'As easy as breathing' may be a tired cliché but have you ever wondered if you're actually doing it wrong?
Breathing through your mouth could mean that you’re twice as likely to experience regular nasal congestion, according to new research.
13% of people, from a study of 2000 adults, reported that they typically breathe through their mouths.
This statistic increases to 18% when people sleep.
But of these, nearly one in three (31%) admitted they experience nasal congestion often.
To compare, just 15% of those who breathe through their noses feel bunged up regularly.
As a result of these regular stuffy noses, 38% of respondents said that they are being kept up at night.
Commissioned by Olbas, Dr Roger Henderson, a GP of over 30 years, headed a team of researchers.
Why is mouth breathing bad for your health?
About the study, he commented: “Breathing through your mouth can cause several health issues compared to when you breathe more healthily through your nose.
“Mouth breathing can cause less oxygen to be delivered to the body and one of the problems this can cause is disturbed sleep and increased daytime fatigue and tiredness.
“It also causes the mouth to dry out, which in turn increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
“There may also be an increased risk of upper airway infections as well as inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids.
“Nasal obstruction is a common reason for mouth breathing, often caused by nasal allergies or enlarged adenoids.”
The study also reported that of those who experience regular nasal congestion, 64% are getting blocked noses.
Additionally, one in three are getting runny noses, and 31% are even having sinus pressure and pain.
Whereas another 31% have found breathing difficult as a result.
Nasal sprays, steam inhalation and decongestants are the most popular remedies people are turning to as they attempt to relieve their congestion.
However, as a result of being regularly bunged up 37% have been kept awake at night and 30% have found it difficult to nod off.
In addition, this has then caused tiredness throughout the day for 28%.
The research, which was conducted via OnePoll, also found those who are breathing through their mouths are having worse sleep compared to those who do not.
56% of mouth breathers claim their quality of sleep is good, compared to 68% of those who predominantly breathe through their nose.
Dr Roger Henderson added: “To help reduce mouth breathing and nasal congestion, use a saline spray or nasal decongestant, sleep on your back with an extra pillow to prop up your head and help promote nasal breathing.
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“Try to keep your house as free of allergens as possible and consciously practice breathing through your nose during the day to help train yourself into a habit of nasal breathing.”
Claire Campbell, from Olbas, said: "It’s clear that breathing through your mouth is causing Brits more issues when it comes to nasal congestion.
“This in turn is having a detrimental impact on their day-to-day life as they struggle with health conditions.
“This is why we developed our range with a mixture of plant oils, to help unblock stuffy and congested noses.”
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