When I first heard about mouth taping, I’ll admit, I was like wtf… this is kind of insane. The idea of taping my mouth shut at night seemed extreme, kind of “trendy”, and maybe a little like some crazy kink. But after diving deeper into the benefits and seeing my friend Helen share about why she took the plunge, I decided to give it a try. I wasn’t feeling myself and was willing to try almost anything. Little did I know, that I would soon be a mouth tape cult leader and would be preaching it from the rooftops.
Better Sleep Quality
Like many people, I thought I was getting decent sleep, but I often woke up feeling groggy and chapped as hell. Part of me thought it was just because I just had a baby and “you are supposed to be exhausted” but I knew something was off and I wasn’t supposed to feel this way (this is a small piece of why – more on that later). After learning that mouth breathing can lead to disrupted sleep and snoring, I realized I was unintentionally breathing through my mouth at night #mouthbreather. Mouth tape encourages nasal breathing, which helps keep airways open and promotes more oxygen intake, resulting in deeper, more restful sleep. I wake up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle the day.
Reduced Snoring
Want to know the most embarrassing thing? Falling asleep on an airplane and snoring bc you literally can’t help it. Yup, been there. Snoring was a huge issue for me, not just for the person who snores, but for Steve as well. Mouth taping has been shown to reduce or eliminate snoring by encouraging nasal breathing, which keeps the airways clear and prevents the vibrations that cause snoring. Since starting the journey, Steve has noticed much quieter nights, which is a bonus for him I guess. I have yet to convert him.
Improved Oral Health
Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, and even tooth decay because saliva production decreases when we breathe through our mouths. By taping my mouth shut with OI mouth tape, I’ve noticed my mouth stays more hydrated throughout the night, and my morning breath isn’t as bad as it used to be! This simple practice helps protect my oral health in the long run by maintaining a healthy environment in my mouth while I sleep. Your oral health also really impacts your gut. When I found out I had a leaky gut, taking care of my oral health was moved to the top of my priority list. Other things I have done for my oral health: organic toothpaste, tongue scraping, get a mouth guard – shout out Dr. Levin..if you are in Atlanta go see him, ditch the mouth wash.
Boosted Energy and Mental Clarity
Since I’ve started mouth taping, I’ve experienced a significant boost in energy during the day. Deep, uninterrupted sleep is the secret sauce to feeling more focused and alert. I no longer feel sluggish or in need of multiple cups of coffee to get through the morning. My mental clarity has improved, and I’m more productive at work and in my daily life. It’s amazing what the right kind of sleep can do for your overall well-being.
Why OI Mouth Tape is My Go-To
There are several brands of mouth tape out there, but I’ve found OI mouth tape to be the most comfortable and effective. It’s gentle on the skin, hypoallergenic, and leaves no residue behind. The tape stays securely in place throughout the night, but it’s also easy to remove in the morning without irritation. It’s thin and flexible, so I hardly notice it’s there. I tried the amazon ones and they are crap if I’m being honest. Also PRO TIP: you can reuse the piece of tape 2-3x before replacing.
Final Thoughts
Mouth taping has truly transformed my nights and my days. The benefits extend far beyond just better sleep – it’s improved my overall health, mental clarity, and even physical performance. If you’re considering trying mouth taping, I highly recommend giving it a go. Most people are afraid they are going to feel suffocated, I chose the “vented” version of the tape. It gives you a little hole that you can breathe out of and you can even kind of talk! The first few mights you may wake up with the tape on your pillow but trust me and the process, it will get better. It’s made all the difference in my experience, and I’m confident it could do the same for you. While I do have a code for OI (MEGANANN for 15% off), I would like to clarify that I was a long time paying customer before I ever started working with them. This is not sponsored, I just get free tape every once in a while.
Have you tried mouth taping? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.