From the Research
Mouth taping is not recommended as a primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While some people use mouth tape to encourage nasal breathing during sleep, there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for treating OSA. The gold standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA remains continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which uses a machine to deliver pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open. For mild OSA, options include oral appliances that reposition the jaw, positional therapy to avoid sleeping on your back, weight loss if applicable, and treating nasal congestion.
Some studies have explored alternative treatments, such as oral appliance therapy, which has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of OSA, although to a lesser extent than CPAP 1. Combination therapy with CPAP and oral appliance has also been suggested as a potential alternative for incomplete responders to oral appliance therapy alone, and has been shown to reduce therapeutic CPAP requirements and pharyngeal pressure swings in OSA patients 2. However, mouth taping is not a recommended treatment option, and its use may not address the underlying airway collapse that characterizes OSA.
If you're interested in mouth taping despite limited evidence, consult your healthcare provider first, use paper medical tape designed for skin (never use non-medical tape), and ensure you can breathe comfortably through your nose before applying. Mouth taping may help reduce mouth breathing and dry mouth but cannot address the underlying airway collapse that characterizes OSA. Anyone with suspected or diagnosed OSA should work with a sleep specialist to develop an appropriate, evidence-based treatment plan rather than relying on unproven methods like mouth taping.
Key considerations for OSA treatment include:
- CPAP therapy as the gold standard for moderate to severe OSA
- Oral appliances as an alternative for mild OSA or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP
- Positional therapy, weight loss, and treating nasal congestion as additional options for mild OSA
- Consultation with a sleep specialist to develop an individualized treatment plan.