Mouth strips that attach to your lips and keep them closed to prevent mouth breathing is a simple concept. This is the SomniFix concept – could it be too simple, do they actually work?
POSITIVES
Simple to use. Simple concept.
Reduces open-mouth snoring.
Can be worn with a CPAP oxygen mask while sleeping.
Appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank
Not Expensive.
NEGATIVES
You will have to sleep with your mouth ‘taped’ shut!
A high proportion of negative Amazon reviews.
SUMMARY
Having your mouth taped shut is likely to take some getting used to, but many people get used to the sensation.
SomniFix appeared and won considerable investment from The Shark Tank. The investment was somewhere in the region of $500k – quite substantial for what is in essence mouth tape.
If you use a CPAP or oxygen mask while sleeping this is a viable option. If you do not then consider something else.
Recommended Alternative: There are several anti snoring devices that appear to be dominating. The AirSnore mouthpiece is proving to be the current top snoring solution.
Our Rating 6.5/10
What is Somnifix
Non-invasive strips that you place over your mouth to stop mouth breathing, encourage nose breathing and curb snoring
What Will I Learn?
In-Depth SomniFix Review
SomniFix mouth strips are a disposable sleep aid designed to prevent you from breathing through your mouth while sleeping. They are described as mouth strips or mouth tape.
The product is aimed at people who suffer from one or more of several sleep-related problems:
- People who snore
- People who wear CPAP oxygen mask while sleeping
- Anyone who sleeps with their mouth open
Sleeping with your mouth open can cause several problems.
It’s also considered bad for oral hygiene because an open mouth can draw in dust and bacteria. It can also cause a dry mouth.
People who sleep with their mouth open sometimes wake up with a sore throat. The habit may also lead to nasal congestion and snoring.
CPAP is an acronym. It stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Such machines are generally used as a treatment for sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes the airways to become blocked while you are sleeping. This arrests breathing. Sometimes up to 30 times per hour.
If you are constantly waking up gasping for breath it’s impossible to get a decent night’s sleep. This can interfere with health and vitality in many ways.
The fact that breathing stops is dangerous in itself. Lives have been lost thorugh sleep apnea.
By pumping a continuous flow of air, CPAP machines pressurize the airways slightly. This helps keep them open.
Although CPAP machines are an effective treatment for sleep apnea, sleeping with your mouth open reduces pressure. This can cause the normal symptoms of sleep apnea to reemerge.
For this reason, many CPAP users wear special neck straps that force the jaw to remain closed. These are notoriously uncomfortable and are sometimes likened to a torture device.
Due to its ability to keep the mouth closed, the mouth strips can be a more user-friendly alternative to neck-straps.
What is SomniFix?
In some ways, SomniFix mouth strips are a little like a large sticking plaster. You select a fresh strip each night, peel of the paper at the back, and then affix it to the skin around your mouth.
As with a sticking plaster, the back of the strip is coated with a special glue that holds it in place.
SomniFix users often joke they are taping their mouth shut and that’s exactly what they are doing.
There is no doubt forcing the mouth to remain shut offers certain benefits. However, it’s not a suitable option for everyone. Nor will it be beneficial in all cases.
Unfortunately, there is no one-stop cure for snoring. As with the other options people use to control snoring, the mouth strips may help some people, but not others.
Interesting Fact
In early 2019 SomniFix appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank (a program where entrepreneurs pitch their inventions or products to investors).
Here is video of one of the Sharks – Daymond John trying the snoring strips.
Did Somnifix Get the Shark tank Investment?
Yes, businessman Mark Cuban stumped up $500,000 – you can read about it here
Who Makes SomniFix
The mouth tape is made in America by SomniFix International LLC. The company was founded by Nicholas A. Michalak and Andre S. Michalak, M.D.
According to the website, Michalak is a former “champion snorer.” When he realized many of his patients had similar issues he created a solution.
Advertised Benefits
- Non-invasive sleep aid
- Curbs mouth breathing, encourages nose breathing
- Helps you to sleep better
- Supports natural jaw movement
- Improves CPAP compliance
- Reduces open-mouth snoring
- No more morning cottonmouth
- Allows you to wake up feeling refreshed
Design & Material
The strips are made of 100% allergenic, biodegradable material. They are also free from latex and gluten. They have been thoroughly tested and do not appear to cause skin irritation.
As stated earlier in this review, SomniFix mouth tape affixes to the skin around the mouth in a similar way to a sticking plaster. However, the strips are not unbroken. Each one has a special vent in the center.
The vent mimics the filtering ability of nasal hairs. So if any mouth breathing does occur, the air that enters the mouth will be clear of dust particles and other airborne debris that could cause irritation.
The small size of the vent also restricts the amount of air you can draw in, reducing it to a level that’s similar to what you can obtain via your nose.
How to Use SomniFix
There’s nothing complicated about this product. Using the strips can be reduced to a simple 4-step process:
1. Prepare the Skin
As with a sticking plaster, a nicotine patch, or anything else you may need to stick to your skin, the application area needs to be clean. If it’s not you may not be able to get the strip to stick.
Even if it does stick, the presence of grease or moisture will make the strip more likely to fall off.
To prepare the skin, just wash the area around your mouth in a similar way to which you wash the rest of your face.
Soap and water is fine, but after the skin is clean and dry you will not be able to apply nighttime moisturizer or any other product to the area around the mouth.
2. Remove the Backing
Nothing complicated here either. All you need to do is remove the liner from the back of the patch. As with a sticking plaster, the ends are easy to find and take hold of.
3. Position the Strip
It’s important to place the strip correctly. The vent needs to be in the middle of the area where your lips meet.
The best thing to do is close your lips, turn them slightly inward, and then line up the vent. You will probably need a mirror to do this.
4. Stick it On
When you find the optimum position, press the strip onto the skin and use gentle fingertip pressure to make sure it’s completely stuck down.
Can You Expect Any Discomfort or Side Effects?
A product like this shouldn’t cause any side effects. Nor will it cause discomfort. However, unless you are used to having your mouth taped shut, wearing SomniFix for the first time may be a very unusual experience.
The good news is, after a few nights of use, you should become more comfortable with your new bedtime lip gear.
Maintenance Requirements & Product Longevity
Each mouth strip is a throw-away item. You wear it once and then dispose of it. There is nothing to maintain.
SomniFix Customer Reviews
The SomniFix website has a profusion of positive reviews, but it’s unwise to place too much trust in feedback provided by such a biased source.
The site does not provide a way to input reviews. Presumably, all the reviews on display have been sent in via email.
Regardless of their origin, they must have been hand-picked.
Would a manufacturer choose to share comments made by people who were unhappy with its product(s)? Probably not. It would not make good sense.
Fortunately, there are over 1,000 reviews available on Amazon as well.
The Amazon reviews system is not immune to manipulation but Amazon customer reviews are likely to be more reliable than ones published by manufacturers.
Plenty of Amazon customers say the product did not work for them, but the amount of good reviews still outnumber the bad.
As you can see, the customer above has a couple of issues with the product. The first one is the size. This is not a common complaint.
She also mentions problems with adhesion. Many other customers report the same thing and some of them complain about waking up and finding the strip on their pillow.
This customer does not report any problems with adhesion. Although he states the strips fail to eliminate snoring, he says they reduce its frequency and volume.
SomniFic Review Summary
Having your mouth taped shut is likely to take some getting used to, but many people get used to the sensation.
Before options like this hit the market, many people taped their mouths shut with surgical tape. The idea of taping the mouth shut is anything but new.
However, comparing SomniFix to surgical tape would be like comparing a Toyota to a Ferrari.
SomniFix is a specialist product that boasts some impressive features. The central breathing vent is just one of them.
Although it could be seen as nothing more than a luxury alternative to mouth tape, it is easily the better option.
However, DawnStudy.com is primarily interested in its value as an anti-snoring aid. Most of our readers will feel the same.
As a means of reducing or stopping snoring, the product is pretty much sailing in the same boat as most of the other options on the market. It appears to work for some people but not for others.
However, a box of SomniFix costs a lot less than many of the anti-snoring devices that increase airflow by pulling the tongue forward (TSDs) or advancing the lower jaw (MADs).
Despite the price though, many people may find a TSD or MAD turns out to be a better option than SomniFix.
A lot of people snore due to airflow obstructions in the throat. The position of the tongue during sleep can play a big part in this. TSDs and MADs exist to tackle the problem.
Nevertheless, if you are sure sleeping with an open mouth is making you snore, SomniFix may be the best anti-snoring product to choose.
How Much Does SomniFix Cost?
A box of SomniFix contains 28 strips and generally retails at $19.97. That means using the mouth tape will cost you 71 cents per night.
That’s a small price to pay if you find the product delivers uninterrupted sleep to you and your partner.
Amazon customers have the option of bagging a 5% discount if they buy SomniFix via Subscribe and Save.
If you buy three packs from the manufacturer’s site (via auto-ship) the discount is better. It’s 17%.
However, although Subscribe and Save and other auto-ship options may be a good idea if you have experience of a product and know it works for you, new users may be wise to only buy a single pack.
Making long-term commitments will only mean additional expense in the future.
Does this Anti-Snoring Device Need a Prescription?
No prescription is necessary. If you want to buy SomniFix all you need to do is place your order and wait for your package to arrive.
However, the product is not suitable for all.
Don’t attempt to use the product if you suffer from any of the following conditions:
- Obesity (BMI 35 or more)
- Nasal breathing difficulties
- Severely chapped lips
- Sleep apnea
- Low blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Breathing difficulties
- Colds, flu, sinus, or ear infections
It’s also unwise to use the mouth tape if you have consumed alcohol or sedatives.
Although SomniFix does not need a prescription, if you have any doubts about its suitability, it would be wise to seek professional medical advice before using the product.
Guarantee
A small section on one page of the SomniFix website mentions a money-back guarantee. It states customers who are unhappy with their purchase, for any reason, are entitled to a free return.
It’s promising to see a statement like that, even if it is hard to locate. However, the site does not say how long the offer is good for. It may only be a few days.
I took a look at the site’s terms and conditions page hoping to find extra information. I drew a blank. After reading a lot of long-winded text I found a statement that reads:
“These products or services may have limited quantities and are subject to return or exchange only according to our Return Policy.”
There was no link to the Returns Policy. Nor is a link included in the site’s navigation menu. Even the FAQ section fails to mention a guarantee or detail the returns policy.
Where to Buy SomniFix
You can buy SomniFix directly from the manufacturer’s website. Buying via Amazon is also an option but the price is the same.
SomniFix is available to buy in Canada, Australia, UK and the United States.
It also appears to be available on eBay but the cost is often a little more expensive.
Buying items of this nature via eBay is not a good idea. A lot of counterfeit products are distributed via eBay’s sites.
I’m not trying to say anything disparaging about the popular online marketplace. eBay is a reputable company. Unfortunately, its services are often abused and it would be hard for eBay to police all the items listed there.
I found several different eBay sellers distributing items that appeared to be SomniFix.
Most of them had sold the same product multiple times and had many more available. If you think that may suggest shenanigans, I agree.
If you believe SomniFix may be beneficial to you, you owe it to yourself to make sure you obtain the genuine product. The best way to do this is to buy directly from the manufacturer.
Cheap counterfeits may look the part but will not be made from the same materials or to the same quality standards.
Recommended Article: We have compiled our list of the most popular and most effective anti snoring devices (mouthpieces and mouthguards) – click here to read more
Top 6 FAQ’s
If you can’t breathe through your nose, mouth tape will not be a good option to use. The strips are designed to force you to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.
If your inability to breathe through your nose is ongoing, it’s a good idea to visit a doctor or otolaryngologist. There is obviously some kind of problem that needs resolving and it’s important you get the right help.
SomniFix is coated with a special adhesive that’s designed to be used around the lips. If the strips are not sticking it suggests you have not thoroughly cleaned the skin around your mouth.
Moisturizers, lipstick, or anything else that leaves a greasy residue will need to be diligently removed. It’s also important to make sure you thoroughly dry the skin after washing.
Yes. The adhesive is specially designed for use with the strips. It’s gentle on the skin and easy to use. The best way to remove the strip is to force your mouth open and allow your jaw to do the work.
After your mouth is open, it’s just a case of taking hold of the rest of the strip and whipping it off with your fingers.
No. There is no residue or discoloration of the skin. It’s a very smile-friendly product.
No. SomniFix is a disposable product designed to be used once only. Trying to use a strip for two or more nights would not be hygienic. It could introduce unwanted bacteria to the lips.
Apart from the hygiene issues, it’s unlikely the adhesive would work very well the second time around.
The mouth tape is primarily designed to prevent you from sleeping with your mouth open. If you snore because you sleep with your mouth open, it should stop you snoring by removing the cause.
The strips are kind to the skin, 100% safe to use, and perfect for long-term use. However, it’s important to remember each strip is a throw-away item. You wear it once and then toss it in the trash.
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