Researchers are warning that the growing trend of “mouth taping” during sleep—popularized by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Emma Roberts, and Jimmy Fallon—can pose serious health risks, including asphyxiation.
The practice, which involves taping the lips shut at night to prevent mouth-breathing and reduce snoring or sleep apnea symptoms, has gained popularity on social media. Supporters claim it promotes nasal breathing and better sleep quality.
However, a new analysis of 10 studies by Dr. Brian Rotenberg and colleagues at Western University found that while two studies showed slight improvement in sleep apnea severity among some patients, most found no clear benefit.
Alarmingly, four studies noted a significant risk of suffocation for individuals with blocked or restricted nasal airways due to conditions like chronic rhinitis, deviated septum, or enlarged tonsils.
The researchers, writing in PLOS One, concluded that mouth taping, though trendy and celebrity-endorsed, lacks sufficient scientific backing and can be dangerous for many people. Further research is needed to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.
