How Mouth Taping Supports Nasal Breathing and Deeper Sleep

At 61, Terri Ryan thought exhaustion was just part of getting older. The registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator from Colorado was dragging through each day, fighting extreme fatigue that seemed to have no explanation — until she tried mouth tape for better sleep with Simply Breathe, focused on supporting nasal breathing at night.

Terri’s Journey: From Fatigue to Restful Sleep

“I had a cotton-mouth feeling that woke me up in the middle of the night every night. That, combined with the jaw pain I was experiencing, made it hard to get back to sleep.”
— Terri Ryan

The cycle was vicious. Poor sleep led to more grinding, which caused more pain and even worse rest. Ryan's dentist confirmed she was clenching and grinding while sleeping, but traditional solutions weren't helping. The fatigue became so severe she experienced dizziness and vertigo, forcing her to miss work for an entire week.

“My life seemed great: I had a job I enjoyed, and I lived in Colorado, where I loved the beautiful scenery, hiking and playing softball,” she says. “But although I was holding it together, I was exhausted and felt like I was dragging myself through my days.”

When multiple doctors couldn’t pinpoint the cause of her symptoms, a friend suggested she consult a prosthodontist. That appointment changed everything.

Why Mouth Breathing Disrupts Sleep

Mouth breathing during sleep can trigger a cascade of problems — teeth grinding, dry mouth, snoring, poor sleep quality, and morning fatigue. These interruptions keep the body from getting restorative rest, leaving people drained and foggy the next day.

How Mouth Taping Encourages Nasal Breathing

“He spent hours with me, explaining the research behind a simple method that could help people with symptoms like mine,” Terri says. The solution was deceptively easy: Simply Breathe mouth tape. Originally called LipSeal Tape, it was developed by Dr. Seaman, one of the original promoters of mouth taping.

By gently keeping her lips closed at night, Terri could encourage nasal breathing, reducing teeth grinding and improving sleep quality.

“He examined my teeth and jaw and spent an hour with me going over the research about mouth taping.”
— Terri Ryan

Real Results With Simply Breathe Mouth Tape

The results were remarkable. The Simply Breathe tape helped eliminate her nighttime teeth grinding, dramatically improving her sleep quality. Her energy levels returned, and the morning fatigue that had plagued her for years disappeared.

“It feels so good to have my life back and have the energy to do the things I love,” Ryan says.

Learn More About Mouth Breathing and Sleep

• Natural TMJ Relief: How Proper Breathing Reduces Teeth Grinding and Other Dental Issues

• How To Tell If You Mouth Breathe At Night

Frequently Asked Questions About Mouth Taping

Is mouth taping safe for sleep?
When used as intended by adults without contraindications, gentle lipseal tapes can encourage nasal breathing. People with nasal obstruction, severe dermatologic sensitivity, or certain sleep or respiratory conditions should consult a clinician first.

Can mouth tape reduce teeth grinding?
For some, promoting nasal breathing can reduce mouth breathing and the arousal micro-wakeups that correlate with clenching. Individual results vary, and a dental professional can advise on bruxism management.