It’s thought that around 1 in 15 Americans struggle with sleep apnea, leaving many of us searching for answers, either for ourselves or our partners.
Sleep apnea involves disruptions to breathing while you sleep, causing you to wake up repeatedly during the night, even if you may not be aware of it. The disorder can either be mild or result in potentially serious complications.
If you struggle with mild sleep apnea, mouth taping is one effective solution to improve your sleep quality.
Mouth tape can help keep your airway open by encouraging nasal breathing, reducing snoring, and alleviating symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Mouth taping can also improve the effectiveness of CPAP treatment for sleep apnea.
In this guide, we'll explore the best mouth tapes for sleep apnea, helping you make an informed decision to enhance your sleep quality and overall well-being.
For more insights, check out our detailed article on the best mouth tape for sleeping.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Mouth Tape for Sleep Apnea
Selecting the right mouth tape for sleep apnea requires consideration of several factors.
Firstly, it’s essential to ensure the tape has a strong yet comfortable adhesive that won't irritate your skin. Look for a medical-grade tape that is made from hypoallergenic materials to avoid any allergic reactions.
The tape should provide a secure fit to keep your mouth closed throughout the night, promoting nasal breathing.
Additionally, if you use a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, it’s better to use a mouth tape without a central vent as found in some mouth tape designs. This is because the pressurized air from the machine can escape through this vent.
For other alternative options to CPAP therapy, visit our article on CPAP alternatives.
Best Overall Mouth Tape for Sleep Apnea - Dream Recovery Mouth Tape
Dream Recovery Mouth Tape stands out as the best overall choice for sleep apnea sufferers.
Its strong, sturdy adhesive ensures it stays in place all night even while using a CPAP machine, while its unique use of luxuriously soft organic bamboo silk is gentle on your skin, hypoallergenic, and easy to remove in the mornings without any pain.
Users of Dream Recovery Mouth Tape praise its comfortable fit and effectiveness in eliminating mouth breathing, reducing snoring, and improving sleep quality.
Here’s what customers have to say:
“My sleep has been so much better lately since I started using Dream Mouth Tape! I was skeptical but I also was so exhausted so I decided to try it out. It’s been a game-changer. The tape is comfortable, it doesn’t come off while I sleep EVER, and is easy to get off. I highly recommend giving it a try. I don’t remember the last time I woke myself up from snoring!”
- Amanda G.
“I have been using Dream for months now and it has transformed my rest and recovery. For me, sleep is all about how can I get the most out of the little time I have. Dream allows me to get more out of my sleep. It is easy, effective, and impactful!”
- Hunter J.
Try Dream Recovery Mouth Tape Now.
Best for Beards - Hostage Tape
Hostage Tape is an excellent choice for sleep apnea sufferers who also have beards.
Its super-strength adhesive sticks effectively to facial hair, ensuring it stays on throughout the night without the need for adjustments.
This means that it can effectively reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms by promoting undisrupted nasal breathing.
It’s important to note that while Hostage Tape does claim to be made from hypoallergenic materials, some individuals still experience some redness, irritation, and tape residue upon removal in the morning.
Best for CPAP Users - PAP MD
PAP MD mouth tape is specifically designed for those with sleep apnea who are also using CPAP machines as a part of their treatment.
Its special adhesive formula and larger tape size ensure it stays in place even with the added airflow from the CPAP machine.
PAP MD tape is also latex-free and hypoallergenic to avoid skin irritation. However, some users do experience pain upon removing the tape in the morning, particularly those with beards or facial hair. The larger tape size might also be too big for individuals with smaller mouths and faces.
These cons aside, the effective adhesive and ease of application make PAP MD mouth strips one of the top choices for CPAP users seeking to enhance their treatment and reduce mouth breathing.
Best for Your Budget - 3M Nexcare Medical Tape
3M Nexcare Medical Tape is a cheaper option when compared to some other mouth tapes, making it great for those on a budget.
It has a strong adhesion to ensure it stays on all night for uninterrupted benefits for sleep apnea while being made from hypoallergenic materials that are suitable for sensitive skin.
While it is not specifically designed for mouth taping, it can still be used for this purpose, however, it will need to be cut into strips before being applied, making it less convenient. It also may not adhere to beards that well.
Best for Beginners - Myotape
Myotape is ideal for those new to mouth taping, especially if you struggle with claustrophobia or you’re feeling anxious about having your mouth shut completely at first.
You see, unlike other mouth tape designs, Myotape doesn’t cover the lips, but rather surrounds them and helps to pull them together using elastication. This mechanism helps to prevent mouth breathing but still allows you to open your mouth if needed.
However, since the mouth is not sealed properly, it might not be the best option for those who use CPAP treatment for sleep apnea, since the pressurized air from the machine can cause your mouth to open.
How Mouth Tape Can Help with Sleep Apnea & Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing can worsen sleep apnea by increasing the likelihood of the tissues surrounding your throat collapsing inwards, which can obstruct your airway and reduce the quality of your sleep.
By using a high-quality mouth tape, you can promote nasal breathing, which helps keep the airway open and reduces sleep apnea symptoms and snoring.
Studies on mouth taping and nasal breathing have shown that it improves oxygen levels, reduces snoring in those with sleep apnea, and enhances sleep quality. (1) (2) (3)
This evidence means that many experts support the use of mouth tape as a non-invasive method to help manage sleep mild sleep apnea.
Tips for Using Mouth Tape Effectively for Sleep Apnea
To get the most out of your mouth tape for sleep apnea you’ll need to ensure a proper fit and seal. Washing the area around your mouth first before applying your tape can help to improve the adhesion.
You can combine mouth tape with other treatments for sleep apnea, such as using a CPAP machine, for optimal results.
While mouth tape is considered very safe, it’s always advised to consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your routine, especially if you struggle with sleep apnea or any other sleep disorders.
You should also not use mouth tape if you can’t breathe out of your nose. Check out our articles on the common causes of waking up with a stuffy nose and why you can’t breathe through your nose when you sleep to learn more.
Conclusion
Choosing the right mouth tape can be a real game-changer for managing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, as well as improving the efficacy of CPAP treatment.
Dream Recovery Mouth Tape is our top recommendation for its strong adhesive, luxuriously comfortable fit, and hypoallergenic materials.
Hostage Tape, PAP MD, 3M Nexcare Tape, and Myotape also make good options for sleep apnea, depending on your unique needs and preferences.
Remember, if you suffer from sleep apnea, it’s always important to discuss using mouth tape with your healthcare provider first.