If you have a TikTok account or like staying up to date on wellness trends, you’ve probably heard of mouth tape for snoring and its other alleged benefits.
Although it may sound weird, minimizing mouth breathing, at least while you sleep, may have some health perks, which is one of the reasons people are reaching for items like Hostage Tape before they go to bed.
A favorite of struggling snorers and those who toss and turn throughout the night, the lightweight and easy-to-apply tape has a sturdy grip that won’t shift while you doze. It has thousands of five-star reviews from folks who swear it’s helped them sleep better and a 30-piece pack only costs $25.
For those who are a fan of the Neuroscientist and Podcaster Andrew Huberman, you’re probably familiar with the ‘evil’ which is mouth breathing.
Huberman, known for his Sleep Cocktail (not very different from the “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” one of our Features Editors tried), as well as his morning routine, which includes taking a walk and drinking Athletic Greens, has spoken at length on why people should breathe through their nose — not their mouth.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, those who mouth breath may develop ailments such as sleep apnea or dental issues, including malocclusion. No wonder mouth taping has become so buzzy in the wellness sphere.
Adding Hostage Tape to your nighttime routine may:
While there isn’t an abundance of studies on mouth taping, there have been a few.
In one 2022 study published in Healthcare, researchers found that those with mild sleep apnea experienced a significant reduction in symptoms when sleeping with an adhesive tape.
What makes Hostage Tape a favorite of ours and many others is that it’s made with hypoallergenic fabric and is flexible, so you won’t feel like you have something stiff strapped to your face.
For those who can’t fathom sleeping with something on their pucker, the brand also has nose strips. Some even use them while running, as there has been some evidence that they may help one’s athletic performance.
Hostage Tape has stellar reviews with many praising it for improving their sleep, and increasing their energy because of the extra Zzzs.
If the hostage tape reviews have made you curious but you’re not sure how safe it is, you’ll be happy to know that the company does offer a 100% money back guarantee. And unless you have a nasal obstruction, you should be good to go.
Note, it’s always smart to discuss with your doctors any lifestyle changes you plan to make. Although there has been a study indicating that mouth taping may help those with OSA, some physicians don’t recommend it.
If you’re thinking about using something like duct tape as a hostage tape alternative, we’d suggest thinking long and hard. After all, it’s made for boxes — not skin. Trust us, your face will thank you if you avoid it. More importantly, thousands of folks believe Hostage Tape is the best mouth tape around, which boost our confidence.