The manosphere has long been a breeding ground for self-improvement trends that range from the scientifically sound to the outright wild. The latest in this ever-evolving list? Mouth taping. This practice, recently endorsed by Joe Rogan, is rapidly gaining traction among men seeking to optimize their health, sleep, and overall performance.
Joe Rogan’s Endorsement
In a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience UFC London companion podcast, Rogan, alongside Brendan Schaub, Eddie Bravo, and Gordon Ryan, introduced his audience to the concept of sleeping with tape over his mouth.
“I’ve been sleeping with mouth tape,” Rogan shared. “You tape your mouth shut, so you just breathe through your nose.”
While some listeners assumed this was merely a method to combat snoring, Rogan expanded on the benefits: “It’s not just for snoring. It’s like you feel better when you wake up, you feel more rested. It’s a game changer.”
Rogan revealed he had only recently started the practice, yet was already convinced of its effectiveness. He specifically name-dropped Hostage Tape, a product designed for mouth taping. “I just put a black piece of tape over my mouth,” he explained, adding that his wife had also joined in on the practice. “She wears it too. We’re both like, ‘Good night, babe.'”
Why the Manosphere Loves Mouth Taping
For those entrenched in the manosphere, where optimizing testosterone levels, maximizing sleep quality, and hacking biology are primary concerns, Rogan’s endorsement was all the validation needed to elevate mouth taping into a must-try routine.
Proponents argue that nasal breathing is superior to mouth breathing for various reasons:
- Enhanced oxygen efficiency: Nasal breathing supposedly increases oxygen absorption, leading to improved cardiovascular performance.
- Improved sleep quality: Advocates claim that it prevents sleep disturbances, leading to deeper rest.
- Increased testosterone levels: Though largely anecdotal, some claim that better sleep equals higher testosterone production.
- Facial structure benefits: Some assert that chronic mouth breathing negatively impacts jaw structure and overall facial aesthetics.
These benefits, whether fully substantiated by science or not, fit neatly into the manosphere’s obsession with self-optimization.
How Mouth Taping Became a Business
Joe Rogan’s ability to drive product trends is well-documented, and mouth taping is no exception. His endorsement of Hostage Tape aligns with a growing pattern of high-profile influencers promoting niche health products. While Rogan’s support for specific brands isn’t always clearly financially motivated, his track record suggests that lucrative partnerships often follow his endorsements.
This isn’t the first time Rogan has blurred the lines between genuine curiosity and commercial influence. In past episodes, he’s heavily promoted products like Morozko Ice Forge ($12,860) for cold plunges and the Zero Runner fitness machine ($4,000). Similarly, his past involvement with McDonald’s sponsorships—despite his vocal criticism of fast food—demonstrates how commercial interests often intersect with his personal branding.
The Risks and Skepticism Around Mouth Taping
Despite its growing popularity, experts caution against blindly adopting this practice. While nasal breathing is beneficial, forcibly taping the mouth shut can pose risks, especially for those with underlying breathing conditions like sleep apnea. Doctors warn that restricting airflow without proper evaluation could lead to unintended health consequences.
Additionally, some skeptics argue that the hype surrounding mouth taping is more about aesthetic and performance-driven marketing rather than proven medical benefits. The manosphere’s tendency to latch onto trends with limited scientific backing raises questions about whether this is just another fleeting biohacking obsession.
There is nothing Togan won’t promote.
byu/Complacent_Exhausted inthefighterandthekid
