Why I Tape My Mouth Shut Every night Before Bed
Yeah, I know, it sounded weird to me at first too. Mouth taping? What is this? I am here to explain. I first heard about mouth taping on a podcast a few months ago and was very intrigued/curious after hearing about the benefits. Mouth taping is exactly what it sounds like, taping your mouth while you sleep. Don’t worry, you are not using the packing tape from your kitchen drawer. This is medical grade, skin safe, mouth tape. I got mine on Amazon. If you snore, this is a must try. I have used breath strips, nasal inhalers, humidifiers and while all of things definitely help, nothing works as efficiently as mouth tape.
While my husband is grateful for the peaceful night, snore free, I am not using these just to stop snoring. That wouldn’t be enough of a reason for me. I know you are probably thinking, this looks so uncomfortable. I thought the same thing. These are actually VERY comfortable. I don’t even notice it. I have a lot going on while I sleep though. Let me paint you a picture. We got a breathe strip on the nose, mouth guard for the teeth (really helps if you grind your teeth), mouth tape and an eye mask.
Sean isn’t scared of me or anything. LOL
Let’s dive into why I chose to add this to my already intense night routine. Nasal breathing is critical for our overall health. Research has shown in children, mouth breathing can cause crooked teeth, facial deformities or poor growth. Mouth breathing can dry out your gums and the tissue that lines your mouth. Increases airway infections, like sinus infections and bad breath. We breathe unknowingly constantly, so it can be hard to break this habit if you find your-self mouth breathing through out the day.
Now that you are aware of the benefits, you can make a conscious effort to breathe deeply through your nose and reap in the benefits. Sometimes through out my day, I will find myself breathing through my mouth, and I immediately correct my technique. At least at night, I can wear the tape and ensure my mouth is closed. This is when I really want to ensure I am getting the most of out of my inhales and exhales.
Breathing through your nose can help filter out dust and allergens, boost your oxygen uptake, and humidify the air your breath in. Your lungs fully expand when your breathe through your nose and you are able to extract more oxygen through the air. I have consciously made an effort to nasal breathe as much as I can. While I do my long walks I focus on my breathe and try to keep my mouth closed as often as I can, unless I am chatting on the phone or walking with someone. But, even then, I focus on my breathing.
What I have found by taping my mouth, I am getting a better night’s rest. Getting in a deeper sleep (until the furry creatures wake me up), waking up more rested and clear headed, having more energy through out the day and less sinus congestion overall. My husband and I have some slight indoor/outdoor allergies so sometimes I just need to breathe and on those nights I don’t use them, but overall they have really helped and are a nice addition to my nightly routine.
*Funny story- Sean wanted to use these on the first night with me. He quickly felt uncomfortable as soon as he put the tape on, then proceeded to remove the tape. OUCH! He pretty much waxed his stash. I was dying of laughter, while he was in “man pain”. So if you have facial hair, maybe shave first so you don’t do what he did. He hasn’t tried them since, LOL. I think he’s traumatized.
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Till next week, friends.
XO,
Charlene
