Myo Mouth Tape: How It Works, Benefits, Risks and Proper Usage

What is Myo Mouth Tape and How Does it Work?

Myo mouth tape has become a popular sleep and wellness hack, said to improve breathing and sleep quality. But how does blocking your mouth with tape help? And is it safe for everyone? Let's take a deeper look at what myo mouth tape is, how it works, benefits, risks, and proper usage.

What is Myo Mouth Tape?

Myo mouth tape, also called mouth taping or taping your mouth at night, refers to the practice of placing a small strip of tape over the lips before sleep. This technique stems from myofunctional therapy used to treat mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnea, and orthodontic issues.

The tape aims to train unconscious mouth breathers to breathe through the nose instead. By keeping the lips closed, it may also encourage proper tongue posture. Popular brands of myo tape include SomniFix and Myotape.

Reasons People Tape Their Mouths at Night

There are several purported benefits that motivate people to try taping their mouths shut for sleep:

• Reduce mouth breathing and train nasal breathing
• Prevent dry mouth upon waking
• Decrease snoring and sleep apnea
• Improve sleep quality and energy
• Promote proper oral alignment and facial muscle tone
• Reduce facial wrinkles and creases

While some claim amazing effects from mouth taping, current scientific research is limited. More studies are still needed on its efficacy and safety.

How Myo Mouth Tape Works

Mouth tape provides a gentle seal over the lips that remains in place through the night. The mechanism of action includes:

• The tape acts as a physical barrier preventing the mouth from opening.
• This obstructs mouth breathing and forces air intake through the nose.
• With nasal breathing restored, it may improve oxygenation during sleep.
• Keeping the taped mouth closed may also train proper tongue position.

In theory, these changes can enhance sleep quality and facial muscle tone. But individual effects can vary significantly.

Proper Application of Myo Tape for Sleep

To ensure mouth taping is effective and safe, proper technique is important:

• Only use breathable medical tape like 3M Micropore tape.
• Cut a small strip only wide enough to cover lips when closed.
• Make sure lips are lightly touching before applying tape.
• Press tape gently over center of closed lips.
• Do not tightly stretch or tug tape when adhering it.

The tape should stick firmly but not constrict mouth movement. Only tape the mouth when fully awake and aware. Be able to easily open mouth before falling asleep in case of emergency.

Potential Benefits of Myo Mouth Taping

Current science on the benefits of mouth taping is limited, but some possible advantages may include:

• Less snoring and sleep apnea: Taping may help train breathing through the nose, which could reduce sleep disturbances.
• Improved sleep quality: Restoring nasal breathing results in better oxygenation, which could enhance sleep.
• Dry mouth relief: Keeping the mouth closed prevents dryness from mouth breathing.
• Better oral health: Reduced dry mouth and proper tongue position may improve oral well-being.
• Clearer complexion: Limiting mouth breathing could decrease facial wrinkles and skin folds over time.

However, more research is required to substantiate these theorized perks. Effects also vary per individual.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While proponents praise it as safe and effective, mouth taping does carry some risks when improperly done. Potential adverse effects include:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose leading to suffocation fears.
• Choking hazards if tape comes loose and sticks to tongue or throat.
• Panic attacks from claustrophobic sensations.
• Allergic skin reactions to certain tapes.
• Chapped lips or mouth irritation.
• Aggravation of bruxism, teeth grinding, or TMJ issues.

Mouth taping should be avoided in people with breathing issues, claustrophobia, anxiety, nasal congestion, and certain dental problems. Using tape not designed for skin can also lead to damage.

Who Should Not Tape Their Mouths at Night

Due to potential risks, the following groups should avoid mouth taping without medical guidance:

• Those with congested nasal passages or nasal breathing impairment.
• People with respiratory disorders like asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea.
• Anyone with a cold, flu, or allergies obstructing the nose.
• Those prone to feelings of anxiety or claustrophobia.
• People with dental devices, braces, dentures, or TMJ disorders.
• Children under age 5 with underdeveloped airways.

Additionally, myo tape should be cautiously tested and monitored for anyone with facial skin sensitivities or allergies to adhesives.

Medical Guidance for Safe and Effective Use

Due to associated risks, it's important to consult a doctor or dentist before attempting to tape the mouth at night. They can assess if it may be beneficial or dangerous given your unique health status and airway anatomy.

Practitioners can also provide custom instructions on safe application. Under medical guidance, they will monitor for desired benefits versus detrimental outcomes.

Those using myo tape should follow up regularly and cease usage if undesirable effects develop like breathing impairments, anxiety, or dental issues.

Mouth Taping Requires Careful Consideration of Benefits vs. Risks

Current evidence on myo mouth taping remains limited. While it may offer benefits like reducing mouth breathing and snoring for some, potential dangers exist. Thorough medical assessment is strongly advised before attempting any mouth taping sleep hack.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.