Can people can breathe through their mouth during sleep?

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In summary, people can breathe through their mouth during sleep, especially if their nasal passages are blocked due to conditions like allergies, colds, or sleep apnea. Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, increased risk of dental issues, and sleep disturbances. While it is a common occurrence, habitual mouth breathing may indicate underlying health issues that could benefit from medical evaluation.
  • #1
LaraKnowles
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There was a man named Mark Gleeson who had snoring problems caused by a nose injury. He put tampons up his nostrils to try and cure his snoring, and went to bed. He suffocated in his sleep. The coroner, Michael Burgess, said the tampons contributed to him suffocating.

If you believe that humans can breathe through their mouth during sleep, then why do you think the coroner said the tampons in his nostrils contributed to him suffocating during sleep?

He went to bed after the tampons were put up his nose, so he would've been breathing through his mouth as he drifted off to sleep.
 
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  • #3
LaraKnowles said:
why do you think the coroner said the tampons in his nostrils contributed to him suffocating during sleep?
Not everyone is equally able to breath through their month while asleep.
Medical issues could contribute to this happening.
Clearly some can do this.
Its not much different from doing it when awake.
 
  • #4
It's too bad that the article barely mentions that he also drank alcohol while taking sleeping pills as well as using tampons to block his nasal passages. That is something that should always be avoided and probably contributed just as much to his death as their desperate plan to treat his untreated medical condition.
 
  • #5
Mendrys said:
he also drank alcohol while taking sleeping pills a
And what could possibly go wrong with that?
 
  • #6
Turns out that scientists and doctors have proven that the Mark Gleeson story has been made up. Humans breathe through their mouths if they can't breathe through their nose. Nobody's died from a blocked nose. There's not a single case of it reported on NIH or in medical journals.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9498581/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9498537/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4593528/

https://www.kaplansinusrelief.com/blog/stuffy-nose-cant-breathe/

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/mouth-breathing
 
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  • #7
Seems we equipped this subject with a lot of references. The reflex to breathe is one of our strongest and most difficult to shut down.

This thread will be closed with my personal comment:
Do not experiment with breathing!
 
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Likes Bystander, berkeman, BillTre and 1 other person

FAQ: Can people can breathe through their mouth during sleep?

Can people breathe through their mouth during sleep?

Yes, people can and often do breathe through their mouth during sleep. This can happen due to various reasons such as nasal congestion, sleep apnea, or simply out of habit.

Is mouth breathing during sleep harmful?

Mouth breathing during sleep can lead to several issues such as dry mouth, bad breath, and an increased risk of dental problems. It can also be a sign of underlying health issues like sleep apnea or allergies that may require medical attention.

What causes someone to breathe through their mouth while sleeping?

Common causes include nasal congestion from colds, allergies, or sinus infections. Structural issues like a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, or adenoids can also contribute. In some cases, mouth breathing is a habit that persists from childhood.

How can mouth breathing during sleep be prevented?

Preventing mouth breathing may involve treating underlying conditions like allergies or nasal congestion. Using nasal strips, humidifiers, or saline sprays can help. In some cases, practicing good sleep hygiene and changing sleep positions can reduce mouth breathing.

Should I see a doctor if I breathe through my mouth during sleep?

If mouth breathing during sleep is causing discomfort, health issues, or if you suspect it might be related to a condition like sleep apnea, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments.

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