Is the mouth-taping trend dangerous for your health?

By Lauren Wilkin

A doctor has issued a warning against the "dangerous" mouth-taping trend influencers swear by for better sleep - saying there is a serious cardiovascular risk involved.

Dr. Emily Boss, a surgeon and professor of head and neck surgery at John Hopkins, says she "strongly recommends against mouth taping."

The practice involves using a small piece of tape to keep the lips sealed overnight, and is often encouraged as part of an evening "wellness routine" in influencer videos across social media.

"When people breathe through their mouth at night, it's usually because they need to," says the doctor, who treats patients for sleep-disordered breathing.

Mouth taping has gained in popularity over the years, with health influencers praising its 'benefits' - from better breath to improved sleep quality.

Companies selling mouth tape claim it can "improve oxygen efficiency' and 'improve sleep."

However, Dr. Boss says research and evidence of the benefits of mouth taping is both limited and low quality.

She argues that if someone is breathing through their mouth at night, it's because their body needs to.

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The surgeon explains that they could have "a restricted nasal or upper airway that can be caused by numerous factors like nasal congestion, obesity, low tone, or loose tissue in the upper airway that collapses".

"Taping the mouth restricts breathing and can place undue strain on the cardiovascular system," Dr. Boss explains.

The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood and blood vessels.

"People with sleep apnea are at particular risk."

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by multiple pauses in breathing in the night and loud snoring.

However, many people are often unaware they have the disorder because their symptoms present at night.

And an even greater risk comes from blocking your mouth.

"If a person has difficulty controlling mucous, secretions, or reflux at night, mouth taping limits the ability to clear them," Dr. Boss explains, which is where real danger can occur.

The doctor says: "This can lead to choking or asphyxiation."

For the same reason, many mouth taping companies urge users to avoid alcohol before using mouth tape.

But Dr. Boss says you're safer avoiding the trend altogether.