What is the safety and efficacy of mouth tape for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

From the Guidelines

Mouth taping is not recommended as a safe or effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While some proponents suggest that mouth taping encourages nasal breathing during sleep, which theoretically could reduce snoring and improve sleep quality, there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting its use for OSA, as noted in recent studies 1. In fact, mouth taping could potentially be dangerous for individuals with OSA as it may worsen breathing difficulties by restricting an alternative airway when nasal passages are obstructed.

Key Considerations

• The gold standard treatment for OSA remains continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers pressurized air to keep airways open during sleep.
• Other evidence-based options include oral appliances fitted by dental professionals, such as mandibular advancement devices (MAD), which have been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and duration of apneas, hypopneas, and snoring events, as well as improving nocturnal oxygenation and quality of life measures in OSA patients 1.
• Positional therapy, weight loss for those who are overweight, and in some cases, surgical interventions are also considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
• It is crucial for individuals with suspected or diagnosed OSA to consult with a sleep medicine specialist to develop an appropriate treatment plan rather than attempting unproven remedies like mouth taping, which could potentially delay effective treatment or create additional health risks.

Importance of Multidisciplinary Approach

The management of OSA and other sleep-breathing disorders (SBD) requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between sleep physicians, dentists, and other healthcare professionals, as emphasized in recent consensus statements 1. This approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, including screening, treatment, and management of SBD, and that healthcare professionals work together to address the complex needs of patients with OSA and other SBD.

From the Research

Safety and Efficacy of Mouth Tape for OSA

• The use of mouth tape, also known as an adhesive mouthpiece (AMT), in combination with mandibular advancement devices (MAD) has been shown to improve the efficacy of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) 2.
• A study found that the combination of MAD and AMT resulted in a significant reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) compared to MAD alone, with 76% of individuals achieving an AHI of <10 events/h in the MAD + AMT arm versus 43% in the MAD arm 2.
• The use of AMT alone did not significantly reduce the AHI compared to baseline, suggesting that the combination of MAD and AMT is more effective than either treatment alone 2.
• Other studies have shown that oral appliances, including MAD, can be effective in reducing the severity of OSA, although they may not be as effective as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy 3, 4, 5.
• The safety of mouth tape for OSA has not been extensively studied, but one study found that the use of AMT was well-tolerated and did not result in any significant adverse events 2.

Comparison to Other Treatments

• Oral appliances, including MAD, have been shown to be less effective than CPAP therapy in reducing the severity of OSA, although they may be more comfortable and easier to use 3, 5.
• The combination of CPAP and oral appliance therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing therapeutic CPAP requirements and minimizing epiglottic pressure swings 6.
• Tongue retention devices (TRD) have also been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of OSA, although they may not be as effective as MAD in mild OSA 4.

Patient Preference and Compliance

• Patient preference and compliance with oral appliances, including MAD, have been shown to be similar to those with CPAP therapy, although some patients may prefer the comfort and ease of use of oral appliances 3, 5.
• The use of mouth tape, such as AMT, may improve patient compliance with MAD therapy by reducing mouth breathing and improving the efficacy of treatment 2.