Children's Mouth Breathing Intervention
Protocol for retraining children who mouth breathe: confirm nasal patency, decongest, use Myotape during distracted waking time, and consult functional dentist.
Assembled by Cited from Patrick McKeown's recorded recommendations across multiple sources. It is not an ordered program and was not created or endorsed by them — it's our grouping of what they've said on the record.
Components
7-
In a protocol
A small breath-hold exercise to decongest the nose so people can transition to nasal breathing.
“I practiced the nose unblocking exercise. It worked straight away
TR▶ 7:00Certaintyexplicitpersonal useFirst confirm child can breathe through nose; use nose unblocking exercise -
In a protocol
Breathe in and out through the nose during wakefulness, light to moderate exercise, and sleep to improve CO2 tolerance, diaphragm recruitment, and airway function.
“start breathing in and out through the nose
TR▶ 40:00DosageAll day during rest and light/moderate exercise; close mouth during sleepCaveatsDuring very high intensity exercise mouth breathing may be necessary; don't force itCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsementEstablish nasal breathing during walking/jogging -
In a protocol
Tape child's mouth (with Myotape or paper tape) during distracted activities like TV or screens to retrain lip-seal behavior.
“I need you to have your mouth taped during that time
TR▶ 1:36:50DosageApply during TV/screen/distracted timeCaveatsOnly after confirming child can breathe through noseCertaintyexplicitrecommendationTape mouth during TV/screen distracted time to retrain lip-brain connection -
In a protocol Alternative
Elasticated tape that surrounds the lips (without covering the mouth) to encourage lip closure and nasal breathing during sleep or wakefulness.
“I brought up my own tape called Myotape
TR▶ 55:00DosageApply around mouth during sleep or distracted wakefulnessCaveatsSafer than tape that covers mouth — doesn't worsen sleep apnea since mouth puff still possibleCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsementMyotape is the tool used for the taping component -
In a protocol
Maintain proper tongue posture with three-quarters of the tongue elevated against the palate (not pushing on teeth) to open airway and support facial development.
“tongue resting in the roof of the mouth
TR▶ 53:40DosageSay 'thin' to position tip; elevate three-quarters of tongue flat against palateCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsementTongue resting in roof of mouth supports facial development -
In a protocol Alternative
Consult a functional or airway dentist for children with overcrowded teeth, narrow jaws, or airway issues — they use appliances to expand jaws rather than extract teeth.
“a functional dentist is so important
TR▶ 1:28:20Certaintyexplicitstrong endorsementRefer to functional/airway dentist if jaw development issues -
Guest recommendation In a protocol
Free app with children's section containing breathing exercises taught by McKeown's daughter for parents to use with kids.
“there's an app called Buteyko Clinic
TR▶ 1:32:50CaveatsNot as good as an instructor but a good starting pointCertaintyexplicitrecommendationButeyko Clinic app children's section as DIY resource for parents
How this protocol has evolved
Patrick noted he previously used 3M micropore tape but developed Myotape after recognizing 50% of OSA patients worsen with mouth-covering tape.