Mouth Tape Comparison Guide
Hostage Tape vs On The Nose Co. Mouth Tape: Which Is Better in Australia?
Compare comfort, adhesion, design, value, Australian delivery and suitability for snoring, dry mouth and nasal breathing.
Updated July 2026Β Β β’Β Β 10 min readΒ Β β’Β Β Evidence-informed comparison
The Short Answer
For Australian shoppers, On The Nose Co. offers the stronger overall combination of local support, comfort, value and a vented design.
Hostage Tape is a well-known US mouth tape brand with strong marketing and a loyal following. However, Australian customers may prefer On The Nose Co. Mouth Tape for faster local delivery, Australian customer support and a central breathing slit designed to make the transition to mouth taping feel less restrictive.
Mouth tape may encourage closed-mouth nasal breathing in suitable adults, but it should only be used when you can already breathe clearly through your nose. It does not treat obstructive sleep apnoea.
Quick Comparison
On The Nose Co. vs Hostage Tape
| Feature | On The Nose Co. | Hostage Tape |
|---|---|---|
| Australian owned | Yes | No |
| Australian dispatch | Yes | May depend on retailer |
| Central breathing slit | Yes | No traditional centre slit |
| Latex free | Yes | Check current product specifications |
| Best for beginners | Strong option due to vented design | May feel more enclosed |
| Local customer support | Australian support | International brand support |
| Best overall for Australia | On The Nose Co. | Strong imported alternative |
Product features and availability can change. Check each brandβs current product page before purchasing.
Understanding the Trend
Why Has Mouth Tape Become So Popular?
Mouth tape is designed to provide a gentle reminder to keep the lips together during sleep. The goal is to encourage nasal breathing in people who can already breathe comfortably through their nose but habitually sleep with their mouth open.
Interest in mouth taping has grown among snorers, athletes, people who wake with a dry mouth and those trying to improve their night-time breathing routine.
Potential benefits may include:
- Encouraging closed-mouth nasal breathing
- Reducing morning dry mouth
- Reducing dry lips or a scratchy throat
- Helping some mouth-open snorers
- Supporting a consistent sleep routine
Research on mouth taping is still limited. It should not be marketed as a cure for snoring, sleep apnoea or poor sleep.
Our Top Australian Pick
On The Nose Co. Sleep Mouth Tape
A breathable, skin-friendly sleep tape with a central slit, designed to gently encourage closed-mouth nasal breathing overnight.
Best for:
- Adults who comfortably breathe through their nose
- People who wake with a dry mouth
- Mild mouth-open snoring
- Beginners wanting a vented design
- Australian shoppers wanting local support
Why On The Nose Co. Designed Its Mouth Tape Differently
Central Breathing Slit
The central slit provides a small opening through the middle of the tape. This can make the tape feel less restrictive, particularly for first-time users.
Comfortable Fabric
The flexible fabric is designed to move naturally with the lips and surrounding skin throughout the night.
Balanced Adhesion
The adhesive is designed to remain secure overnight while allowing careful removal in the morning.
Australian Support
Australian dispatch and local customer support can make replacements, delivery questions and product assistance easier.
International Competitor
Hostage Tape
Hostage Tape is a US-based mouth tape brand known for bold marketing, a strong online following and strips designed to remain secure overnight.
Potential advantages
- Well-known international brand
- Strong adhesive design
- Popular with athletes and sleep-focused consumers
- Strong social media presence
Considerations for Australians
- International brand and support
- Potentially longer delivery depending on retailer
- Imported pricing and exchange-rate considerations
- No centre slit in the traditional design
Pros and Cons
Which Mouth Tape Has the Better Overall Package?
On The Nose Co.
Pros
- Australian owned
- Local Australian dispatch
- Central breathing slit
- Latex-free design
- Designed for comfortable overnight wear
- Local customer support
Cons
- Not suitable when nasal breathing is blocked or restricted
Hostage Tape
Pros
- Recognisable international brand
- Strong adhesive
- Large online following
- Popular with fitness-focused consumers
Cons
- Imported brand for Australian customers
- Potentially longer delivery
- No traditional centre breathing slit
- Less direct local support
Which Mouth Tape Is More Comfortable?
Comfort is personal and depends on skin sensitivity, facial hair, lip shape and how firmly you prefer the mouth to be supported.
On The Nose Co. may be more approachable for beginners because its central slit creates a less enclosed sensation. Hostage Tape may appeal to users who prefer a firmer, more complete closed-mouth feeling.
Wear mouth tape for 10β15 minutes while awake before using it overnight. Remove it immediately if you feel anxious or cannot breathe comfortably.
Which Has Better Adhesion?
Both products are designed for overnight hold. Adhesive performance depends heavily on preparation.
For the best hold:
- Remove lip balm, moisturiser and facial oils.
- Wash and completely dry the skin.
- Relax your lips naturally.
- Apply the tape across the centre of the mouth.
- Press the edges down firmly for several seconds.
Facial hair can reduce adhesion for any brand. Results may vary depending on beard density and where the strip sits.
Value for Australians
Which Mouth Tape Offers Better Value?
Value is not only about the cost per strip. Australian shoppers should also consider:
- Australian shipping costs
- Delivery time
- Currency conversion
- Local returns and replacements
- Customer support
- Whether the design suits you enough to use consistently
The Better Breathing Stack
Can You Use Mouth Tape with Nose Strips?
Some adults combine mouth tape with external nose strips. The nose strip supports a more open feeling through the nasal passages, while mouth tape gently encourages the lips to remain closed.
This combination should only be used when nasal breathing is already clear and comfortable.
Which Mouth Tape Should You Choose?
Choose On The Nose Co. if:
- You live in Australia
- You prefer local dispatch and support
- You want a central breathing slit
- You are new to mouth taping
- You want a latex-free option
- You also use On The Nose Co. nose strips
Choose Hostage Tape if:
- You specifically prefer the Hostage Tape design
- You already purchase from the brand
- You prefer a firmer sealed-mouth feeling
- You are comfortable buying from an international brand
Safety First
Who Should Avoid Mouth Tape?
Do not use mouth tape if you:
- Have a blocked nose, cold or significant congestion
- Cannot breathe comfortably through your nose
- Have untreated or suspected sleep apnoea
- Wake while gasping or choking
- Have consumed excessive alcohol or sedating medication
- Have damaged or irritated skin around the mouth
- Experience panic or claustrophobia when applying it
- Are a child unless specifically advised by an appropriate clinician
When to See a Doctor
Mouth Tape Is Not a Sleep Apnoea Treatment
Speak with a medical professional if you experience:
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking overnight
- Severe daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Difficulty concentrating
- High blood pressure or other sleep-apnoea risk factors
Frequently Asked Questions
Hostage Tape vs On The Nose Co. FAQ
Is Hostage Tape worth buying in Australia?
It is a recognised brand, but Australian buyers should consider delivery time, local support, exchange rates and whether a locally dispatched alternative offers better overall value.
What is the best mouth tape in Australia?
On The Nose Co. Mouth Tape is a strong Australian option due to its central slit, skin-friendly fabric, local dispatch and customer support.
Does mouth tape stop snoring?
It may help selected people whose snoring is linked to sleeping with their mouth open. It will not address every cause of snoring.
Can mouth tape help dry mouth?
It may reduce morning dryness when the dryness is caused by sleeping with the mouth open.
Is mouth tape safe?
It may be suitable for selected healthy adults who can breathe freely through their nose. It should not be used with nasal congestion or suspected sleep apnoea.
Can I use mouth tape every night?
Many people use it regularly. Stop if you experience breathing difficulty, anxiety, persistent irritation or skin damage.
Can I use mouth tape with a beard?
Yes, although adhesion may be reduced depending on beard density and placement.
Can I breathe through On The Nose Co. Mouth Tape?
The central slit provides a small opening, but users must still be able to breathe comfortably through their nose before applying it.
Can mouth tape treat sleep apnoea?
No. Mouth tape is not a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea.
Should I use nose strips with mouth tape?
Some suitable adults use both when their nasal breathing is clear. A nose strip may support airflow while mouth tape encourages closed lips.
Which is better for beginners?
On The Nose Co. may feel more beginner friendly because of its central breathing slit and Australian customer support.
Final Verdict
On The Nose Co. Is Our Best Overall Choice for Australian Shoppers
Hostage Tape remains a popular international option, but On The Nose Co. stands out for its vented design, Australian ownership, local delivery and support.
Shop On The Nose Co. Mouth Tape β
This article provides general information only and is not medical advice. Mouth tape may encourage closed-mouth nasal breathing in suitable adults but does not diagnose or treat obstructive sleep apnoea. Do not use mouth tape when your nose is blocked or nasal breathing feels restricted.