this as mouth tape, to prevent mouth breathing while sleeping. I know it's not designed for this, but I [have] very sensitive lips and was having reactions to every mouth tape I've tried. This stuff gives me no reaction, probably because of how well it breathes. It's a little annoying to tear off every night, but that's a small price to pay for how well it works, and for how cheap it is compared to real mouth tape.”

Amazon

Style: Medical-grade tape | Material: Silicone | Key features: Hypoallergenic, gentle, easily removed

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Niveus Gentle Mouth Tape is a low-cost option with a money-back guarantee, which is why it’s our top pick for the best budget mouth tape. Developed by a dentist, the medical-grade mouth tape is FSA and HSA approved. Although it comes in a roll, micro-perforations make it easy to tear. It’s also hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.

What the sleepers say: One sleeper says, “[It’s the] best mouth tape I have ever used. I have tried multiple brands and usually they leave a residue or are hard to remove. This tape stays on all night while easily coming off. Highly recommend this and the price is unbeatable for daily use.”

SomniFix

Style: Mouth strips | Material: Recyclable | Key features: Environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, vented for breathability, 28 strips in a pack

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SomniFix Mouth Strips are made with a gentle, hypoallergenic adhesive specifically designed for lip contact. They can be used on sensitive skin and come with a patented vent, which may appeal to some people. “Sometimes people feel a lot safer using mouth tape that is vented,” says Dr. Courtney Kahla, a chiropractor who has been mouth taping for five years.

SomniFix says the strips are clinically proven to reduce snoring, promote nasal breathing and improve CPAP compliance and sleep quality. However, certain sleepers should avoid these strips, including obese sleepers, those diagnosed with sleep apnea and anyone with severe heart, breathing problems or very low blood pressure.

What the sleepers say: These mouth strips are a top-rated product with thousands of reviews. One sleeper writes, “I have been mouth taping for a while now, and [I] have tried just about every kind of tapes available—even surgical tape. I keep coming back to SomniFix. They have the best non-irritating adhesive, are the perfect size, stay on all night and are comfortable and easy to use.”

Dream Recovery

Style: Mouth tape | Material: Organic bamboo silk | Key features: Hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, medical-grade adhesive

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With its choice of colors, Dream Recovery Dream Tape could be your new favorite bed partner. You can opt for strips that can be worn vertically or the full-size option that fits horizontally over your mouth. Made from bamboo silk, the tape features a medical-grade, hypoallergenic adhesive that provides a firm hold all night long.

What the sleepers say: One sleeper gives this tape a glowing review, saying it improved both his and his partner’s sleep. He calls it the most effective mouth tape he’s tried and writes, “I have tried a handful of other mouth tapes to help with my mouth breathing at night. Most other tapes would just fall off at night due to my facial hair, but this one has an incredible stick and has yet to fall off at night for me. I think the biggest winner in all this is my partner because my snoring is horrible. Not only do I get much better sleep, but she does as well.”

The team at Forbes Vetted is devoted to helping people get better sleep, as evidenced by our robust library of sleep stories. We understand how essential deep, restorative sleep is to our overall health and we have an editorial team whose expertise backs that up.

We consulted with medical experts and examined current research findings to determine the best mouth tape for sleep.

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for mouth tape, which means the best option may vary from one person to the next. Here’s what to keep in mind.

The purpose of mouth tape is to promote nasal breathing and reap the potential benefits. Before attempting mouth taping for sleep, it’s important to speak with your doctor. This practice isn’t recommended for certain types of sleepers. Should you decide to try mouth taping after a medical consultation, you may experience the following benefits.

“Mouth taping is a technique where individuals use tape over or around their lips to encourage nasal breathing during sleep,” says Yoon. Some people may choose to use mouth tape before bed to minimize snoring or bad breath.

There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that mouth taping may reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. It is also believed to have a range of oral health benefits, such as improving teeth grinding.

Some may experience anxiety or discomfort when mouth taping. There are also some potential health risks. “Mouth taping for sleep is not advisable for individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea without supervision, as it could worsen breathing difficulties during sleep,” says Yoon.

“Similarly, those suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, children, and people with nasal congestion from allergies or sinus issues are advised against using mouth tape without medical advice due to risks of suffocation and inability to breathe properly,” she adds. Yoon also notes that people prone to nausea or vomiting at night, as well as those who may be sensitive or allergic to adhesives, should avoid mouth taping as well.