Is the TikTok trend of taping your mouth shut before bed effective or just dangerous?
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We’ve seen some pretty weird and wonderful trends come out of TikTok over the past year or so, but this one that took over people’s feeds might just be the most bizarre – and potentially dangerous – yet.
The trend in question is called ‘mouth taping’, and it involves taping your mouth shut before bed to encourage nose breathing during sleep.
Sounds simple enough, right?
But there’s a lot more to it than that. Some people are convinced that mouth taping can help with a whole host of problems associated with mouth breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea.
One expert couldn’t disagree more.
'This is one of the most dangerous trends I’ve heard of in some time, and I’m quite concerned that it is being advocated as a "health" trend,' said US-based doctor Dr David Culpepper in an interview.
He added: ‘To put it quite simply, intentionally obstructing your airways during sleep is a terrible idea.’
Culpepper also advised against ‘mouth taping’ for those afflicted with sleep apnea or allergies, who could pose potentially fatal results.
‘I would urge anyone considering mouth-taping to reconsider — and if you are experimenting with this dangerous trend, you should stop,’ he urged.
Despite warnings issued against the perplexing craze, it appears many still want to give it a try.
On TikTok, the hashtag ‘#mouthtaping’ has accumulated 34.5 million views and many videos claiming the trend has done them wonders.
In one such post, health coach Cory Rodriguez, also known as user @healthywithcory, swears by ‘mouth taping’.
‘I tape my mouth shut every night before I sleep,’ he began.
Cory used a custom piece for his mouth tape, but he also recommended adhesives like medical tape as an alternative. (Duct tape and similar kinds are a no-no.)
‘The goal is to breathe through your nose… this is going to help your oral health, it’s going to help you sleep, it’s going to help dry mouth and snoring because you’re humidifying and moisturising the air,’ he explained.
The post has more than 300,000 hearts (likes), almost 4000 comments, and over 17,000 shares.
Many users agreed with Cory’s assertions.
One wrote: ‘It actually works for me. Been doing this for a long time. Deep sleep, no snoring, I wake up feeling fresh.'
‘It is life-changing… best sleep of my life,’ added another.
Others, however, just weren’t convinced.
‘I would love to try this but I live alone and with my sinus issues I’d simply suffocate,’ the top comment read.
‘Yeah, tape up your backup oxygen supply when you put the breathing on autopilot. Clever,’ one sceptic pointed out.
It is safe to say at this point that the jury is still out as to whether or not this frankly bizarre TikTok trend is safe and effective, partly since studies so far are based on anecdotal evidence.
While we await more conclusive evidence, perhaps it’s best to err on the side of caution and — at least temporarily — ditch the nighttime tape.
Speaking of trends, you might want to check these stories out
What’s your take on this particular TikTok trend, members? Is it something you’d like to try? Or would you rather internet trends like this stop?
Share your thoughts and opinions with us below!
The trend in question is called ‘mouth taping’, and it involves taping your mouth shut before bed to encourage nose breathing during sleep.
Sounds simple enough, right?
But there’s a lot more to it than that. Some people are convinced that mouth taping can help with a whole host of problems associated with mouth breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea.
One expert couldn’t disagree more.
'This is one of the most dangerous trends I’ve heard of in some time, and I’m quite concerned that it is being advocated as a "health" trend,' said US-based doctor Dr David Culpepper in an interview.
He added: ‘To put it quite simply, intentionally obstructing your airways during sleep is a terrible idea.’
Culpepper also advised against ‘mouth taping’ for those afflicted with sleep apnea or allergies, who could pose potentially fatal results.
‘I would urge anyone considering mouth-taping to reconsider — and if you are experimenting with this dangerous trend, you should stop,’ he urged.
Despite warnings issued against the perplexing craze, it appears many still want to give it a try.
On TikTok, the hashtag ‘#mouthtaping’ has accumulated 34.5 million views and many videos claiming the trend has done them wonders.
In one such post, health coach Cory Rodriguez, also known as user @healthywithcory, swears by ‘mouth taping’.
‘I tape my mouth shut every night before I sleep,’ he began.
Cory used a custom piece for his mouth tape, but he also recommended adhesives like medical tape as an alternative. (Duct tape and similar kinds are a no-no.)
‘The goal is to breathe through your nose… this is going to help your oral health, it’s going to help you sleep, it’s going to help dry mouth and snoring because you’re humidifying and moisturising the air,’ he explained.
The post has more than 300,000 hearts (likes), almost 4000 comments, and over 17,000 shares.
Many users agreed with Cory’s assertions.
One wrote: ‘It actually works for me. Been doing this for a long time. Deep sleep, no snoring, I wake up feeling fresh.'
‘It is life-changing… best sleep of my life,’ added another.
Others, however, just weren’t convinced.
‘I would love to try this but I live alone and with my sinus issues I’d simply suffocate,’ the top comment read.
‘Yeah, tape up your backup oxygen supply when you put the breathing on autopilot. Clever,’ one sceptic pointed out.
It is safe to say at this point that the jury is still out as to whether or not this frankly bizarre TikTok trend is safe and effective, partly since studies so far are based on anecdotal evidence.
While we await more conclusive evidence, perhaps it’s best to err on the side of caution and — at least temporarily — ditch the nighttime tape.
Speaking of trends, you might want to check these stories out
- Stylish or unprofessional? Gen Z employees are dressing ‘sexy’ at work
- Experts issue a warning about a potentially DEADLY TikTok trend
- Why you DON’T actually need an ‘internal shower’ to ease constipation: Nutritionists debunk latest TikTok trend about a lemon cleanse
What’s your take on this particular TikTok trend, members? Is it something you’d like to try? Or would you rather internet trends like this stop?
Share your thoughts and opinions with us below!
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