Review of Myotape for Nasal Breathing: A Myofunctional Therapist’s Perspective

Introduction As a Myofunctional Therapist, I’ve encountered numerous products aimed at improving nasal breathing during sleep. Myotape is one such product that promises to enhance sleep quality by encouraging nasal breathing. This review examines its effectiveness, comfort, and practicality based on my professional experience and user feedback.

Overview of Myotape Myotape is designed to encourage nasal breathing by gently closing the lips with light elastic tension. Unlike traditional mouth tapes that cover the lips entirely, Myotape surrounds the lips, allowing for some mouth movement. Made from hypoallergenic cotton and skin-friendly adhesive, it’s available in multiple sizes to cater to different user needs. This design aims to reduce anxiety for those new to mouth taping or who feel claustrophobic with traditional tapes​.

IMPORTANT Myotape should only be used when a person CAN breathe through their nose without struggle for 3 minutes- if they are unable, it is essential to see an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist before trying any mouth tape!

Pros of Myotape over other Mouth tapes:

  1. Comfort and Design: Myotape’s design makes it less claustrophobic, especially for those new to mouth taping or with anxiety about having their mouth fully sealed. Users have appreciated being able to open their mouths if necessary, which helps alleviate feelings of confinement
  2. Hypoallergenic Materials: The cotton and hypoallergenic adhesive reduces the risk of skin irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin. This is particularly beneficial for those who use the tape nightly and have reported minimal skin issues​.
  3. Ease of Use: It’s easy to apply and remove, and the design allows for speaking and drinking water if needed. This practical aspect has been highlighted by users who find it convenient for both nightly use and daytime practice of nasal breathing​.

Myotape’s Effectiveness Myotape promotes nasal breathing by providing gentle tension that encourages the lips to stay closed. This can improve sleep quality, less snoring, and better overall health. User reviews are mixed but generally positive, with many noting significant improvements in their sleep quality and reduction in mouth breathing.

Scientific studies on mouth taping are limited, but anecdotal evidence suggests benefits such as reduced snoring and better respiratory health.

Benefits of Nasal Breathing

Enhanced Sleep Quality and Reduced Snoring Nasal breathing has been linked to improved sleep quality. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that nasal breathing reduces snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea symptoms by maintaining open airways during sleep​ (Sleep Foundation)​​ (MyoTape)​.

Improved Respiratory Health Breathing through the nose helps filter, humidify, and warm the air before it reaches the lungs, which can reduce respiratory infections and improve overall lung function. A study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine highlighted the importance of nasal breathing in maintaining respiratory health and reducing the risk of respiratory infections​ (MyoTape)​.

Enhanced Oxygenation and Cognitive Function Nasal breathing promotes better oxygenation of the blood, which can enhance cognitive function and overall alertness. Research from the Journal of Physiology indicates that nasal breathing leads to more efficient gas exchange and higher blood oxygen levels compared to mouth breathing​ (MyoTape)​.

Dental and Oral Health Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of dental problems such as cavities and gum disease. Nasal breathing helps maintain oral moisture, protecting teeth and gums. The Journal of Dental Research has published studies linking nasal breathing to better oral health outcomes​ (MyoTape)​.

Practical Use and Comfort Applying Myotape is straightforward: simply place the tape around the lips before sleep. Many users find it comfortable, even those with facial hair, though some have reported discomfort if the tape shifts during the night. During the day, it can be used to promote nasal breathing habits while allowing for speaking and drinking​ (MyoTape)​. One user mentioned, “The tape is designed to gently encourage lip closure without covering the mouth, providing a comfortable and effective solution to common sleep issues”.

Myotape and Sleep Apnea For those with mild to moderate sleep apnea, Myotape can support better breathing patterns. However, its design might not provide sufficient resistance against the air pressure from CPAP machines, which could limit its effectiveness for some users. Therefore, those relying on CPAP might need a fully sealing tape for optimal results.

People’s First-Hand Experiences Users have reported various benefits from using Myotape. Many have noticed a reduction in snoring, improved sleep quality, and less dryness in the mouth and throat upon waking. For instance, one user shared, “This actually works. It has improved my quality of sleep drastically. It took about three weeks to adjust, it wasn’t immediate, and then I realized noticed the difference”​ (Dream Recovery)​. Another user praised its design, stating, “I have been using this tape for years and the quality has been consistent and high. It keeps your lips closed during sleep with gentle tension versus an actual lip seal which concerns many”.

However, some users have experienced issues such as skin irritation and the aforementioned sticky residue. A user noted, “Only tried it once because it left a sticky residue on my face that took several different products and 10 minutes of scrubbing to get it off”​.

Alternatives to Myotape Other options on the market include SomniFix Mouth Strips and Hush Snore Strips, which fully seal the lips and might provide a more effective solution for preventing mouth breathing. These alternatives also come with their own set of pros and cons, such as comfort levels and potential skin irritation..

Expert Opinion and Final Thoughts As an expert, I find Myotape to be a valuable tool for promoting nasal breathing, especially for those new to mouth taping or with mild breathing issues. Its unique design and hypoallergenic materials make it a good choice for many users, though it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with severe sleep apnea or a need for a completely sealed mouth.​

Picture of Emily Kirkcaldy

Emily Kirkcaldy

Emily is the Owner and Lead Clinician at Breathe First with over 20 years of experience as a Speech and Language Therapist, dedicating the last 5 years to Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders and breath Re-Education. Emily is a certified myofunctional therapist, specializing in improving oral function and breathing techniques. With a passion for helping people achieve optimal health through myofunctional therapy, she focuses on exercises that enhance tongue posture, speech clarity, and breathing patterns. Emily combines her expertise with a patient-centered approach, offering tailored therapies for individuals with sleep apnea, speech issues, and oral-facial muscle dysfunction. She is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of proper oral health and functional breathing.
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