Why I Started Taping My Mouth (and Why You Might Want To, Too)

Mouth taping might sound like something out of a strange wellness trend, but it's rooted in real science—and it's been a total game-changer for me. Earlier this year, I started using Oi Tape’s vented version (because yes, I was terrified I’d suffocate in my sleep), and the difference has been undeniable. Not only is my sleep deeper, but my jawline looks like I’ve been contouring in my dreams.

Let’s unpack the why behind this surprisingly simple practice.

The Science of Mouth Taping

Mouth taping encourages nasal breathing during sleep, which is how we were biologically designed to breathe. When we breathe through our nose, we activate nitric oxide production, which plays a key role in oxygen delivery, immune defense, and even blood pressure regulation. Mouth breathing bypasses all of this, leading to a host of downstream health issues—many of which most people don’t realize stem from the mouth.

Mouth, Gut, and the Whole Body Connection

Here’s the kicker: gut health starts in the mouth. Saliva is full of enzymes that begin breaking down food before it ever reaches the stomach. When you’re chronically mouth breathing, your mouth dries out, decreasing saliva production and messing with your oral microbiome. That imbalance doesn’t just cause bad breath—it disrupts your gut microbiome, leading to inflammation, poor digestion, and even immunity issues.

5 Overlooked Symptoms That Point to Mouth Dysfunction

If you’re dealing with any of these and haven’t looked at your breathing habits, it’s time:

1. Frequent Cavities or Gum Disease – Dry mouth = less protective saliva = more bad bacteria.

2. Snoring or Sleep Apnea – Mouth breathing changes the airway posture, making snoring and disrupted breathing more likely.

3. Brain Fog or Daytime Fatigue – Poor oxygen exchange during sleep means your brain and body don’t fully recharge.

4. Bad Posture and Facial Structure Changes – Chronic mouth breathing can actually change the shape of your jaw and neck over time.

5. Digestive Issues – Chewing and proper saliva production kick off digestion; without it, everything downstream suffers.

   
   

Why I Use Oi Tape

When I first heard about mouth taping, I thought, “Nope. That’s a hard pass.” The idea of sealing my mouth shut felt unsafe. But then I found Oi Tape’s vented version, which allows airflow while still promoting nasal breathing. That first night? I woke up without a dry mouth—for the first time in years. A few weeks in, my sleep quality improved, I stopped waking up bloated, and my face? Less puffy, more snatched. It’s one of those little habits that adds up in a big way.

If you’re curious about supporting your gut, improving sleep, and giving your jawline a subtle lift while you rest, mouth taping might be your new favorite low-effort wellness tool. And trust me—start vented. Start slow. But start. Your whole body will thank you.

iO vented mouth tape