Chapter 1: The Evolution of MOM

As a mother for 25 years, I’ve witnessed a shift in what "MOM" signifies. In the early days, it stood for "Made Of Money," but now that my children are adults, it has transformed into "Masking tape On Mouth." This new acronym reflects my effort to keep my opinions about their choices to myself. Offering unsolicited advice can quickly close off communication, a lesson I’ve learned over time.

In my quest for better sleep—especially after discovering mouth taping—I found limited information on its origins. The closest connection I found was to Konstantin Buteyko, a Ukrainian physician known for developing the Buteyko breathing method. This approach aims to alleviate symptoms of asthma, anxiety, and other respiratory issues through specific breathing exercises.

The Breathing Man website outlines Buteyko's recommendations, emphasizing that mouth taping should be done correctly and alongside breathing retraining exercises to minimize mouth breathing. When taping, it’s crucial to position the tape either vertically or in a crisscross manner. This allows for quick removal in emergencies, such as sudden vomiting, which can be life-threatening if the tape isn’t easily taken off.

In my exploration of mouth taping, I gave it a shot. Initially, I applied the tape incorrectly, using regular masking tape horizontally—reminiscent of a kidnapper’s ploy—though I wisely avoided duct tape. Despite my missteps, I found it somewhat beneficial. It encouraged diaphragmatic breathing, which can ease anxiety, a common issue for many. The pressure from the tape also allowed my facial muscles to relax, providing a sense of security.

However, I often found myself removing the tape in the middle of the night. Perhaps this was my body’s instinct to prevent any potential issues, such as vomiting. Even though my mouth-taping sessions were cut short, I still managed to sleep through the night—a significant improvement.

Before trying mouth taping, I had already established a sleep hygiene routine, which includes dimming lights around 9 p.m., switching to calmer media, enjoying chamomile tea, and setting my phone to do-not-disturb mode by 10 p.m. These steps help me transition to sleep more smoothly.

Adding mouth taping has become another tool in my arsenal against sleep disruptions, which can worsen with age due to chronic pain and other factors. I used to be able to sleep soundly in any position, but now I need specific arrangements to achieve a good night's rest. My ideal setup includes a pillow under my knees, one to hug, and no pillow beneath my head. If these pillows are misplaced, I wake up stiff and achy.

My $10,000 "Cadillac" of a bed, a positional massage Sleep Number paired with a Purple Mattress, also requires precise adjustments for optimal comfort. The room temperature must be just right—74 degrees is ideal. Even a slight deviation can make it too cold or too hot. I also need the curtains positioned perfectly to block out streetlight glare and a night light in the bathroom to navigate safely.

While it’s easy to attribute poor sleep quality to aging, I’ve been a light sleeper since my children were born. Hormonal changes and their night awakenings altered my sleep patterns permanently. Even when they learned to sleep through the night, I found it difficult to fully relax.

I may not be a princess, despite my picky sleeping arrangements, but as a mom, I’m committed to using Masking tape On Mouth, keeping a dispenser close at hand, in my pursuit of restful sleep.

Section 1.1: Understanding Mouth Taping

Mouth taping has gained popularity as a method to enhance sleep quality. By promoting nasal breathing, it can potentially lead to deeper, more restorative slumber.

Chapter 2: Practical Tips for Better Sleep

Discover effective strategies for mouth taping to enhance your sleep experience.

Learn the proper techniques for mouth taping to ensure safety and effectiveness.