Oral Tape Improving Sleep Quality ... Fatal for 'Obstructive Sleep Apnea'

Domestic Variety Shows Promote Oral Tape Effects on TikTok
If You Have Sleep Apnea, Consult a Specialist Before Use

[Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] Recently, as the efficacy of oral tape applied before sleep was featured on domestic variety shows, viewers' interest in oral tape has surged. In the United States, videos using oral tape are spreading through social networking services (SNS). However, an analysis has emerged stating that if one has obstructive sleep apnea, oral tape can be dangerous, and it is safer to receive a medical diagnosis before use.

According to CNN recently, Raj Dasgupta, a clinical medicine professor at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC), warned that "oral tape can be very dangerous if you have obstructive sleep apnea." He added, "The evidence for the benefits of oral taping is limited," emphasizing, "You should get a specialist's diagnosis before applying oral tape."

Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is a symptom where breathing suddenly stops during sleep. Experts say that over one billion adults aged 30 to 69 worldwide have obstructive sleep apnea, and millions live undiagnosed.

However, CNN pointed out that recent videos spreading mainly on TikTok only highlight the benefits of oral tape without mentioning the risks. A user of oral tape told CNN in an interview, "I use oral tape to keep my mouth closed every night," adding, "Sleeping well is very important for anti-aging and gives the best feeling." Another user said, "I saw it on TikTok, but I don't remember the benefits. However, it helps me sleep."

Currently, oral tape has been featured multiple times on domestic variety shows. The broadcasts included celebrities showing the effects of oral tape, such as improving sleep quality. In one show, oral tape was introduced as an essential item for singers to prevent throat dryness.

In fact, oral tape stimulates nerves to help consciously and unconsciously keep the mouth closed and breathe through the nose. According to Forbes, oral tape is recommended by experts including dentists and sleep specialists. Breathing through the mouth can cause throat dryness and pain and damage the respiratory tract, but taping the jaw keeps the mouth closed, inducing nasal breathing instead of oral breathing. Nasal breathing during sleep helps the nose purify air and regulate humidity.

However, the problem is that oral tape can be dangerous if you have sleep apnea. According to the Nose Sleep Clinic, if breathing is blocked, you need to quickly open your mouth to breathe, but if the mouth is taped shut, it becomes difficult to open the mouth immediately, making it hard to respond properly in situations like sleep apnea.

Some users also claim that if the nose is severely blocked, oral tape is ineffective and may even cause breathing difficulties. They mention that after use, lips and skin around the mouth may worsen or tape residue may be found, which can interfere with sound sleep.

Professor Dasgupta advised, "If you decide to try oral taping, don't tape it horizontally like a serial killer's hostage," adding, "Just apply it vertically with a slight touch." He also added, "There are other options to solve snoring besides oral tape, such as nasal strips and internal nasal dilators."