Important PSA: There is a lapse in logic in this video where I talk about brain oxygenation and air coming through the nose. PLEASE NOTE: the brain gets oxygen from the blood, not directly from airflow through the nostrils. “The brain receives blood from two sources: the internal carotid arteries, which arise at the point in the neck where the common carotid arteries bifurcate, and the vertebral arteries.” It is true that this blood supply comes from below the area behind the nose, but my candid musing here is silly and incorrect. If you all hadn’t left such interesting comments, I would delete this video for this reason. But I will keep it up for the great conversations going on below. I apologize: I am an imperfect human. And I will strive to make sure my content remains science-based in future videos. xo
@@dough715 yes. The fact that this old video (which I made when I had a few hundred subscribers) has suddenly blown up. It’s not the best quality content and I don’t like to spread misinformation.
@@TheScienceofSelfCare. It’s so refreshing that you’ve added this addendum. Your conscientiousness and integrity become evident. May I recommend that you pin this? Thank you for demonstrating good character.
**CON I forgot to mention: you cannot moisturize your lips or use lip balm while using mouth tape otherwise it won't stick. So I moisturize my lips first thing in the morning :)
I use normal 3M micropore tape, I run a single strip of tape in line with my lips, a little beyond each corner of my mouth. Most nights I also put on lip balm before I go to bed. The tape rarely slips off. Removing it in the morning, 3M Micropore tape is nearly too sticky if I don't use lip balm.
@@TheScienceofSelfCare If you do try it, just make sure to fold the tape back on itself on one side, approx 8mm. To work as a 'pull' tab in case you want to remove the tape in a hurry during the night. Unlike the specific mouth tape you mentioned, you will never be able to simply push it off with your mouth if you wanted. As a result, I probably recommend 3M micropore tape to a person prone to panicking when their mouth is taped! 😂😰
@@TheSwayzeTrain Haha great tips! I have a weird habit of placing the tape on my neck when my sleeping self is sick of it on my mouth so maybe a tape that’s harder to remove is exactly what I need. :)
I put a piece of medical tape vertically from under my nose to the bottom of my chin - I can put a thick amount of lip balm on underneath and it still works
I started mouth taping a year ago. Before doing that, I used to wake up with a sore throat and dry mouth. Sometimes I woke myself snoring. I had been diagnosed with sleep apnea previously but quit using the CPAP machine. I decided I would rather die. It puffed my cheeks out all night and made my face so swollen I looked like a monster and left deep indentations from the straps that would last all day. So, then I discovered mouth taping. I use 3M paper tape I order from Amazon. That’s the tape they used to use to tape the cotton ball on your arm after a blood draw. Paper tape is very gentle on your skin, but to make it even less sticky, I first tape it on my arm and peel it off a couple of times to make it even less sticky. It’s not a powerful tape but enough to keep your mouth from FALLING open, but you can easily override it if you need to cough or sneeze. I used to tape up and down, from under my nose to my mid chin, covering just the middle of my lips. But lately, I’ve been taping side to side. The up down tape is better until you get comfortable doing it because you can always breathe out of the corners of your mouth if necessary so you don’t feel claustrophobic. I also fold a tiny bit of each end of the tape over so I can easily grab it and remove it if necessary. You don’t have to pry the sticky end up that way. It gives you something to grab hold of. I first started out taping my mouth while I was awake and reading or looking at my iPad before bed, just to see how I felt. What I noticed right away is, if you tape your mouth, your nose becomes remarkably clear after just a few minutes and it’s really easy to breathe through your nose. Remove the tape and you will notice yourself mouth breathing again and your nose instantly plugs back up. I always sleep with my mouth taped now. I read where one guy with sleep apnea got rid of his mask after taping his mouth. I feel I no longer have sleep apnea. I’ve slept with my sister on a few road trips where we shared a bed and she said I’m a very quiet, still sleeper. I also use the paper tape more than once. Usually just twice before it starts getting a weird sticky feeling. I just take it off and stick it on my glass lamp where it easily peels back off. It just barely sticks but it’s all I need not to open my mouth or accidentally fall open while sleeping. I really love mouth taping and would recommend everyone try it. I’ve never once felt like I was suffocating. Quite the opposite. I felt I could breathe so easily. And I sleep so sound now.
I started this practice 25 years ago - it works. My problem was snoring. Today my nose is mostly free, need the mouthtape only once a week. Thanks for sharing.
Ten years ago, age 53, thought I may be experiencing Early Onset Dementia. Doctor prescribed a sleep study, the diagnosis, severe sleep apnea. Began CPAP therapy, experienced immediate health improvements, notable improvement of cognitive functioning. Over the past few years, I have made a conscious effort to breathe through my nose exclusively whenever possible. Mouth taping being a valuable tool to that goal, especially during sleep. Waking with 'dry mouth' or even a slightly sore throat, indicates at some point during sleep, mouth breathing has occurred. - highly recommend the book, 'Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art' by James Nestor. Number one advice for health and longevity, "shut your mouth", breathe through your nose!
My younger brother always had sleep apnea and died early at 58. I used to be quite distressed at how long he used to stop breathing for a minute and then suddenly recovering and snoring away. Perhaps the knowledge might save someone
Unfortunately people with sleep apnea have issues because their nasal passage is completely blocked. After a long time the only thing that worked for me was a very low carb diet... Improved in literally one day It was so bad for me at one point I had a nightmare I couldn't breathe. and then woke up to find my nightmare was reality
My son had this and at 4.5 we got his tonsils/addenoids removed. So far no more obstructive/interrupted breathing. I watch him breathe in the morning and breathing calmly with a more resultful sleep.
This took me nearly 2wks to master but now sleep comfortably all night without ripping off tape & I also used to be side sleeper but now sleep on my back & feel I only need 5-6hrs of sleep to be well rested. Biggest result I'm finding that through each day I keep my mouth closed & make better eye contact with people. Before I constantly had my mouth open while breathing & made my face look droopy plus feel my profile is improving from the taped sleep. This is a great idea!
Thanks for sharing! I’ve had a very similar experience. Nighttime mouth tape has helped me mew more throughout the day, which has led to many benefits including less jaw pain! Ps: it took me three weeks to learn to sleep on my back. :) so worth it!
I wonder what kind of bed is best for sleeping on your back. I've been thinking about training myself to sleep on my back as well, but I doubt my memory foam bed would be ideal. Eventually I'd love to try an old school futon.
I was a mouth breather earlier. I used to suffer horrible pain in my ears during flights. I started mouth taping since 2 months. I realized the obvious benefits of better sleep, etc. but the biggest surprise was when I took 6 flights in a span of 13 days recently, without having ear pain even once! I have suffered so much earlier but am so grateful now. I credit all this only to mouth taping. I think all the nosse breathing cleared the chronic sinus in my head.
@@simonoregan4744there IS a risk for worsened tooth decay if you breathe through your mouth while sleeping. It causes dry mouth which can increase dental carries!
I have always breathed through my nose when i was young and took an interest in running. I realize i can run father distances and regulate my breathing by breathing through my nose and not my mouth. I would reccomend this to everyone to try! It really helps you limit to how much you breath and controls your anxiety as well! I feel like when i breath through my mouth i get too much air and my breathing is irregular. Also a tip is resting your tongue on the roof of your mouth which is a natural position for your tongue when your mouth is closed! I hope this helps! ❤
Thanks for sharing! For me, it’s so hard to run with my mouth closed. It’s something I am working up to. But it always feels like I just cannot get enough air. I’m sure with consistent training overtime I will get there. 🙏✨
@@TheScienceofSelfCare First I was breathing in with the nose and breathing out with the mouth while running and working out but after that I completely switched to my nose to breathe in and out and I've noticed that my heart rate is lower now as compared to before while I workout, maybe you can also try this after some time your will adapt to this and you'll feel better.
Nice vid. We love how mouth taping does retrain the body to sleep with mouth closed. Two of us, over the course of a few years now, keep mouth tape by the bed, both know when our body has fallen out of 'remembering', use mouth tape again for a couple of nights, get back on track. I'm still amazed to wake up 8 hours later and there it is, full lip seal, not one bit uncomfortable, not one bit intrusive. Such a simple fix for real and lasting benefits.
Robin- It’s so refreshing that you’ve added the addendum to your mouth-breathing suggestion. Your conscientiousness and integrity become beautifully evident. Thank you for demonstrating good character, and especially for sharing accurate information with the occasional update. Best wishes to you and your informative channel. -Subscribed.
Have used mouth tape for one year + and it works very well. Itchy throat in the middle of the night is gone, and I have noticed that something is happening with my cheek bone. It's growing or adjusting so that I bite in a more natural way. I very seldom wake up from my own snoring :)
I started mouth-taping (I use a small strip of paper tape) when I realized I was having trouble keeping my mouth closed at night with my Invisalign aligners. It has been a life-saver! Great video! 😊
Another good reason to breathe through your nose is that nitric oxide is produced in the nasal passages. Nitric oxide is an incredibly important chemical that opens up blood vessels, increases oxygen uptake and improves lung function. It also kills bacteria and viruses and filters pollution from nanoparticles. It lowers blood pressure, stress and is a powerful anti-clotting agent. It also improves kidney function so maybe that is why you wake up less puffy after nose breathing all night?
I’ve been using a BiPAP machine since June to treat my sleep apnea. All of June and July was horrid. I could not get any of the masks that I had to work right and usually by the middle of the night I would rip the mask off and go back to sleep. Then I read about mouth tape. I started off using the little X strips like you show in your video and then I found a nicer 3M product that works fantastic. By not, having mouth tape on my mouth, I was having anywhere from 8 to 13 events per hour during the night when I would stop breathing because I was mouth breathing and the benefit of the air being forced into your nose was not working right because my mouth was open. As soon as I started, the mouth tape, the apnea events drop down to 0.3 events per hour. Absolutely astonishing difference all because of using mouth tape.
I never even realized this was a thing. I naturally breath through my nose even while sleeping and am thankful that I already experience these benefits.
Lucky you!! So many people don’t have that experience for a number of reasons. My jaw does not shut properly and is a bit small so I think that’s how I started breathing through my mouth as a kid.
I've been mouth taping for a few years now and I love it. Here's the one benefit you missed though in your video - you can sleep safe in the knowledge that you won't be one of those people who statistically eats 8 spiders in their sleep over their lifetime. And if that aint enough reason to mouth tape then what is?!
Have you noticed any facial structure changes? Theoretically, if you forced yourself to breathe only through the nose, there should be a stabilizing effect of the mouth posture, allowing proper force of the tongue onto the roof of the mouth. This would lead to changes in the jawline, cheekbones, maybe even posture of the neck.
Snoring is still possible with taping, if obstructive issues are at play. I have obstructive sleep apnea and use a nose mask and tape on my mouth so i dont get dry mouth and it reduces apneas. Its quirky looking but i get good sleep so i dont care.
We’re in this together!! After working on mewing and using mouth tape, I now spend most of my waking time with my mouth closed, which wasn’t always the case. It’s a slow and steady process but it really is a habit you can change. :)
I've been using Myotape for about the same amount of time as you've been mouth-taping. What a difference it's made to me! Myotape surrounds the mouth (it's a rectangular stretchy tape, with a gap in the middle). You can actually open your mouth if you want to, but it encourages your lips to remain closed. I would recommend it as worth trying. I've tried other tapes too but this one is best for me. Having said that, the cheapest is definitely surgical tape and you can still get the same kinds of result. Like you I get all puffy in the face if I don't tape my mouth. The main benefit has been to my voice, which is clearer than it was. I was all croaky after surgery some years ago, but that has been much improved by the quantities of water I drink and it improved again after starting to mouth tape. It's now "nearly normal", which is kinda important if you use your voice for your work. Thank you for this video, it's very interesting!
You’re convincing me to give this another try. I stopped because the last few times moisture from my mouth made the tape damp and loose, and I didn’t like that feeling.
I agree! Not a fan of that feeling! The key is to not apply any lip balm near bedtime. I was previously afraid this would dry out my lips but it honestly has not. So if you keep your lips clean and dry it should be a lot more comfortable.
You don’t need to use special tape, I have been using plain old medical tape for sensitive skin and it sticks/removes really well. Pressing your lips together a little as you apply it helps keep the tape from getting damp.
Here's something I did that worked. I simply told my subconscious to keep my mouth shut while I slept. It works. And if you wake up for a moment in the middle of the night, notice that you are doing it. It reinforces it. I haven't snored or drooled on a pillow in over 15 years. My girlfriend sometimes thinks I'm dead because I sleep so quietly. lol.
@@Blue-Mo0n My father was one of those people who woke up without an alarm clock no matter how late he went to bed. He told me that he just 'told himself' to wake up at that time. This is a real phenomenon. So when I began snoring and whatnot in my sleep, I simply told myself to keep my mouth closed before sleeping. It really does work. And like I said, at first when you do this, you may wake up for a moment. Pay attention to your mouth. If it's open, mindfully close it and remind yourself. You will create this habit. I promise. If you think about it, you and 'your subconscious' are one and the same. You can do it. Try it. You've got nothing to lose. ✌
@@Tyrell_Corp2019 I see. I'm into manifestation myself but I wanted to make sure I got it right. I have difficulty manifesting even simple things but I will give it a try. Thanks 👍
As someone has mentioned already below - keeping mouth shut with tongue on roof of mouth instead of mouth half open- makes the lower jaw and bones of middle face to grow better and more defined. People that snore can be overweight and middleaged (the sterotype) but an expert on this said the one single thing they ALL have in common is small lower jaws. People actually get surgery to make the jaw longer and protrude out more not only for looks but it helps to prevent snoring and breathing problems at night.
@@TheScienceofSelfCare MEDIC + clear securing tape … perfect , easy to remove , it is perforated too. It is designed to attach bandages, gauze and other dressings around wounds. Not sure what product is sold in other country’s but that is the reference.
Been taping for about 3 weeks now; still working a few things out but the last couple nights I've made it without removing the tape. I need to be prevented from opening my lips at all while I sleep or else I'll start mouth-breathing again. This led to to shaving off my beard for better adhesion. I also need a nasal strip to get over congestion, plus steroid nasal spray. I'll often put on some Vick's vaporub for even more help breathing.
I have been sleeping with my mouth taped for a year now. The only time my mouth opens during sleep is when I am on my back, and I know this because I wake up with a very dry mouth. Taping stops that. I use 3M Micropore Surgical Paper Tape, just a short strip vertically over my lips. It has stopped the dry mouth but sadly, I can't see any other difference, including better memory.
I do the same thing, from James Nestor's Breath book. I'm hoping it helps dehydration and constipation. At least I won't wake up because of a dry mouth. Sometimes I break it open anyway. It's not really the tape that keeps your mouth closed, but your lips kind of seal together if you hold them closed long enough, lol. I also have these light bulbs that I can turn amber at night.
I took up mouth taping recently, after I accidently came across the book by James Nestor titled "the science of the lost art of breathing". I have no problem understanding you, and I recommend it to everyone. I certainly take every chance I get to encourage my family and friends to do it every night. But you of course do it with with so much ease and very friendly manner. I am sharing your video within my family. Thank you
I use scar tape to hold my mouth closed at night. It has the added benefit of hydrating my lips. Also, one reason to breathe through the nose is an increase of nitric oxide available to the body. Nitric oxide is created in the nose.
Tried this a week ago. My beautiful young bride has complained about my snoring for over 20 years. Now she doesn't. However, I was worried because the tape kept coming off. Now, I am not so worried.
Using my Fitbit I can see a direct correlation between my resting heart rate and the nights im congested and not breathing well, basically my heart rate doesn’t drop as it should…. Clear nose and cool air from an open window makes a huge difference, to the point 80% of my sleep is below my resting heart rate, and therefore more restorative. Fitbits sleep stats shows you all this.
If you're afraid of the tape, try mewing. I started it out of a somewhat cynical desire to debunk the trend. I don't think it will actually change my dental arch, but I'm going to keep doing it because it helps keep my mouth shut at night and I do feel like I sleep better.
Not sure if it is good to put non-medical tape on your mouth. Those adhesives could contain all sorts of things. James Nestor, author of the book Breathe, recommends medical tape, 3M Durapore (which is surgical tape) to be exact and it works great and you don't need to fear getting toxic chemicals into your mouth and on your skin.
Mouth tapes works, nose breathing is correct technique. It’s amazing how “Medical” expertise never discusses Basic Yoga Yoga Breathing Technique. They sell ($$$$$) a device that straps on the face, lifts the lower jaw forward and is very uncomfortable to wear while sleeping. Breathing technique should be part of the school personal health curriculum.
I can't use mouth tape, or cpap, because my nasal passages close up in the middle of the night, forcing me to mouth breath, unless I take a decongestant every night before bed. I have moderate sleep apnea, but I find that sleeping with my head and shoulders propped up at an angle seems to help quite a bit.
I’m pretty sure I mostly breathe through my nose anyway because If my nose is blocked I can’t sleep, I feel like I’m gonna have a panic attack in fact because I can’t breathe properly.
i've been doing this for 10 years. at first you are nervous and think you need x tape or something special. actually the best is micropore tape. just rip to the right size. wash your mouth area and dry. if it's too sticky stick and tear off from your arm before applying. after a week you will love it.
I decided to start using mouth tape because my dentist told me mouth breathing is bad for oral hygiene. I have a severe overbite so it hard to keep my mouth closed. Mouth tape really does help me sleep better, and it keeps my teeth feeling clean from the night before (no plaque). I also find that sleeping on my left side with a body pillow has significantly improved my quality of sleep. But I do use a special pillow that keeps me from sleeping on my arm so, that's also a big factor in it.
@@TheScienceofSelfCare the black electrical tape 😅 I was thinking that I should try duct tape since that’s what they use on peoples’ mouths in movies 🤔
I have a mild case of sleep apnea and was prescribed a CPAP machine I could not keep my mouth closed at night making my mouth and tongue very dry, awful!!! You cannot use a CPAP machine with your mouth open. I use a face mask but even with the mask I cannot keep my mouth closed. Chin straps do not work for me. I tried a tape called Cover Tape it is 2" wide and 10 yards long I cut them in about 3 1/2" lengths and cut them in half to make it 1" x 3 1/2". I turn down the corners on one long side of the tape for easy removal. The tape has a cloth texture so it also helps hold my face mask in place as well, that is why I make it 3 1/2" long. It removes very easy and does not leave a residue. I also put lip balm on my lips and a little above and below my lip line (not to high or low as the tape needs to stick to your skin). To keep the adhesive off my lips and it also makes it easier to remove the tape. The best thing about the tape is that my mouth does not dry out. There is a humidifier on the CPAP machine I set it at about 2%. I have an option with my machine to use only the nasal cover but the air pressure on the tape without the face mask my cheeks puff out and cause the tape to loosen and my mouth and tongue also dry out. That is why I prefer the face mask. I feel the tape is a great asset in keeping my mouth closed as I am able to sleep well when I use it.
I been mouth taping consistently for the last several weeks. I use hostage tape and a nose strip this tape works well with my skin and holds through the night. I will release it half way sometimes but that has been lessening the more I use it. I've noticed that my nasal passage is clearer longer throughout the day and my allergies are less extreme. I also find myself breathing through my nose more throughout the day. It is definitely a cleaner breath and I sleep better with it on!
I have done this for over a year and it's improved my sleep so much. Especially since I have a plastic brace in my month beacuse I bite together during sleep so I can't really keep my month close without the tape.
I started doing this almost 15 years ago when I was in college and got super into paleo diet and evolutionary biology and Weston A Price's studies and such. But then stopped after a few months just from forgetting (ADHD?) and doing other things in life. Now that it's come around and become trendy in the health scene and I'm experiencing some negative health issues that this could have helped with, I feel so angry at myself for not continuing on with it. I wonder how much it would have helped had I been doing it for all this time. I know there is no use in getting upset about it, but gosh I just wish I had had the hindsight to keep going.
Turbinates are literally mini conditioners for the air going into our lungs and hairs help catch things from entering into the deeper passages, similar to eyelashes for our eyes :) in college I got to work with cadavers and the nasal passages are so fun!
That is so cool!! Thanks for sharing! I also got the work with cadavers in college and it was my favorite part of the whole degree. The human body is incredible ✨✨✨
Started taping my mouth shut last week with regular inexpensive 3m tape. I use a cpap machine with a full-face mask. I've been getting dry mouth so badly. The tape is allowing me to breathe only through my nose and I'm getting better sleep now!
I am using a mouth piece originally for bruxism but it forces me to breath on my nose during the night as well. It put my jaw into alignment in 6 month (not without pain and blood).. BUT throat soreness, back pain is gone. It helped with asthetics and health. I don't wake up anymore with my teeth clattering or my jaw hurting. My only concern is that i can not live without it now!
I found this all a little odd and then I remembered I've been wearing Breathe Right nasal strips on my nose since the 1990's. Every night before I go to sleep! It has really done a lot to make my sinuses flow properly and not get clogged up, and helps me sleep well -- breathing through my nose!
I've been tapping my mouth for a few years. I didn't really know what my nose was about until I was 7 years old. My dad brought a person home who had a nose vacuum cleaner. I was shocked !! It took at least 50 years to learn properly how to breath, I'm 70 years. It's a conscience effort, but I'm getting good at it. Life is not good being a mouth breather.
Mouth taping at night is a real game changer though you didn't share a vital tip. When first starting its *very* helpful to use Breathe Right nasal strips to hold your nostrils more open. Before I learned that I tried and failed to adapt to mouth taping. Another video gave me that tip and it works! You don't need to use nasal strips very long, just a few weeks while you adjust to breathing through your nose at night.
Been using mouth tape for about 4 months now. So far, I like it. I should point out that I also use “Breathe-Right” strips, which hold my nose open. The combination seems to work well, and I seem to be sleeping better. Also, it seems to cut down on snoring.
I’ve already purchased mouth tape and I’m gonna use it for the first time tonight. I get sick all the time, it is actually ridiculous so I hope that this can help
if you are worried about not being able to breath with mouth tape, because you get nasal congestion, you can start with using a BreathRight strip on your nose too... then one night you will forget to put that on, and realize you'll be fine with just the mouth tape... or just keep using the nasal strip too.
Just started a week ago. First night I woke up with a panic at 4am and quickly ripped it off. Skin hurt from that but night 2 and on, it's been a breeze. This is the first time in my life that I am falling asleep and waking up in the EXACT same position. Wild!
I sleep with mouth taped too. I wear it the day time too on weekends sometimes. I just like the stillness of not talking. Here's a good book if you haven't read it. Breath by James Nestor. He interviewed scientists and doctors about benefits of nasal breathing. For nasal or lung congestion: Inhale nasally, then on exhale, hum with mouth closed like chanting Om or Aum with emphasis on the mmmmm. Using the deepest lowest frequency tone is best. I chanted Ommmmm for 10 minutes. After a couple of minutes, my nose started running a lot. I kept going and my nasal congestion was 90% gone. My lung congestion was loosening and I was able to bring up a lot. I just kept humming a total of 25 minutes. My lungs were 60% clear. Three or four times I did the humming that day...whenever it felt like congestion was starting to come back. I felt so much better. And feeling better is important to getting well faster. By day 5, my fever was breaking and just mild congestion that I hummed away. I stayed in bed all 5 days and slept a lot. That's another thing...you can rest better with less congestion. On the 6th day, I felt good. All gone. I took no medication except for Tylenol for the fever. Humming is a congestion reliever I never knew about!
@@TheScienceofSelfCare I tried a couple times but because I'm super lazy with shaving I hated the feeling of it pulling against my stubble (man problems, right? 🤣) I switched to a nasal spray and slowly trained myself to only nose breathe while sleeping, though it only works when I sleep on my left side. If I roll onto my right side, for some reason my nose will block up and I'll have to use my mouth again so I just avoid it 😅
@@Trinsicity Haha wow! Super interesting. Love that you trained yourself and know your body so well. I spent three weeks training myself to sleep on my back which was actually quite a commitment. Glad you’ve found what works for you!
@@TheScienceofSelfCare I'd actually love to train myself to back sleep but whenever I've tried I can just never fall asleep, which is weird because I can nap on my back during the day without issue! Would love to pick your brain on the topic over a video collab sometime. Could chat about a few other subjects as well, let me know if interested 😁
@@Trinsicity it was indeed not easy! I think you have to accept a few poor nights of sleep before things start to click into place. I do really appreciate back sleeping now. 👍 And yes-I’d love to collab! Feel free to email me: heythere@scienceofself-care.com
I’ve bought different mouth tapes from Amazon but wake up with them stuck to the bed sheet etc. I found paper tape from the Dollar Tree and it stay on all night . In the morning, when I take it off ,my lips feel dry so I put on lip balm and my lips feel great ❤
After a nighttime seizure in December I was put on a CPAP machine using nasal pillows, which blow air into my nose. Because I sleep with my mouth open, air escaped, defeating the CPAP's purpose. The solution was tape. I completely tape my mouth shut. My only allowance for fear is that I bend the tape over on itself to create a little handle that makes the tape easy to remove, if need be, as if the power goes out and the air stops flowing into my nose. My doctors have not recommended mouth taping. Nor do they seem to know much about CPAP machines. I'm in the U.S., of course.
I wear a stretchy hair band under my chin and over the top of my head, keeps my mouth closed. For some reason as I have aged my mouth won’t stay closed when sleeping :O
I wish I did this instead of mewing. Breathing through your nose is way more natural than forcing your tongue at the top palate. I actually feel like I messed up my face and shifted teeth bc of the force of my tongue to my palate. I recommended people avoid mewing and instead practice mouth taping and keeping mouth closed
I tried the tape years go and it worked, soon I was breathing through the nose without the tape. But one night I couldn't breathe during my sleep due to a stuffy nose, and although I didn't have any tape on, I couldn't open my mouth to breathe! I struggled to get air and finally woke up, gasping for air. I haven't been able to breath through my nose ever since, sigh. I think I need to figure out how to resolve sinus issues first, although I eat very healthy...
Oh no! That sounds very terrifying. Were you experiencing a type of sleep paralysis? “Sleep paralysis occurs when the sleep cycle is shifting between stages. When you wake up suddenly from REM, your brain is awake, but your body is still in REM mode and can't move, causing you to feel like you're paralyzed. Episodes of sleep paralysis last from a few seconds to 1 or 2 minutes.” - Mount Sinai NY
Just sniff warm salt water for a min Dry face Tape mouth If doesn’t work, repeat, you can do it if you try. Tape is esp impt when one is stuffed up. Don’t give up too easily
@@TheScienceofSelfCare Thank you, possibly it was sleep paralysis. However, I've started to nose breathe during the day again, and it usually continues throughout the night.
Try to eat a low Carb diet and get a Thymus Glandular Supplement. Often the sinusissues a slightley allergies against something in your room. The Thymus is regulating your immunesystem and when you take Thymus Glandulars it will provide the right nutrients for that organ.
I just trained myself to do so not only at night, but also during the day. I wake up if my mouth is open now. It’s better for your teeth. You wake up with worse bad breath when your mouth dries out and your saliva isn’t able to do it’s job.
I'm a nasal breather for every minute of my life, can confirm this isn't accurate. I still have a dry mouth and horrible breath in the a.m. (I've recorded myself sleeping over the years weird😅 I know but out of curiosity)
You’re missing the biggest explanatory mechanism for benefit. Nasal breathing increases production of nitric oxide which helps in vasodilation and reduces inflammation.
If I put strong mouth tape on, my mouth opens at some point during the night and I try to breathe through the tape. I have to wonder whether such a small amount of mouth tape actually prevents you from mouth breathing all night. On the other hand, some people seem to be able to avoid mouth breathing all night even without any tape (would love to see data on this), so I suppose it’s totally possible.
I trained myself to nose breathe at night simply by placing my fist under my chin, then resting my chin on my fist... DON'T EVER DO THAT!!! Not because nose breathing is bad but because I ended up getting used to having my teeth clenched while I slept... I've lost 2 teeth from clenching and cannot sleep without a mouth guard. Go for the tape - far safer alternative. I will say one thing though... even though my mouth is almost always shut, I still drool on occasion, straight past my lips - I'm assuming this is age-related.
I wish I could. I have deviated septum and bad allergies and can barely get enough air through my nose as it is. I'd probably wake up feeling like I'm suffocating.
I am just starting out nasal breathing and use Breathe Right strips to open up my sinuses, i expect that after a while of nasal breathing the congestion will clear up.
Don't forget better dental health. Dry mouth prevents the teeth from being remineralized by the saliva. These unmineralized areas of the teeth eventually become cavities.
Great video! I have just subscribed to yiur channel. I've been taping my mouth to try and help sleep apnea as cannot stand CPAP! You are a extremely beautiful young lady! Keep the great videos coming!!
This is such a brilliant thing that i've never thought of 😂 I have a deviated septum so I can't breathe through my nose properly on some days, especially when sleeping.
You can't really give your brain an immediate hit of oxygen. It has to go through the alveoli of the lungs to get exchanged into the blood... kinda like you can't get dropped off by the plane when your house is located before the airport :p Also, I'm trying to make sure mouth breathing isn't actually an adaptation of the body due to forward head posture reducing airflow through the nose due to pharyngeal compression. Mouth taping feels a bit aggressive on the body and I feel it reduces oxygen intake. I think by fixing the root problem, which may be postural, which may be emotionally rooted, will naturally fix the problem. Just googled it: Yes, forward head posture (FHP) can compress the pharynx and make it harder to breathe and swallow. So.. basically the body is trying to get its normal airflow in but people are shutting their mouths open and experiencing nighttime hypoxia.
I used to do that at some point not because I breathed through the mouth when I slept but because I would sleep with my mouth open and it would hurt like hell to swallow when I woke up because my throat dried out. So it probably mightn't work for everyone but how I got to not need tape was to just keep my mouth closed for a while before bed because then having my mouth open would be uncomfortable for my face muscles.
2:12 nice picture, but this does not make sense at all. The oxygen gets into the blood only through your lungs, then goes back to the left heart and is then pumped to the brain and other regions of the body. So physiologically there is no direct hit of oxygen straight from the nose into the frontal cortex. 😅
Great video Robin. Have you head of IBT (Inverted bed therapy) ? It's where you raise the top end of your bed by approx 6". It's claimed to have a lot of health benefits. Maybe something for a future video. 🤔
Love this tip!! I’ve recently been using scotch tape and it is also so effective. But I do wonder if using tapes that aren’t meant for skin is an issue long term. So I may venture to medical tape soon… but perhaps I’ll give painter’s tape a whirl before I switch. :) Thanks for sharing!
Important PSA: There is a lapse in logic in this video where I talk about brain oxygenation and air coming through the nose.
PLEASE NOTE: the brain gets oxygen from the blood, not directly from airflow through the nostrils. “The brain receives blood from two sources: the internal carotid arteries, which arise at the point in the neck where the common carotid arteries bifurcate, and the vertebral arteries.”
It is true that this blood supply comes from below the area behind the nose, but my candid musing here is silly and incorrect.
If you all hadn’t left such interesting comments, I would delete this video for this reason. But I will keep it up for the great conversations going on below.
I apologize: I am an imperfect human. And I will strive to make sure my content remains science-based in future videos. xo
It seems like something motivated you to post this comment.
@@dough715 yes. The fact that this old video (which I made when I had a few hundred subscribers) has suddenly blown up.
It’s not the best quality content and I don’t like to spread misinformation.
You are awsome! ❤
@@TheScienceofSelfCare. It’s so refreshing that you’ve added this addendum. Your conscientiousness and integrity become evident. May I recommend that you pin this? Thank you for demonstrating good character.
@@addy8511 great point! Just pinned 👍🙏 thanks for pointing that out :)
**CON I forgot to mention: you cannot moisturize your lips or use lip balm while using mouth tape otherwise it won't stick. So I moisturize my lips first thing in the morning :)
I use normal 3M micropore tape, I run a single strip of tape in line with my lips, a little beyond each corner of my mouth. Most nights I also put on lip balm before I go to bed. The tape rarely slips off. Removing it in the morning, 3M Micropore tape is nearly too sticky if I don't use lip balm.
@@TheSwayzeTrain Nice! I would love to try this! Thanks for the rec
@@TheScienceofSelfCare If you do try it, just make sure to fold the tape back on itself on one side, approx 8mm. To work as a 'pull' tab in case you want to remove the tape in a hurry during the night. Unlike the specific mouth tape you mentioned, you will never be able to simply push it off with your mouth if you wanted. As a result, I probably recommend 3M micropore tape to a person prone to panicking when their mouth is taped! 😂😰
@@TheSwayzeTrain Haha great tips! I have a weird habit of placing the tape on my neck when my sleeping self is sick of it on my mouth so maybe a tape that’s harder to remove is exactly what I need. :)
I put a piece of medical tape vertically from under my nose to the bottom of my chin - I can put a thick amount of lip balm on underneath and it still works
I started mouth taping a year ago. Before doing that, I used to wake up with a sore throat and dry mouth. Sometimes I woke myself snoring.
I had been diagnosed with sleep apnea previously but quit using the CPAP machine. I decided I would rather die. It puffed my cheeks out all night and made my face so swollen I looked like a monster and left deep indentations from the straps that would last all day.
So, then I discovered mouth taping. I use 3M paper tape I order from Amazon. That’s the tape they used to use to tape the cotton ball on your arm after a blood draw. Paper tape is very gentle on your skin, but to make it even less sticky, I first tape it on my arm and peel it off a couple of times to make it even less sticky. It’s not a powerful tape but enough to keep your mouth from FALLING open, but you can easily override it if you need to cough or sneeze. I used to tape up and down, from under my nose to my mid chin, covering just the middle of my lips. But lately, I’ve been taping side to side. The up down tape is better until you get comfortable doing it because you can always breathe out of the corners of your mouth if necessary so you don’t feel claustrophobic. I also fold a tiny bit of each end of the tape over so I can easily grab it and remove it if necessary. You don’t have to pry the sticky end up that way. It gives you something to grab hold of.
I first started out taping my mouth while I was awake and reading or looking at my iPad before bed, just to see how I felt. What I noticed right away is, if you tape your mouth, your nose becomes remarkably clear after just a few minutes and it’s really easy to breathe through your nose. Remove the tape and you will notice yourself mouth breathing again and your nose instantly plugs back up. I always sleep with my mouth taped now. I read where one guy with sleep apnea got rid of his mask after taping his mouth. I feel I no longer have sleep apnea.
I’ve slept with my sister on a few road trips where we shared a bed and she said I’m a very quiet, still sleeper.
I also use the paper tape more than once. Usually just twice before it starts getting a weird sticky feeling. I just take it off and stick it on my glass lamp where it easily peels back off. It just barely sticks but it’s all I need not to open my mouth or accidentally fall open while sleeping. I really love mouth taping and would recommend everyone try it. I’ve never once felt like I was suffocating. Quite the opposite. I felt I could breathe so easily. And I sleep so sound now.
I started this practice 25 years ago - it works. My problem was snoring. Today my nose is mostly free, need the mouthtape only once a week. Thanks for sharing.
Thank YOU for sharing! It’s always great to get personal experiences here in the comments. What type of tape do you use?
why do you only need it once a week?? and how do you know? does your partner wake you up and tell you that you're snoring or something?
i just started closing my mouth. no tape at all. and after 3 days it became a habit
Ten years ago, age 53, thought I may be experiencing Early Onset Dementia. Doctor prescribed a sleep study, the diagnosis, severe sleep apnea. Began CPAP therapy, experienced immediate health improvements, notable improvement of cognitive functioning.
Over the past few years, I have made a conscious effort to breathe through my nose exclusively whenever possible. Mouth taping being a valuable tool to that goal, especially during sleep. Waking with 'dry mouth' or even a slightly sore throat, indicates at some point during sleep, mouth breathing has occurred.
- highly recommend the book, 'Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art' by James Nestor. Number one advice for health and longevity, "shut your mouth", breathe through your nose!
thank you
My younger brother always had sleep apnea and died early at 58.
I used to be quite distressed at how long he used to stop breathing for a minute and then suddenly recovering and snoring away.
Perhaps the knowledge might save someone
Unfortunately people with sleep apnea have issues because their nasal passage is completely blocked. After a long time the only thing that worked for me was a very low carb diet... Improved in literally one day
It was so bad for me at one point I had a nightmare I couldn't breathe. and then woke up to find my nightmare was reality
My son had this and at 4.5 we got his tonsils/addenoids removed. So far no more obstructive/interrupted breathing. I watch him breathe in the morning and breathing calmly with a more resultful sleep.
I have to drink antidepressants to sleep the little I do, because of the fear of not being able to breath
bro get help from a doctor.. or else you will die young.. i'm serious@@antonjoubert6980
This took me nearly 2wks to master but now sleep comfortably all night without ripping off tape & I also used to be side sleeper but now sleep on my back & feel I only need 5-6hrs of sleep to be well rested. Biggest result I'm finding that through each day I keep my mouth closed & make better eye contact with people. Before I constantly had my mouth open while breathing & made my face look droopy plus feel my profile is improving from the taped sleep. This is a great idea!
Thanks for sharing! I’ve had a very similar experience. Nighttime mouth tape has helped me mew more throughout the day, which has led to many benefits including less jaw pain!
Ps: it took me three weeks to learn to sleep on my back. :) so worth it!
I wonder what kind of bed is best for sleeping on your back. I've been thinking about training myself to sleep on my back as well, but I doubt my memory foam bed would be ideal. Eventually I'd love to try an old school futon.
Hello..if I use just regular tape from home should I cut a small hole in the middle of it?
I was a mouth breather earlier. I used to suffer horrible pain in my ears during flights. I started mouth taping since 2 months. I realized the obvious benefits of better sleep, etc. but the biggest surprise was when I took 6 flights in a span of 13 days recently, without having ear pain even once! I have suffered so much earlier but am so grateful now. I credit all this only to mouth taping. I think all the nosse breathing cleared the chronic sinus in my head.
I've also seen some studies linking mouth breathing to increased risk for tooth decay. Def going to try the mouth tape!
Thanks for sharing! Curious to hear what you think if you do try mouth tape. :)
And it also clearly lowers your IQ
@@simonoregan4744nah that's cap I've never heard mouth breatheing can lower IQ
@@simonoregan4744there IS a risk for worsened tooth decay if you breathe through your mouth while sleeping. It causes dry mouth which can increase dental carries!
I have always breathed through my nose when i was young and took an interest in running. I realize i can run father distances and regulate my breathing by breathing through my nose and not my mouth. I would reccomend this to everyone to try! It really helps you limit to how much you breath and controls your anxiety as well! I feel like when i breath through my mouth i get too much air and my breathing is irregular. Also a tip is resting your tongue on the roof of your mouth which is a natural position for your tongue when your mouth is closed! I hope this helps! ❤
Thanks for sharing! For me, it’s so hard to run with my mouth closed. It’s something I am working up to. But it always feels like I just cannot get enough air. I’m sure with consistent training overtime I will get there. 🙏✨
@@TheScienceofSelfCare First I was breathing in with the nose and breathing out with the mouth while running and working out but after that I completely switched to my nose to breathe in and out and I've noticed that my heart rate is lower now as compared to before while I workout, maybe you can also try this after some time your will adapt to this and you'll feel better.
Nice vid. We love how mouth taping does retrain the body to sleep with mouth closed. Two of us, over the course of a few years now, keep mouth tape by the bed, both know when our body has fallen out of 'remembering', use mouth tape again for a couple of nights, get back on track. I'm still amazed to wake up 8 hours later and there it is, full lip seal, not one bit uncomfortable, not one bit intrusive. Such a simple fix for real and lasting benefits.
Robin- It’s so refreshing that you’ve added the addendum to your mouth-breathing suggestion. Your conscientiousness and integrity become beautifully evident. Thank you for demonstrating good character, and especially for sharing accurate information with the occasional update. Best wishes to you and your informative channel. -Subscribed.
Have used mouth tape for one year + and it works very well. Itchy throat in the middle of the night is gone, and I have noticed that something is happening with my cheek bone. It's growing or adjusting so that I bite in a more natural way. I very seldom wake up from my own snoring :)
so glad to hear mouth tape's worked for you! I've had the same experience with my throat... feels so much better now. :)
I started mouth-taping (I use a small strip of paper tape) when I realized I was having trouble keeping my mouth closed at night with my Invisalign aligners. It has been a life-saver! Great video! 😊
Omg i have the same Problem right now. I just got them and its so difficult to sleep with a closed mouth
Another good reason to breathe through your nose is that nitric oxide is produced in the nasal passages. Nitric oxide is an incredibly important chemical that opens up blood vessels, increases oxygen uptake and improves lung function. It also kills bacteria and viruses and filters pollution from nanoparticles. It lowers blood pressure, stress and is a powerful anti-clotting agent. It also improves kidney function so maybe that is why you wake up less puffy after nose breathing all night?
Super interesting. Will do more research on this. I’m finally reading “Breathe” by James Nestor!
Wow, it’s really Interesting to See how Misinformation and Pseudoscientific Information Spreads on the Internet. 😂
I’ve been using a BiPAP machine since June to treat my sleep apnea. All of June and July was horrid. I could not get any of the masks that I had to work right and usually by the middle of the night I would rip the mask off and go back to sleep. Then I read about mouth tape. I started off using the little X strips like you show in your video and then I found a nicer 3M product that works fantastic. By not, having mouth tape on my mouth, I was having anywhere from 8 to 13 events per hour during the night when I would stop breathing because I was mouth breathing and the benefit of the air being forced into your nose was not working right because my mouth was open.
As soon as I started, the mouth tape, the apnea events drop down to 0.3 events per hour. Absolutely astonishing difference all because of using mouth tape.
I never even realized this was a thing. I naturally breath through my nose even while sleeping and am thankful that I already experience these benefits.
Lucky you!! So many people don’t have that experience for a number of reasons.
My jaw does not shut properly and is a bit small so I think that’s how I started breathing through my mouth as a kid.
I've been mouth taping for a few years now and I love it. Here's the one benefit you missed though in your video - you can sleep safe in the knowledge that you won't be one of those people who statistically eats 8 spiders in their sleep over their lifetime. And if that aint enough reason to mouth tape then what is?!
Haha what a perfect comment! :)
What if they crawl up your nose? And make webs in your brain. 😵💫 blblbllll
Spiders don't like moisture, this is luckily a false fact.
@@tamerebel how convenient, I bet you heard that from a spider.
lol
I’ve doing this for almost a year it helps so much I get deeper sleep plus no more dry throat!
Did you notice any change on your face shape?
Have you noticed any facial structure changes? Theoretically, if you forced yourself to breathe only through the nose, there should be a stabilizing effect of the mouth posture, allowing proper force of the tongue onto the roof of the mouth. This would lead to changes in the jawline, cheekbones, maybe even posture of the neck.
Snoring is still possible with taping, if obstructive issues are at play. I have obstructive sleep apnea and use a nose mask and tape on my mouth so i dont get dry mouth and it reduces apneas. Its quirky looking but i get good sleep so i dont care.
I fully embrace the quirky, especially when it’s contributing to my health!! :)
So glad you’ve found a routine that works for you!
I watched this whole video conciously breathing through my nose. Thanks for the video :)
Same! I mouth breath most of the time. It’s difficult to cut a habit you have had all your life
Caught myself doing the same as i was reading your comment 😂
We’re in this together!! After working on mewing and using mouth tape, I now spend most of my waking time with my mouth closed, which wasn’t always the case. It’s a slow and steady process but it really is a habit you can change. :)
@@TheScienceofSelfCare mewing is tounge up right?
I can’t do that, it doesn’t fit 😝 Ive tried but I don’t think it will ever work.
I've been using Myotape for about the same amount of time as you've been mouth-taping. What a difference it's made to me! Myotape surrounds the mouth (it's a rectangular stretchy tape, with a gap in the middle). You can actually open your mouth if you want to, but it encourages your lips to remain closed. I would recommend it as worth trying. I've tried other tapes too but this one is best for me. Having said that, the cheapest is definitely surgical tape and you can still get the same kinds of result. Like you I get all puffy in the face if I don't tape my mouth. The main benefit has been to my voice, which is clearer than it was. I was all croaky after surgery some years ago, but that has been much improved by the quantities of water I drink and it improved again after starting to mouth tape. It's now "nearly normal", which is kinda important if you use your voice for your work. Thank you for this video, it's very interesting!
My only regret is that I didn’t start this years ago. Been taping with KT tape for 3 months with no issues and most importantly, no snoring!
You’re convincing me to give this another try. I stopped because the last few times moisture from my mouth made the tape damp and loose, and I didn’t like that feeling.
I agree! Not a fan of that feeling! The key is to not apply any lip balm near bedtime. I was previously afraid this would dry out my lips but it honestly has not. So if you keep your lips clean and dry it should be a lot more comfortable.
You don’t need to use special tape, I have been using plain old medical tape for sensitive skin and it sticks/removes really well. Pressing your lips together a little as you apply it helps keep the tape from getting damp.
tHanks for this tip @@marthabakry7353
(I wonder if Home Depot will take back this industrial roll of duct tape......I only used a little ) @@marthabakry7353 Have a great weekend!
Here's something I did that worked. I simply told my subconscious to keep my mouth shut while I slept. It works. And if you wake up for a moment in the middle of the night, notice that you are doing it. It reinforces it. I haven't snored or drooled on a pillow in over 15 years. My girlfriend sometimes thinks I'm dead because I sleep so quietly. lol.
In the same way you can instruct what time in the morning to wake up?
@@ThomasDoubting5 Exactly 😊
@@Tyrell_Corp2019 How do you do that?
@@Blue-Mo0n My father was one of those people who woke up without an alarm clock no matter how late he went to bed. He told me that he just 'told himself' to wake up at that time. This is a real phenomenon.
So when I began snoring and whatnot in my sleep, I simply told myself to keep my mouth closed before sleeping. It really does work. And like I said, at first when you do this, you may wake up for a moment. Pay attention to your mouth. If it's open, mindfully close it and remind yourself. You will create this habit. I promise.
If you think about it, you and 'your subconscious' are one and the same. You can do it. Try it. You've got nothing to lose. ✌
@@Tyrell_Corp2019 I see. I'm into manifestation myself but I wanted to make sure I got it right. I have difficulty manifesting even simple things but I will give it a try. Thanks 👍
As someone has mentioned already below - keeping mouth shut with tongue on roof of mouth instead of mouth half open- makes the lower jaw and bones of middle face to grow better and more defined. People that snore can be overweight and middleaged (the sterotype) but an expert on this said the one single thing they ALL have in common is small lower jaws. People actually get surgery to make the jaw longer and protrude out more not only for looks but it helps to prevent snoring and breathing problems at night.
It’s a great idea - tried it, works, helped with my sleep apnea.
Thanks for sharing! So glad it’s worked for you!what type of tape do you use?
@@TheScienceofSelfCare MEDIC + clear securing tape … perfect , easy to remove , it is perforated too. It is designed to attach bandages, gauze and other dressings around wounds. Not sure what product is sold in other country’s but that is the reference.
@@No2AI This is super helpful! Thanks for these details. ☺️ Happy snoozing 💤
Been taping for about 3 weeks now; still working a few things out but the last couple nights I've made it without removing the tape. I need to be prevented from opening my lips at all while I sleep or else I'll start mouth-breathing again. This led to to shaving off my beard for better adhesion. I also need a nasal strip to get over congestion, plus steroid nasal spray. I'll often put on some Vick's vaporub for even more help breathing.
I have been sleeping with my mouth taped for a year now. The only time my mouth opens during sleep is when I am on my back, and I know this because I wake up with a very dry mouth. Taping stops that. I use 3M Micropore Surgical Paper Tape, just a short strip vertically over my lips. It has stopped the dry mouth but sadly, I can't see any other difference, including better memory.
I do the same thing, from James Nestor's Breath book. I'm hoping it helps dehydration and constipation. At least I won't wake up because of a dry mouth. Sometimes I break it open anyway. It's not really the tape that keeps your mouth closed, but your lips kind of seal together if you hold them closed long enough, lol. I also have these light bulbs that I can turn amber at night.
I took up mouth taping recently, after I accidently came across the book by James Nestor titled "the science of the lost art of breathing". I have no problem understanding you, and I recommend it to everyone. I certainly take every chance I get to encourage my family and friends to do it every night. But you of course do it with with so much ease and very friendly manner. I am sharing your video within my family. Thank you
I use scar tape to hold my mouth closed at night. It has the added benefit of hydrating my lips.
Also, one reason to breathe through the nose is an increase of nitric oxide available to the body. Nitric oxide is created in the nose.
Tried this a week ago. My beautiful young bride has complained about my snoring for over 20 years. Now she doesn't. However, I was worried because the tape kept coming off. Now, I am not so worried.
Using my Fitbit I can see a direct correlation between my resting heart rate and the nights im congested and not breathing well, basically my heart rate doesn’t drop as it should…. Clear nose and cool air from an open window makes a huge difference, to the point 80% of my sleep is below my resting heart rate, and therefore more restorative. Fitbits sleep stats shows you all this.
If you're afraid of the tape, try mewing. I started it out of a somewhat cynical desire to debunk the trend. I don't think it will actually change my dental arch, but I'm going to keep doing it because it helps keep my mouth shut at night and I do feel like I sleep better.
Not sure if it is good to put non-medical tape on your mouth. Those adhesives could contain all sorts of things. James Nestor, author of the book Breathe, recommends medical tape, 3M Durapore (which is surgical tape) to be exact and it works great and you don't need to fear getting toxic chemicals into your mouth and on your skin.
Mouth tapes works, nose breathing is correct technique.
It’s amazing how “Medical” expertise never discusses Basic Yoga Yoga Breathing Technique.
They sell ($$$$$) a device that straps on the face, lifts the lower jaw forward and is very uncomfortable to wear while sleeping.
Breathing technique should be part of the school personal health curriculum.
I can't use mouth tape, or cpap, because my nasal passages close up in the middle of the night, forcing me to mouth breath, unless I take a decongestant every night before bed. I have moderate sleep apnea, but I find that sleeping with my head and shoulders propped up at an angle seems to help quite a bit.
Me too my with my allergies I can barely breath out of one nostril sometimes
Try to eat Low Carb and take a Thymus Glandular Supplement
Try a breath right strip?
@@Donnamg100 I've tried those, and they they do help a bit, but I think my problem might be allergies.
I recommend taping then relaxing by reading before lights off. This will reduce your need for a big breath shortly after taping.
I’m pretty sure I mostly breathe through my nose anyway because If my nose is blocked I can’t sleep, I feel like I’m gonna have a panic attack in fact because I can’t breathe properly.
i've been doing this for 10 years. at first you are nervous and think you need x tape or something special. actually the best is micropore tape. just rip to the right size. wash your mouth area and dry. if it's too sticky stick and tear off from your arm before applying. after a week you will love it.
I decided to start using mouth tape because my dentist told me mouth breathing is bad for oral hygiene. I have a severe overbite so it hard to keep my mouth closed. Mouth tape really does help me sleep better, and it keeps my teeth feeling clean from the night before (no plaque). I also find that sleeping on my left side with a body pillow has significantly improved my quality of sleep. But I do use a special pillow that keeps me from sleeping on my arm so, that's also a big factor in it.
Thanks for sharing your story!! What type of tape do you use?
@@TheScienceofSelfCare the black electrical tape 😅 I was thinking that I should try duct tape since that’s what they use on peoples’ mouths in movies 🤔
@@inhabitantofearth 😂😂 solid reasoning!! I have been using scotch tape recently and it’s pretty good! But I’m excited to try more options
I have a mild case of sleep apnea and was prescribed a CPAP machine I could not keep my mouth closed at night making my mouth and tongue very dry, awful!!! You cannot use a CPAP machine with your mouth open. I use a face mask but even with the mask I cannot keep my mouth closed. Chin straps do not work for me. I tried a tape called Cover Tape it is 2" wide and 10 yards long I cut them in about 3 1/2" lengths and cut them in half to make it 1" x 3 1/2". I turn down the corners on one long side of the tape for easy removal. The tape has a cloth texture so it also helps hold my face mask in place as well, that is why I make it 3 1/2" long. It removes very easy and does not leave a residue. I also put lip balm on my lips and a little above and below my lip line (not to high or low as the tape needs to stick to your skin). To keep the adhesive off my lips and it also makes it easier to remove the tape. The best thing about the tape is that my mouth does not dry out. There is a humidifier on the CPAP machine I set it at about 2%. I have an option with my machine to use only the nasal cover but the air pressure on the tape without the face mask my cheeks puff out and cause the tape to loosen and my mouth and tongue also dry out. That is why I prefer the face mask. I feel the tape is a great asset in keeping my mouth closed as I am able to sleep well when I use it.
I been mouth taping consistently for the last several weeks. I use hostage tape and a nose strip this tape works well with my skin and holds through the night. I will release it half way sometimes but that has been lessening the more I use it. I've noticed that my nasal passage is clearer longer throughout the day and my allergies are less extreme. I also find myself breathing through my nose more throughout the day. It is definitely a cleaner breath and I sleep better with it on!
since I started. my gums don't bleed anymore when I go to brush my teeth in the morning.
Thank you, just starting out with my journey mouth taping. Great video, very clear!!
I have done this for over a year and it's improved my sleep so much. Especially since I have a plastic brace in my month beacuse I bite together during sleep so I can't really keep my month close without the tape.
Yes! It truly makes such a difference. Thanks for sharing ✨
I started doing this almost 15 years ago when I was in college and got super into paleo diet and evolutionary biology and Weston A Price's studies and such. But then stopped after a few months just from forgetting (ADHD?) and doing other things in life. Now that it's come around and become trendy in the health scene and I'm experiencing some negative health issues that this could have helped with, I feel so angry at myself for not continuing on with it. I wonder how much it would have helped had I been doing it for all this time. I know there is no use in getting upset about it, but gosh I just wish I had had the hindsight to keep going.
Turbinates are literally mini conditioners for the air going into our lungs and hairs help catch things from entering into the deeper passages, similar to eyelashes for our eyes :) in college I got to work with cadavers and the nasal passages are so fun!
That is so cool!! Thanks for sharing! I also got the work with cadavers in college and it was my favorite part of the whole degree. The human body is incredible ✨✨✨
Started taping my mouth shut last week with regular inexpensive 3m tape. I use a cpap machine with a full-face mask. I've been getting dry mouth so badly. The tape is allowing me to breathe only through my nose and I'm getting better sleep now!
I am using a mouth piece originally for bruxism but it forces me to breath on my nose during the night as well. It put my jaw into alignment in 6 month (not without pain and blood).. BUT throat soreness, back pain is gone. It helped with asthetics and health. I don't wake up anymore with my teeth clattering or my jaw hurting. My only concern is that i can not live without it now!
Im always scared of a spider or other insects going into my mouth while sleeping.
I found this all a little odd and then I remembered I've been wearing Breathe Right nasal strips on my nose since the 1990's. Every night before I go to sleep! It has really done a lot to make my sinuses flow properly and not get clogged up, and helps me sleep well -- breathing through my nose!
I've been tapping my mouth for a few years. I didn't really know what my nose was about until I was 7 years old. My dad brought a person home who had a nose vacuum cleaner. I was shocked !! It took at least 50 years to learn properly how to breath, I'm 70 years. It's a conscience effort, but I'm getting good at it. Life is not good being a mouth breather.
I seem to be more calm in my sleeping when I tape. I don’t get as dry either. I had lost a lot of moisture through my mouth at night.
Mouth taping at night is a real game changer though you didn't share a vital tip. When first starting its *very* helpful to use Breathe Right nasal strips to hold your nostrils more open. Before I learned that I tried and failed to adapt to mouth taping. Another video gave me that tip and it works! You don't need to use nasal strips very long, just a few weeks while you adjust to breathing through your nose at night.
Been using mouth tape for about 4 months now. So far, I like it. I should point out that I also use “Breathe-Right” strips, which hold my nose open. The combination seems to work well, and I seem to be sleeping better. Also, it seems to cut down on snoring.
I’ve been taping only for like a week Last night I forgot but still slept with mouth closed. I’m a believer.
I know a lot of people who should tape their mouth during the day. Joke beside. Never heard of this before. But makes kind of sense.
I’ve already purchased mouth tape and I’m gonna use it for the first time tonight. I get sick all the time, it is actually ridiculous so I hope that this can help
if you are worried about not being able to breath with mouth tape, because you get nasal congestion, you can start with using a BreathRight strip on your nose too... then one night you will forget to put that on, and realize you'll be fine with just the mouth tape... or just keep using the nasal strip too.
I always wanted to leave this world oxygen starved and choking on a piece of tape. Will try it out.
Just started a week ago. First night I woke up with a panic at 4am and quickly ripped it off. Skin hurt from that but night 2 and on, it's been a breeze. This is the first time in my life that I am falling asleep and waking up in the EXACT same position. Wild!
I sleep with mouth taped too.
I wear it the day time too on weekends sometimes. I just like the stillness of not talking.
Here's a good book if you haven't read it. Breath by James Nestor.
He interviewed scientists and doctors about benefits of nasal breathing.
For nasal or lung congestion:
Inhale nasally, then on exhale, hum with mouth closed like chanting Om or Aum with emphasis on the mmmmm.
Using the deepest lowest frequency tone is best.
I chanted Ommmmm for 10 minutes. After a couple of minutes, my nose started running a lot. I kept going and my nasal congestion was 90% gone.
My lung congestion was loosening and I was able to bring up a lot. I just kept humming a total of 25 minutes. My lungs were 60% clear.
Three or four times I did the humming that day...whenever it felt like congestion was starting to come back.
I felt so much better.
And feeling better is important to getting well faster.
By day 5, my fever was breaking and just mild congestion that I hummed away.
I stayed in bed all 5 days and slept a lot. That's another thing...you can rest better with less congestion.
On the 6th day, I felt good. All gone.
I took no medication except for Tylenol for the fever.
Humming is a congestion reliever I never knew about!
I hate mouth breathing while sleeping as I always wake up multiple times just because my mouth gets super dry.
Relatable! Do you use any tape?
@@TheScienceofSelfCare I tried a couple times but because I'm super lazy with shaving I hated the feeling of it pulling against my stubble (man problems, right? 🤣) I switched to a nasal spray and slowly trained myself to only nose breathe while sleeping, though it only works when I sleep on my left side. If I roll onto my right side, for some reason my nose will block up and I'll have to use my mouth again so I just avoid it 😅
@@Trinsicity Haha wow! Super interesting. Love that you trained yourself and know your body so well. I spent three weeks training myself to sleep on my back which was actually quite a commitment. Glad you’ve found what works for you!
@@TheScienceofSelfCare I'd actually love to train myself to back sleep but whenever I've tried I can just never fall asleep, which is weird because I can nap on my back during the day without issue! Would love to pick your brain on the topic over a video collab sometime. Could chat about a few other subjects as well, let me know if interested 😁
@@Trinsicity it was indeed not easy! I think you have to accept a few poor nights of sleep before things start to click into place. I do really appreciate back sleeping now. 👍 And yes-I’d love to collab! Feel free to email me: heythere@scienceofself-care.com
I’ve bought different mouth tapes from Amazon but wake up with them stuck to the bed sheet etc. I found paper tape from the Dollar Tree and it stay on all night . In the morning, when I take it off ,my lips feel dry so I put on lip balm and my lips feel great ❤
Was just advised by my dentist to breathe through my nose when I sleep to prevent tooth decay
The main thing is dry mouth causes dental decay. If you sleep with your mouth open all night you probably have cavities as a result
This. Saliva is the bodies way of protecting the teeth. When the mouth dries out, decay happens. I had no idea until I lost several teeth.
After a nighttime seizure in December I was put on a CPAP machine using nasal pillows, which blow air into my nose. Because I sleep with my mouth open, air escaped, defeating the CPAP's purpose. The solution was tape. I completely tape my mouth shut. My only allowance for fear is that I bend the tape over on itself to create a little handle that makes the tape easy to remove, if need be, as if the power goes out and the air stops flowing into my nose. My doctors have not recommended mouth taping. Nor do they seem to know much about CPAP machines. I'm in the U.S., of course.
Mouth taping has improved my sleep apnea immensely. I use an ASV bipap with a nasal mask, and my AHI is usually less rhan 3.
No mention of NO nitrous oxide ingestion from the upper airways. Most important. Look it up.
I used to sleep with a stretchey head band undet my chin and on the top of my head . To keep my mouth closed. Its good.
I wear a stretchy hair band under my chin and over the top of my head, keeps my mouth closed. For some reason as I have aged my mouth won’t stay closed when sleeping :O
Interesting tip! Thanks for sharing 🙏✨
I wish I did this instead of mewing. Breathing through your nose is way more natural than forcing your tongue at the top palate. I actually feel like I messed up my face and shifted teeth bc of the force of my tongue to my palate. I recommended people avoid mewing and instead practice mouth taping and keeping mouth closed
Do both. Mewing restores the natural space in your sinus cavity while tape trains nose breathing. Both very valuable. Read Breath by James Nestor.
I tried the tape years go and it worked, soon I was breathing through the nose without the tape. But one night I couldn't breathe during my sleep due to a stuffy nose, and although I didn't have any tape on, I couldn't open my mouth to breathe! I struggled to get air and finally woke up, gasping for air. I haven't been able to breath through my nose ever since, sigh. I think I need to figure out how to resolve sinus issues first, although I eat very healthy...
Oh no! That sounds very terrifying. Were you experiencing a type of sleep paralysis?
“Sleep paralysis occurs when the sleep cycle is shifting between stages. When you wake up suddenly from REM, your brain is awake, but your body is still in REM mode and can't move, causing you to feel like you're paralyzed. Episodes of sleep paralysis last from a few seconds to 1 or 2 minutes.” - Mount Sinai NY
Just sniff warm salt water for a min
Dry face
Tape mouth
If doesn’t work, repeat, you can do it if you try.
Tape is esp impt when one is stuffed up. Don’t give up too easily
@@TheScienceofSelfCare Thank you, possibly it was sleep paralysis. However, I've started to nose breathe during the day again, and it usually continues throughout the night.
Try to eat a low Carb diet and get a Thymus Glandular Supplement. Often the sinusissues a slightley allergies against something in your room. The Thymus is regulating your immunesystem and when you take Thymus Glandulars it will provide the right nutrients for that organ.
@@clemensh6214 perhaps
Wedge pillow works well for cutting down (sometimes eliminating) snoring.
I just trained myself to do so not only at night, but also during the day. I wake up if my mouth is open now. It’s better for your teeth. You wake up with worse bad breath when your mouth dries out and your saliva isn’t able to do it’s job.
I'm a nasal breather for every minute of my life, can confirm this isn't accurate. I still have a dry mouth and horrible breath in the a.m. (I've recorded myself sleeping over the years weird😅 I know but out of curiosity)
Can raise blood pressure at start. Silly especially if nose blocks. You need to be able to mouth breath just encase. We didn't tape 1000s of years ago
You’re missing the biggest explanatory mechanism for benefit. Nasal breathing increases production of nitric oxide which helps in vasodilation and reduces inflammation.
If I put strong mouth tape on, my mouth opens at some point during the night and I try to breathe through the tape. I have to wonder whether such a small amount of mouth tape actually prevents you from mouth breathing all night. On the other hand, some people seem to be able to avoid mouth breathing all night even without any tape (would love to see data on this), so I suppose it’s totally possible.
I try this also for a long period of time with many different types of mouth tapes,but now i have found the best tapes and they are from Eleva sports
I trained myself to nose breathe at night simply by placing my fist under my chin, then resting my chin on my fist... DON'T EVER DO THAT!!! Not because nose breathing is bad but because I ended up getting used to having my teeth clenched while I slept... I've lost 2 teeth from clenching and cannot sleep without a mouth guard.
Go for the tape - far safer alternative.
I will say one thing though... even though my mouth is almost always shut, I still drool on occasion, straight past my lips - I'm assuming this is age-related.
I wish I could. I have deviated septum and bad allergies and can barely get enough air through my nose as it is. I'd probably wake up feeling like I'm suffocating.
I am just starting out nasal breathing and use Breathe Right strips to open up my sinuses, i expect that after a while of nasal breathing the congestion will clear up.
Nice! Congrats on starting your nasal breathing journey.
I wish it was this easy :'(
I have congestion when I sleep so taping would just make it difficult or impossible to breathe while asleep
When I force myself to sleep with my mouth closed, I wake up often through the night.
Has someone monitored you to see if you're struggling with apnea?
Don't forget better dental health. Dry mouth prevents the teeth from being remineralized by the saliva. These unmineralized areas of the teeth eventually become cavities.
Great video! I have just subscribed to yiur channel. I've been taping my mouth to try and help sleep apnea as cannot stand CPAP!
You are a extremely beautiful young lady! Keep the great videos coming!!
This is such a brilliant thing that i've never thought of 😂 I have a deviated septum so I can't breathe through my nose properly on some days, especially when sleeping.
You can't really give your brain an immediate hit of oxygen. It has to go through the alveoli of the lungs to get exchanged into the blood... kinda like you can't get dropped off by the plane when your house is located before the airport :p Also, I'm trying to make sure mouth breathing isn't actually an adaptation of the body due to forward head posture reducing airflow through the nose due to pharyngeal compression. Mouth taping feels a bit aggressive on the body and I feel it reduces oxygen intake. I think by fixing the root problem, which may be postural, which may be emotionally rooted, will naturally fix the problem. Just googled it: Yes, forward head posture (FHP) can compress the pharynx and make it harder to breathe and swallow. So.. basically the body is trying to get its normal airflow in but people are shutting their mouths open and experiencing nighttime hypoxia.
Read the book Breathe by James Nestor, he has gone the extra mile on this subject. It will change the way you think about breathing forever.
What a great rec! I’ve heard good things, but your comment has now sealed the deal. Just downloaded ☺️🙏✨
I used to do that at some point not because I breathed through the mouth when I slept but because I would sleep with my mouth open and it would hurt like hell to swallow when I woke up because my throat dried out. So it probably mightn't work for everyone but how I got to not need tape was to just keep my mouth closed for a while before bed because then having my mouth open would be uncomfortable for my face muscles.
2:12 nice picture, but this does not make sense at all. The oxygen gets into the blood only through your lungs, then goes back to the left heart and is then pumped to the brain and other regions of the body. So physiologically there is no direct hit of oxygen straight from the nose into the frontal cortex. 😅
With post nasal drip from allergies and a repeatedly broken nose I would suffocate.
I’m imagining that myself.. I get congested a lot and picturing tape on my mouth makes me feel like I’ll choke on my mucus ..
Hey, 2yrs is a lot of research I’m gonna give it go !! Thkz
Still using my mouth tape to this day :) definitely recommend giving it a try!
Great video Robin.
Have you head of IBT (Inverted bed therapy) ? It's where you raise the top end of your bed by approx 6".
It's claimed to have a lot of health benefits. Maybe something for a future video. 🤔
It is easy just to cut 1" strips from 1/2" wide blue painters tape. Tape lasts amazingly long.
Love this tip!! I’ve recently been using scotch tape and it is also so effective. But I do wonder if using tapes that aren’t meant for skin is an issue long term.
So I may venture to medical tape soon… but perhaps I’ll give painter’s tape a whirl before I switch. :)
Thanks for sharing!
Open mouth breathing is often Magnesium deficiency.
Try … Mg Glycinate or
Mg Threonate.
(Not Mg Oxide unless you are constipated).
Wow! Between the LED mask and mouth tape you're transforming my well-being one video at a time!! ❤😊 Thank you!
Yayyy thanks for sharing-so happy to hear this! The little things can really add up 🥰✨