I Taped My Mouth Shut to Sleep Better—Here’s What Happened

What Is LOOPS Mouth Tape Mask?

Much like it sounds, LOOPS Mouth Tape Mask is a strip of thick, one-sided tape that’s applied to the mouth. Designed for overnight wear, the tape is shaped like a huge mouth. The sticky side is infused with hyaluronic acid, peptide complex, ceramide NP, and hydrolyzed collagen to hydrate the skin and enhance its barrier. This is in addition to offering the regular targeted benefits of mouth tape (nasal breathing versus oral breathing—aka helps decrease snoring and supports jaw alignment). The brand calls this product the first-ever cosmetic mouth tape that doubles as a lip mask.

How Does LOOPS Mouth Tape Mask Work?

Unlike the VIO2 mouth tape, for example—which is shaped like an ‘I’ or an ‘H’ (depending on how you wear it)—the LOOPS Mouth Tape Mask covers the entire mouth, with a tiny little slit in the middle. Each strip measures 3.5 x 2.5 inches, designed to comfortably cover the mouth area while maintaining a secure, flexible seal. The goal is to wake up feeling rested, with smoother, plumper lips.

You may have seen a similar, small-slit style by way of the SEALD Mouth Tape.

Courtesy of LOOPS

LOOPS Mouth Tape Mask Review

When I first received my LOOPS Mouth Tape Mask delivery, I was impressed with the packaging. A cute little purple pouch houses 10 hydrogel stickies. When I saw that tape covered so much of the mouth area, I got a little overwhelmed at first. Part of me thought, okay, at least this will probably go on more securely than the ‘I’/’H’-shaped VIO2 strips. But also, what if it covers too much? Will I be able to use my mouth at all?

As soon as I secured the strip onto my skin, the slit adjusted itself, too. Everything fell into place and I didn’t feel uncomfortable. It’s important to avoid applying nighttime skincare to the greater mouth area. It will make the tape slip. Once that was settled, it just so happened I was exhausted on this particular evening, so doomscrolling on TikTok wasn’t even an option. That said, falling asleep easily doesn’t mean staying asleep easily. 

But, to my surprise, I didn’t wake up until 5:30 am. I had to use the restroom, but it was only one time, and not until much later in my sleep. And then after a little bit of tossing and turning, I kept my mouth tape on and fell back asleep until 8:30 am. 

The real test would be a few days later when I did a three-night hotel stay with a friend. Sure enough, same thing. I was able to doze off pretty quickly after applying the tape and heading to bed. And I would get up each night once (versus two or three times), maybe five hours into my rest, use the restroom and go back to bed. I actually woke up feeling rested. 

Something unexpected I experienced each time I used the tape was intense, out-there dreams. I don’t think the tape and dreams are correlated, but I think maybe it’s because I’m in a deeper sleep? I could also feel my body tossing and turning throughout the night, yet still asleep. The tape itself didn’t bother me, but it does provide a different sleep experience (I think especially to me since I’m a naturally restless sleeper). I wonder what the outcome would be for someone else. And if I sleep on my back, I can still end up with mild snoring.

OK, for the kicker—did I notice a more nourished-looking mouth area when I woke up? Yes, actually. Upon using mouth tape of any kind, my mouth itself is a bit drier, but my lips did feel smoother and nourished. This was great considering how easily my lips get chapped. 

Now, is the product for everyone? Not everyone. The brand points out on its website to avoid this mouth mask if you have any sort of nasal or respiratory condition, if you have a beard, or if you use a sleep-related medical device. It is, however, safe for sensitive skin. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m a fan of the LOOPS Mouth Tape Mask. Like any overnight skin accessory, it may take a little getting used to at first—but it definitely serves a purpose. I was surprised by the sleep experience itself, but overall I slept better than I would without it. I also appreciated waking up with smooth, firm lips. 

A few experts I reached out to declined to contribute to this review because they don’t believe in mouth tape. Here’s my thing: for me, the results spoke for themselves. They do work (well, temporarily). I’m aware that these are not a cure for sleep apnea, snoring, or other sleep disorders. But if you’re a generally restless sleeper or someone who wakes up frequently in the middle of the night, these can come in clutch the night before a big event. They’re also great for vacation when you’re sharing a room with someone or want to feel rested for big days ahead.