The trend of nighttime mouth taping to treat mouth breathing, popularized by social media, may not be as beneficial as previously thought. In fact, a recent evaluation of 10 studies by Dr. Brian Rotenberg and his team at Western University in Canada suggests that this practice could actually pose serious risks of asphyxiation.
Mouth breathing often occurs when nasal passages are obstructed, leading to various sleep-disordered breathing conditions, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. To address this issue, some individuals have turned to taping their mouths shut while sleeping in an attempt to prevent mouth breathing. However, the safety and effectiveness of this practice have been called into question.
The analysis conducted by Rotenberg and his colleagues included 10 studies involving a total of 213 patients who used mouth taping or other devices to seal their mouths shut during sleep. While two studies showed a slight improvement in sleep apnea severity for individuals with mild obstructive sleep apnea, the majority of studies found no evidence to support the use of mouth taping for treating sleep-disordered breathing.
Moreover, four of the studies highlighted the potential risk of asphyxiation for individuals with serious nasal airway obstructions, such as chronic rhinitis or enlarged tonsils. This raises concerns about the safety of mouth taping as a widespread practice.
Based on these findings, the authors concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of nighttime mouth taping for treating sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea. They emphasized the need for further research to explore the potential risks and benefits of this practice.
In light of these findings, it is important for individuals to approach trends like nighttime mouth taping with caution, especially considering the potential health risks involved. While social media may promote such practices, it is crucial to prioritize scientifically-backed treatments for sleep-related breathing disorders. Further research is needed to better understand the implications of mouth taping and its impact on respiratory health.
For more information on this topic, you can refer to the study published in PLOS One by J. Rhee et al. (DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0323643). It is essential to critically evaluate trendy health practices and prioritize evidence-based approaches to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals.
