A reference of the terms used across mouth taping, nasal breathing, and sleep-disordered breathing. Defined in plain English so the rest of the site is easier to read.
A
Adhesive (medical-grade). Pressure-sensitive adhesive formulated to hold to skin without causing irritation in most people. Mouth tape uses several adhesive types — silicone, acrylic, or modified rubber — each with different stickiness, removal feel, and allergy profile. See Mouth Tape Skin Reactions.
AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index). The standard measure of sleep apnea severity: the number of apneas plus hypopneas per hour of sleep, measured during a polysomnogram. Mild OSA = 5–15, moderate = 15–30, severe = 30+. Mouth tape and chin straps are not treatments for AHI in moderate-to-severe OSA.
Apnea. A complete stop in breathing lasting at least 10 seconds during sleep. Distinct from a hypopnea, which is a partial reduction in airflow.
C
Chin strap. A fabric or neoprene band that wraps under the chin and over the head, holding the lower jaw closed during sleep. Used as a CPAP accessory for “mouth leak” and sometimes as a standalone snoring aid. Standalone chin strap use was found ineffective for OSA in a 2014 Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine study. See Mouth Tape vs Chin Strap.
Contact dermatitis. A skin reaction caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen — including some adhesives. Among the most commonly reported mouth tape side effects. Usually resolves once the trigger is removed.
Contraindication. A condition under which a treatment or product should not be used because the risk outweighs any potential benefit. Cleveland Clinic’s listed contraindications for mouth taping include nasal obstruction, nasal congestion, chronic allergies, sinus infections, enlarged tonsils, deviated septum, and heart issues.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). The first-line medical treatment for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. A machine delivers pressurised air through a mask to keep the upper airway open during sleep. CPAP, not mouth tape, is the evidence-based treatment for OSA.
D
Deviated septum. A condition where the wall between the two nasal passages is shifted off-centre, often partially blocking one side. A documented contraindication for mouth taping because it limits the nose’s ability to handle the full airflow needed during sleep.
DIY mouth tape. Mouth tape made from supplies the user already has (typically 3M Micropore or hypoallergenic medical paper tape). Cheaper than purpose-made strips but requires care in choosing a skin-safe adhesive. See DIY Mouth Tape.
H
Hypopnea. A partial reduction in airflow during sleep, usually with a measurable drop in blood oxygen. Counted alongside apneas in the AHI score.
Hypoallergenic. Less likely to cause allergic reactions. Most purpose-made mouth tape products and dedicated medical paper tapes are marketed as hypoallergenic, but individual sensitivity varies.
M
Mouth breathing. Breathing predominantly through the mouth rather than the nose. Can be habitual (driven by past obstruction or learned pattern) or obligate (driven by current obstruction). Chronic mouth breathing has documented effects on dental health, facial growth in children, and sleep quality. See Mouth Breathing at Night.
Mouth leak. Air escaping through the mouth during CPAP therapy when a nasal mask is used and the mouth falls open. Reduces CPAP’s therapeutic pressure. Chin straps are evidence-based as an accessory specifically to address mouth leak.
Mouth puffing. A pattern observed in a 2022 mouth-taping study where participants continued attempting to breathe through their mouth despite the tape — visible as the cheeks puffing slightly with each inhalation. Cited by Cleveland Clinic as evidence that mouth taping does not always succeed at redirecting breathing to the nose.
MyoTape. A mouth tape product that wraps around the perimeter of the mouth rather than directly over the lips, leaving the centre uncovered. Designed for users who find lip-direct adhesives uncomfortable or who have facial hair.
N
Nasal congestion. Reduced or blocked airflow through the nasal passages, typically from swollen mucous membranes, increased mucus, or both. A direct contraindication for mouth taping because it makes nasal-only breathing impossible.
Nasal obstruction. A broader term for any structural or chronic blockage of the nasal airway — from polyps, deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or chronic inflammation. Cleveland Clinic lists nasal obstruction as a contraindication for mouth taping.
Nasal strips. Adhesive bandages with embedded flexible bands placed across the nose bridge to widen the nostrils mechanically. Sometimes called “nose strips”. The most common brand is Breathe Right. Manufacturer testing claims a roughly 31 percent increase in nasal airflow when worn. See Mouth Tape vs Nasal Strips.
Nasal valve. The narrowest part of the nasal airway, located just inside each nostril. The bottleneck nasal strips target. Distinct from internal obstructions deeper in the nasal cavity, which strips do not address.
Nitric oxide (NO). A signalling molecule produced in the paranasal sinuses and carried into the lower airways during nasal breathing. Acts as a vasodilator and has antimicrobial properties. Mouth breathing bypasses this delivery. Documented since a 1998 Journal of Applied Physiology study by Lundberg et al.
O
Okara. Used in cat litter glossary contexts; not relevant here. (Cross-site, see catlitterguide.)
OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea). A medical condition where the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing apneas and hypopneas. Diagnosed by sleep study (polysomnogram or home sleep test) using the AHI score. CPAP is the first-line treatment. Mouth taping has shown modest effects in mild OSA in some studies but is not a treatment for moderate-to-severe OSA.
Oral patch. Another term for a purpose-made mouth tape product. The 2024 JAMA Otolaryngology trial described its intervention as “porous oral patches”.
P
Polysomnogram (PSG). A multi-parameter sleep study, typically conducted overnight in a sleep lab, used to diagnose OSA and other sleep disorders. Measures brain activity, breathing, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and movement. The gold standard for sleep apnea diagnosis.
Porous tape. Mouth tape designed to allow some air passage through the material itself rather than forming a complete seal. Aimed at reducing the panic-on-waking risk if nasal breathing is suddenly disrupted.
S
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). A blanket term covering the spectrum from snoring to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Connected to elevated blood pressure long-term, per Peppard et al. NEJM 2000.
Snoring. The sound of soft tissue vibration in a partially obstructed upper airway. Can be benign or a symptom of OSA. Loud, persistent snoring with daytime sleepiness or witnessed apneas warrants a sleep evaluation.
SomniFix. A purpose-made mouth tape brand using strips that adhere across the lips. Includes a small breathing slit for emergency airflow.
T
Turbinates. Bony structures inside the nasal passages covered with vascular tissue. Filter, warm, and humidify inhaled air during nasal breathing.
U
Untreated OSA. Obstructive sleep apnea that has been diagnosed but not yet under active treatment, or that has not been diagnosed at all in someone with symptoms. A direct contraindication for mouth taping. Multiple medical sources, including Cleveland Clinic, advise against mouth taping in this population.