Mouth Taping and CPAP Therapy

Is It a Good Idea or Something to Avoid?

If you’re using CPAP therapy and have come across the trend of mouth taping, you’re definitely not alone. Social media is full of posts and videos claiming that taping your mouth shut can improve sleep, reduce dry mouth, and stop air leaks from your CPAP mask.

It sounds simple and promising - but what’s the real story?

Let’s unpack the facts, especially about combining mouth taping with CPAP therapy.

What Is Mouth Taping — And Why Do People Try It?

Mouth taping involves placing a strip of tape over your lips before bed to keep your mouth closed. The goal? To encourage breathing through your nose rather than your mouth.

For many CPAP users, especially those using nasal masks or nasal pillows, mouth breathing can cause problems.

When air leaks out through the mouth, you might experience:

• Dry mouth and throat

• Reduced effectiveness of CPAP therapy

• Poorer sleep quality

So, the logic goes: tape the mouth shut and fix the leaks.

What Does the Science Say?

A recent review looked at 10 studies involving people with sleep breathing issues like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The findings were mixed:

• Only two studies showed small improvements with mouth taping. Even then, the benefits were modest and unlikely to significantly improve symptoms or treatment outcomes.

• Four studies raised serious safety concerns, particularly the risk of asphyxiation if your nose becomes blocked while your mouth is taped.

Why is this a big deal for CPAP users?

• Nasal congestion is very common - due to allergies, colds, or the CPAP pressure itself.

• CPAP pressure can change your breathing patterns.

• If your nose blocks and your mouth is taped shut, you effectively have no safe airway for breathing.

Is Mouth Taping Ever Safe for CPAP Users?

In very specific and rare cases, it might be safe - but only if:

• You’ve been thoroughly assessed by a sleep or breathing professional.

• You have no nasal congestion or allergies.

• You tolerate the tape without irritation or skin issues.

• Your therapy is carefully monitored for air leaks and oxygen levels, for example using data from platforms like SleepHQ.

Even then, it’s not a guaranteed fix.

There are other effective options to address mouth breathing with CPAP too.

Alternatives to Mouth Taping

If you’re struggling with mouth breathing during CPAP therapy, consider these options:

• Full-face CPAP masks: Designed to cover both nose and mouth, eliminating leaks through the mouth.

• Chin straps: Help keep the jaw closed without taping the lips - best used under professional guidance.

• Check for nasal blockages: Nasal congestion could be causing you to breathe through your mouth. Treating this can make a big difference.

• Work with a CPAP expert: We can help troubleshoot leaks, dryness, and discomfort with proven solutions tailored for you.

The Bottom Line

Mouth taping might seem like an easy “hack” to improve your sleep with CPAP - but for most users, it’s risky and not backed by strong evidence. In some cases, it could even be dangerous.

If your CPAP therapy isn’t going smoothly, please don’t reach for the tape before talking to your sleep care team. There’s a safer, more effective way forward - and we’re here to help you find it.