6 minute read

We’ve all been there. You wake up with a mouth as dry as the Sahara, a scratchy throat, and a partner complaining about your snoring. You drank enough water, you went to bed on time, yet you feel like you barely slept. The culprit? It’s likely mouth breathing.

As Dr. Mark Burhenne, a functional dentist and creator of AskTheDentist.com, puts it: “If you’re breathing through your mouth while you sleep at night, it’s a big deal. Not only does mouth breathing reduce the quality of your sleep, it also impacts blood pressure and heart rate… and disrupts the balance of your oral microbiome, which makes you more prone to tooth decay.”

That is a heavy list of downsides for simply breathing the wrong way.

The solution seems simple enough: mouth tape. It forces nasal breathing, which Dr. Ann Kearney of Stanford University notes is “a more efficient, effective way of breathing.” But for men, there is a distinct, hairy obstacle standing in the way of a good night’s sleep: the beard.

Finding a strip that sticks to scruff without ripping your skin off—or falling off midway through the night—is a challenge. We tested the most popular options on the market to see which ones actually hold up to the rigors of male facial hair.

Here’s how the top contenders ranked.

1. Cheeky

When we set out to find a tape that works for the modern man, we weren’t looking for industrial-grade glue or a flimsy medical sticker. We needed something that works with the reality of stubble and scruff. This is where getcheeky.com stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Right out of the box, the experience feels different. The thin, discreet strips come in a sleek travel case and are available in Blue, Pink, or Clear.

Their standout feature is the custom hypoallergenic adhesive. It’s strong enough to grip over light facial hair and stubble, ensuring the tape survives the night, but you won’t feel like you are waxing your upper lip when you take off the tape in the morning.

Each mouth tape also features a small mouth vent in the center. This is a massive psychological win for beginners. It allows you to sip water or take a quick emergency breath if needed, without completely breaking the seal.

The standard pack size is significantly larger than competitors’ (60 strips vs. the usual 30), meaning a single purchase lasts you two months. If you want a reliable, comfortable seal that respects your beard and your wallet, this is the one.

2. Hostage Tape

Hostage Tape is a heavy-duty option that lives up to its name—perhaps a little too well.

Its large, flexible black fabric strips cover a lot of surface area. The adhesive is medical-grade and undeniably strong. It is designed to grip skin through hair, and the flexible material moves with your jaw so it doesn’t pop off.

However, for the average guy, that strength is a double-edged sword. If you’re clean-shaven or have sensitive skin around your beard line, peeling this off in the morning can be a wake-up call you didn’t ask for.

It sits at a fairly standard price point for a 30-day supply, but because the pack size is smaller, you are paying more per strip than you would with our top pick.

3. SomniFix

SomniFix’s strips are transparent with a visible mesh vent, looking much more like a medical device you’d find in a pharmacy than a daily wellness essential.

The main philosophy behind SomniFix is safety and gentleness. The adhesive is designed for sensitive skin, which is great if you have a completely smooth face. However, this gentleness is its downfall when introduced to a beard.

In our testing, the adhesive simply couldn’t get a good purchase on stubble. If you have any significant facial hair, you might wake up with this strip on your pillow rather than on your mouth.

Despite the lack of staying power for bearded men, this is often the most expensive option on a per-strip basis for single purchases.

4. 3M Micropore (Nexcare)

If you browse Reddit threads on sleep hacks, you will inevitably see someone recommending a roll of 3M Micropore tape (often found as Nexcare in drugstores). It’s essentially standard surgical paper tape.

The main pro is that it’s cheap. A roll costs a fraction of the price of pre-cut strips. However, the user experience leaves a lot to be desired. It’s not pre-cut, so you’re tearing off jagged strips in the bathroom before bed.

We also found that it often leaves a gummy, sticky mess on facial hair that requires genuine scrubbing to wash out in the morning. Furthermore, because it isn’t shaped for the human mouth, it covers the lips flatly, which can feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable compared to the ergonomic shapes of the dedicated brands.

How to Select the Right Mouth Tape for You

If you are new to mouth taping, here’s a quick checklist of what to look for to ensure you stick with the habit (and the tape sticks to your mouth).

  • Adhesion Balance: This is the most critical factor for men. You need an adhesive that’s strong enough to bridge the gap created by hair, but not so strong that it damages the skin. Avoid tapes that are too gentle (like SomniFix) if you have stubble.
  • Breathability and Safety: Look for a strip with a small vent. Having a small slit for airflow provides peace of mind and allows you to drink water without removing the tape.
  • Material Flexibility: Your jaw moves slightly as you sleep. Rigid tapes (like the 3M paper tape) are prone to popping off. You want a material with a little give or stretch.
  • Value per Strip: Check the price and quantity. A $30 box with 60 strips is a much better deal than a $20 box with 20 strips.

Conclusion

Shifting from mouth breathing to nasal breathing can transform your energy levels, your dental health, and your relationship with your partner. While the market is flooded with mouth tape options, Cheeky is the clear winner for the modern, bearded man. It respects your beard, protects your wallet, and looks good doing so.