Understanding Myotape Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Mouth taping has moved from niche sleep forums to mainstream conversation with remarkable speed. Among the products getting the most attention is Myotape, a lip tape designed to encourage nasal breathing without fully sealing the mouth. Interest is high, and so are the questions about side effects, safety and who should use it.

A clear view helps. Side effects with Myotape and other mouth tapes range from mild skin irritation to more serious issues for people with underlying breathing or sleep disorders. Many users tolerate it well, yet a good outcome depends on smart selection, careful testing and a realistic look at risks.

A quick primer on mouth taping and how Myotape differs

Mouth taping is used to promote nasal breathing during sleep. The thinking is simple. Nose breathing supports humidification, filtration and nitric oxide production, which together can benefit airway comfort. People who mouth breathe at night often report snoring, dry mouth and disrupted sleep. Taping aims to reduce that.

Traditional mouth tape strips go directly across closed lips. Myotape is a little different. It is shaped to sit around the lips and gently draw them together, leaving a central gap so you can part the lips if needed. That design matters for safety and comfort, and it changes the risk profile.

Not all tapes are created equal:

Standard paper or fabric medical tapes use acrylic adhesives and can be quite sticky.
Silicone-based or hydrocolloid tapes tend to be gentler on sensitive skin.
Surrounding designs like Myotape aim to reduce full occlusion and skin exposure on the lips themselves.

No tape substitutes for a medical evaluation in people with suspected sleep apnoea or nasal obstruction. It can be a training aid, not a cure-all.

What users commonly notice

Most feedback clusters around relatively minor issues, especially during the first week while habits and skin adapt.

Temporary skin impressions where the tape sits
Mild redness around the mouth
Dry or chapped lips in the morning
A sense of anxiety or restlessness the first couple of nights
Saliva pooling or drooling
A blocked-nose feeling if the nose is already congested

These effects usually settle with better skin prep, adhesive choice and placement. Some people switch to every-other-night use while the skin adjusts.

Less common but reported problems

A smaller group experiences more troublesome effects. These need attention and sometimes a rethink of the approach.

Contact dermatitis from adhesives, with itching, burning or a rash
Allergic reactions to adhesive ingredients, including acrylates or latex in non-latex-free products, which can cause swelling or blistering
Worsened nasal congestion leading to sleep disruption
Panic or breathlessness if a cold starts mid-sleep
Lip fissures if the lips were already dry or if the tape covers the vermilion border
Jaw or TMJ discomfort if the tape is applied with too much tension or if the jaw is already strained
Morning throat dryness if you force nasal breathing with an irritated nasal lining rather than addressing the irritation first
Reflux symptoms in those prone to nighttime acid exposure

Even with a surround design, anyone who develops any breathing difficulty during the night should remove the tape straight away.

Who should be cautious or seek medical advice first

Certain situations raise the risk enough to justify speaking with a clinician before trying any mouth tape, including Myotape.

Suspected or diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea, especially if moderate or severe
Chronic respiratory conditions that compromise airflow, including uncontrolled asthma, COPD or restrictive lung disease
Frequent nasal obstruction, chronic rhinosinusitis, polyps, or a badly deviated septum that limits nasal airflow
Current cold, flu or allergy flare with congestion
Recent oral or jaw surgery, dental procedures, lip fillers or significant facial skin irritation
Active skin conditions around the mouth, including eczema, perioral dermatitis or open sores
Regular use of alcohol or sedatives at night
History of panic attacks or significant anxiety related to breathing
Children, unless a clinician specifically recommends and supervises it
People who share a bed with an infant or anyone who may pull at the tape

Myotape is designed to allow some lip opening, yet the above risks still apply.

Side effects, likelihood and what to do

The table below summarises typical experiences and first steps to take.

Side effect	How it feels	Likelihood reported by users	First steps at home	When to stop and seek help
Mild skin redness or imprint	Pink outline where tape sat, settles in hours	Common	Shorter wear time, gentler adhesive, cleanse skin and apply bland moisturiser after removal	If redness persists more than 24 hours or worsens
Irritation or itch	Burning, stinging, small bumps	Occasional	Patch test a small area, switch to silicone or hydrocolloid style, avoid lip border, apply barrier around but not under the tape	If swelling, blisters or weeping rash develops
Dry or cracked lips	Soreness at the vermilion border	Common in dry climates	Hydrate lips during the day, use a thin oil-based balm around the lips before bed, do not put balm under adhesive area	If cracks bleed or infection signs appear
Anxiety or panic on waking	Urge to remove tape immediately	Occasional	Daytime trials while reading or relaxing, start with partial coverage, ensure nose is clear	If anxiety persists or worsens despite gradual exposure
Worsened nasal congestion	Blocked nose, mouth breathing urge	Occasional	Saline rinse before bed, address allergies, consider nasal strips, postpone taping during colds	If difficulty breathing or disturbed sleep continues
Jaw or TMJ discomfort	Stiffness on waking	Uncommon	Apply tape with minimal tension, consider surround design, evaluate pillow and sleep position	If pain limits chewing or persists into the day
Skin allergy	Marked swelling, hives, blistering	Rare	Remove immediately, wash area, oral antihistamine if appropriate	Urgent care if lip or tongue swelling, throat tightness or breathing difficulty

Practical ways to reduce risk

Patch test on the inner forearm for 24 to 48 hours before first use.
Start with daytime sessions of 15 to 30 minutes when you are relaxed and nose breathing is easy.
Prepare the skin, washing gently and drying fully. Avoid oils or heavy creams under the adhesive.
Place a thin line of bland ointment just around, not under, the intended adhesive area to act as a guard for nearby skin.
Use the least forceful placement that keeps the lips lightly together. Think gentle reminder, not a seal.
Keep a small pair of scissors and a bedside light within reach. Confidence reduces anxiety.
Skip taping on nights when you have a blocked nose or feel unwell.
Remove tape slowly by peeling it back over itself while supporting the skin. A drop of oil helps if it sticks.
Alternate nights if the skin looks irritated. Rest days help.
Replace tape each night. Reused adhesive collects bacteria and loses predictable stickiness.

Product and ingredient notes that matter

Label language can be confusing. A few pointers help you make sense of it.

Hypoallergenic does not mean zero risk. It usually means fewer known allergens in testing.
Latex free matters for anyone with latex sensitivity. Many modern tapes are latex free, yet always check.
Adhesives differ. Acrylic is common and strong. Silicone is often kinder to reactive skin. Hydrocolloid is gentle but bulkier and can trap moisture.
Breathable backing reduces sweat build-up and skin occlusion.
Size and shape matter. Surrounding designs like Myotape reduce the adhesive area on the lip surface and leave a centre gap, which many find more comfortable.
Packaging and expiry dates are worth checking. Old adhesives can perform unpredictably.
Facial hair lowers adhesion and increases skin pull. Trim or choose placements that avoid hair where possible.

What the evidence actually says

Research on mouth taping is small but growing. Findings vary because products and participants differ.

People with primary snoring or very mild sleep apnoea sometimes show a reduction in snoring intensity when mouth breathing is reduced.
Blood oxygen levels and sleep architecture rarely change in a meaningful way in healthy sleepers using mouth tape.
Those with moderate to severe sleep apnoea should prioritise proven treatments like CPAP or mandibular advancement devices. Taping in this group can mask symptoms without addressing airway collapse.
Nasal airway quality is a major determinant of success. If nasal resistance is high, taping tends to disturb sleep rather than improve it.

The safest takeaway is simple. If you snore or wake unrefreshed, consider an assessment. Taping is not a diagnostic tool. Polysomnography or a reputable home sleep test can guide choices far better than guesswork.

Alternatives to consider if side effects stack up

Not everyone enjoys taping. Several options support nasal breathing and quieter nights.

Myofunctional therapy to train tongue posture and strengthen airway muscles, guided by a qualified therapist
Treating nasal inflammation with saline rinses, allergen avoidance and, where appropriate, prescribed nasal sprays
Nasal dilators or adhesive nasal strips to widen the nasal valve
Positional therapy to reduce back-sleeping
Humidification in dry rooms
Mandibular advancement appliances if snoring or mild to moderate apnoea is driven by airway collapse
CPAP for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea
Weight management, exercise and reduced evening alcohol, which often cut snoring intensity

A safer trial protocol you can actually follow

If you decide to try Myotape or another surrounding design, use a structured approach.

Check your nose during the day. If one side is blocked, address that first. Saline rinses can help.
Patch test the adhesive on your forearm for two days.
Do a 15 minute daytime trial while reading. Breathe through your nose and notice any anxiety. Remove if uncomfortable.
Try a 60 minute early evening session. If you fall asleep in a chair and wake calmly, that is a good sign.
On the first night, keep scissors and a bedside light ready. Apply with minimal tension and leave a small centre gap if the design allows.
Use for two to three nights then skip one to check skin recovery.
Track simple outcomes. Mouth dryness on waking, partner’s snore report, how you feel in the first hour after waking. A snoring app or audio recorder can add objective notes.
If results are neutral and your skin is calm, consider continuing. If irritation appears, change adhesive type or frequency.
Any sign of breathing difficulty, chest tightness or marked daytime sleepiness is a stop sign. Reassess and speak with a clinician.
Revisit your nasal health plan regularly. Better nasal airflow makes every approach more comfortable.

Special notes for children and teens

Mouth taping for children is a different conversation. Airway issues in growing faces often relate to enlarged adenoids or tonsils, allergies, or tongue posture. A clinician-led plan gets better results and avoids risk.

Never tape a child’s mouth without professional guidance.
If you notice open-mouth posture, snoring, noisy breathing, bedwetting, or behavioural changes, seek an airway-focused assessment.
Myofunctional therapy and ENT evaluation are often more effective than any tape.

Frequently asked questions, answered plainly

Does mouth taping cause carbon dioxide build-up?
With a surrounding design that leaves a central gap, and with clear nasal airflow, this risk is low. If the nose blocks or anxiety rises, remove the tape.

Can it worsen skin pigmentation around the mouth?
Repeated irritation can trigger post-inflammatory pigmentation in some skin types. Gentle removal, rest days and a kinder adhesive reduce this risk.

Will it straighten teeth or change jaw shape?
No. The forces are minimal. Orthodontic change needs targeted appliances and professional care.

Is it safe in pregnancy?
If you have healthy nasal airflow and no sleep apnoea, many find it comfortable. If you snore heavily, wake unrefreshed or notice pauses in breathing, get checked before experimenting.

Can it help someone using CPAP?
Some CPAP users who mouth leak find that chin straps, full-face masks or humidification are more predictable. Taping is not a substitute for mask fit and pressure optimisation.

What if I have a beard?
Adhesion drops and removal can pull. A surrounding design placed on bare skin around the lips helps, though trimming may still be required.

How do I remove tape without irritating my skin?
Peel back slowly over itself while holding the skin taut. A drop of mineral or olive oil at the edge softens the adhesive.

A balanced way to think about side effects

Side effects reflect two things: the state of the airway and the state of the skin. If the nose is clear, the tape is gentle, and the placement is light, most users do well. If nasal resistance is high or the skin is reactive, you are more likely to run into trouble.

A few closing tips that pull the thread together:

Treat the nose first. Clear airflow is the foundation.
Choose the mildest adhesive that stays put.
Tape less, not more. Minimum effective force beats over-sealing.
Check in with a clinician if snoring is loud, daytime sleepiness is significant, or anyone has witnessed breathing pauses.

With a thoughtful approach, many people can test Myotape without drama. The key is to respect the signals your body gives you, look after your skin, and keep medical issues firmly on the radar rather than in the blind spot.