How Do I Apply Mouth Tape Correctly?

Correct application is the difference between mouth tape that works and mouth tape that fails — or worse, causes discomfort. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting it right every night.

Step 1: Prepare Your Lips

Clean, dry lips are essential. Wash your face and ensure the lip area is completely dry. Do not apply tape over lip balm, moisturiser, or any product that will reduce adhesion. If your lips are dry or cracked, apply a light moisturiser in the afternoon and ensure they are dry by bedtime.

Step 2: Prepare the Tape

HiStrips Mouth Tape comes in individual strips. Remove one strip from its packaging carefully — without touching the adhesive excessively with your fingers, which can reduce tackiness.

Step 3: Position the Tape

Close your lips naturally — do not press them together forcefully. Position the tape across the centre of your closed lips, running from corner to corner. The tape should sit on the lips themselves, not extend significantly onto the skin outside the lip line. This is where most people place it too wide — extending onto facial skin increases the risk of irritation.

Step 4: Press and Seal

Press the tape firmly against your closed lips for 5 seconds. The goal is a gentle, comfortable seal — you should be able to breathe through your nose comfortably with the tape in place. If you feel airflow at the corners, press more firmly or reposition slightly.

Step 5: Confirm Nasal Breathing

Before lying down, take 5 deep breaths through your nose with your lips closed and taped. You should be able to breathe easily and fully. If you feel any sense of suffocation or inability to breathe through your nose, remove the tape and address your nasal congestion before attempting taping.

The HiStrips Difference

HiStrips Mouth Tape is designed for exactly this application — the right width, the right adhesive tack, and the right material for comfortable overnight wear. Most users find the application becomes automatic within the first week.