Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland and Love Island USA contestant Carl Lee Schmidt have both publicly endorsed mouth taping, a sleep practice involving sealing the lips with medical tape overnight. The trend, which has gained traction among athletes and reality TV stars, aims to promote nasal breathing during sleep. Experts suggest chronic mouth breathing can contribute to fatigue and gum disease, though long-term benefits of taping remain unproven. Proponents claim it leads to more restful sleep and improved facial health. Haaland, known for his explosive performance on the pitch for Manchester City, reportedly uses the method regularly. Schmidt took it further by allowing cameras to capture him sleeping with taped lips during the eighth season of Love Island USA, which ended recently. The footage sparked curiosity and debate online. Other celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and model Ashley Graham have also referenced trying the technique. While some find the visual unsettling, advocates argue the discomfort is worth potential wellness gains. The method does not address underlying causes of mouth breathing, such as deviated septums or enlarged tonsils. Medical professionals caution that it should not replace clinical treatment. Despite skepticism, the visibility from high-profile figures has boosted interest. Instagram influencers and wellness bloggers have amplified discussions, often labeling it a beauty hack. No major studies cited in the report confirm its efficacy, and results remain anecdotal. The trend continues to divide opinions between those drawn to its simplicity and those wary of its extreme appearance.
A top athlete and a reality star both swear by sealing their mouths shut at night, yet neither offers medical evidence for the practice. The endorsement relies entirely on personal experience, not clinical validation. When celebrities frame unverified habits as wellness breakthroughs, it blurs the line between self-care and self-experimentation. The trend gains traction not because it's proven, but because it's extreme enough to be seen.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
