Viral phenomena can radically change our routines, as is the case with the practice known as "mouth taping," a method that encourages nasal breathing during sleep by using adhesive tape on the mouth.
Advocates of "mouth taping" highlight the multiple benefits of nasal breathing, such as improving mood, digestion, and reducing oral issues, although these claims lack sufficient scientific support.
Experts warn of the risks and emphasize the lack of solid evidence regarding the supposed benefits of this practice.
The growing popularity of this technique has raised concerns among healthcare professionals, who stress that nasal breathing is beneficial but question the effectiveness of "mouth taping." Additionally, there are potential dangers, such as skin irritations and other associated risks.
For patients with sleep apnea, "mouth taping" has shown some improvements in limited studies, but experts recommend proven treatments like sleeping on the side, avoiding alcohol, and in more severe cases, using CPAP.
Sleep apnea, a prevalent and underdiagnosed condition, can lead to serious complications if not properly treated.
Several consulted physicians agreed that "mouth taping" may be an intermediate option in certain cases of mild apnea, but they emphasized the importance of proper medical evaluation and warned of risks of severe complications such as hypoxia.
In a 2022 study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the effect of "mouth taping" on patients with obstructive sleep apnea who breathe through the mouth was analyzed.
The results showed certain benefits such as reduced snoring and apneas in mild cases, suggesting it could be a preliminary alternative before resorting to more invasive treatments like CPAP or surgery. However, the study sample was small and lacked a comprehensive evaluation of sleep quality.
Physicians have noted that, while it may offer some benefits in specific cases of mild apnea, the scientific evidence is limited and further research is needed.
Furthermore, they warned of risks in patients with gastroesophageal reflux or other conditions that may complicate breathing.
From universities and hospitals in the U.S., it has been highlighted that, although "mouth taping" shows theoretical promise, the scientific literature is still scarce, and more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Experts emphasize that it is not a universal solution and should be considered with caution.
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