Hey Friend 👋
I hope you are doing well. Have you noticed any correlation between mouth breathing and health issues in your family? Grumpy moods, allergies, or even crooked teeth? I would love to hear your stories and insights.
Today, I want to share something close to my heart—our family's journey with mouth breathing and how it has impacted our health and sleep.
Along with our personal experiences, I’ll delve into the science behind nose breathing and its incredible benefits. ⤵️
Growing up, I was a chronic mouth breather. Severe allergies and asthma plagued my childhood, and my crooked teeth required years of braces and mouth gear. Despite all efforts, my teeth started shifting again, and my breathing problems persisted. It wasn’t until I had sinus surgery (twice!) in my 30s that I found significant relief. Alongside the surgery, I discovered mouth taping, and it transformed my life. My allergies improved dramatically, and for the first time, I experienced the benefits of breathing through my nose. It has been life changing! (We'll talk about the science below)
👦 Our son Mahli has had his own battles with mouth breathing. As a baby, he had terrible snoring and sleep apnea. He sucked his thumb to sleep, often leaving his mouth open, which exacerbated his snoring and disrupted his sleep. After having his adenoids and tonsils removed, we noticed some improvement, but the symptoms eventually returned. His dark under-eye circles and restless nights continued until I started using snooze tape on him recently. The results were incredible—Mahli began sleeping more peacefully than ever before and his erratic moods have disappeared.
I’m excited to see if having his tongue resting on the roof of his mouth all night improves his crooked teeth and widens his pallet (which in turn widens the sinus, improving nose breathing!)
⚠️ Initially, I was worried about using mouth tape on a child. However, I discovered Snooze Tape, designed specifically to be safe and effective for kids. This tape takes them through three stages over several weeks. In stage one, your child is still able to open their lips if needed. Your child must be old enough to understand how to take the tape off their mouth during the night if necessary, ensuring safety and comfort as they adapt to nose breathing.
Next on my list is my husband, whose snoring sounds like a freight train. He's also recently become a mouth breather and has developed sinus issues over that time. I’m eager to introduce him to mouth-taping and hopefully see the same positive changes we've seen in Mahli and myself.
The Science Behind Nose Breathing 👇
Breathing through the nose is not just a preference; it’s essential for optimal health. Here’s why:
Filtration and Humidification: The nose acts as a natural filter, trapping dust, allergens, and pollutants. It also humidifies the air we breathe, which helps protect the delicate tissues in the respiratory tract.
Nitric Oxide Production: When we breathe through our nose, we produce nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a critical role in immune defence, vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), and overall lung function.
Enhanced Oxygen Absorption: Nasal breathing promotes better oxygen absorption by regulating the air's flow and ensuring it reaches the lower parts of the lungs where gas exchange is most efficient. (I'm guessing this is why Mahli has dark circles under his eyes)
Improved Sleep Quality: Proper breathing can significantly enhance sleep quality by reducing snoring and sleep apnea. When we breathe through our nose, it supports a more stable and restful sleep pattern, leading to better overall health and well-being.
Implementing mouth-taping in our household has been a game-changer. We've seen remarkable improvements in sleep quality and overall health, especially for Mahli. Watching him sleep peacefully after struggling for so long (he would stay asleep, I could just hear him struggling to breathe!💨 ) has been a profound relief. Now, I’m excited to see the positive effects on my husband.
Thank you for being part of our community and for your continuous support. Remember, the journey to better health and sleep begins with small, mindful changes.
