Can mouth taping really improve your sleep? Pulmonologist explains the benefits, risks, and who should avoid it

Dr Prasanna Kumar, HOD and consultant in respiratory medicine at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru, says mouth taping involves sealing the lips with skin-safe tape to force nasal breathing, which filters air, adds moisture, and may ease dry mouth or light snoring.

Mouth taping is not universally safe; Dr Prasanna warns against it for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, COPD, chronic nasal congestion, allergies, deviated septum, GERD, or cardiac conditions.

Risks include potential oxygen level drops if the nose cannot compensate, which can cause panic awakenings and disrupted sleep, as the mouth serves as a backup airway.

The practice gained popularity on social media as a sleep hack for deep sleep and reduced snoring, but Dr Prasanna advises scrutiny before use.