Tackling Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Mouth Taping

A Simple, Science-Backed Solution for Better Sleep

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects millions worldwide, often treated with CPAP machines to maintain airflow during sleep. However, many individuals with mild OSA are mouth breathers, which can worsen symptoms by narrowing the airway and disrupting normal breathing.

A recent clinical study published in Healthcare (Basel) (2022) explored a simple yet effective approach — mouth taping — as a non-invasive way to support better breathing and reduce sleep apnea symptoms in mild cases.

The Study and Its Approach

Researchers selected individuals with mild OSA who primarily breathed through their mouths and ensured they could comfortably tolerate mouth taping. Using a gentle, hypoallergenic silicone tape, participants were guided to keep their mouths closed during sleep, naturally promoting nasal breathing.

Over one week, participants completed home sleep tests before and after mouth taping. The study focused on key sleep metrics — including the Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) and Snoring Index (SI) — to measure changes in breathing quality and frequency of snoring.

Promising Results

The findings were impressive:

• 65% of participants showed significant improvement.

• The average AHI dropped by 47%, from 8.3 to 4.7 events per hour.

• Snoring frequency was cut in half, from 303.8 to 121.1 events per hour.

• Oxygen levels remained stable, but the oxygen desaturation index and lowest oxygen levels both improved — indicating better oxygen flow and sleep quality.

What This Means for You

For those struggling with mild OSA or snoring caused by mouth breathing, mouth taping can be an effective, drug-free way to improve breathing patterns and sleep quality. It’s a simple intervention that can be used on its own or alongside treatments like CPAP for even greater benefits.

At Breathify, our Mouth Tape is designed with skin-safe, breathable adhesive to gently encourage nasal breathing — helping you sleep deeper, snore less, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Breathe Better. Sleep Better. Live Better.

Mouth taping isn’t just a trend — it’s a science-backed tool for improving the quality of your sleep and overall well-being. If you struggle with snoring or mild sleep apnea, this simple shift in your nighttime routine could make a lasting difference.

Reference:
Lee YC, Lu CT, Cheng WN, Li HY. The Impact of Mouth-Taping in Mouth-Breathers with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Preliminary Study. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Sep 13;10(9):1755. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10091755