Mouth Tape Comparison Guide: Acrylic vs. Silicone Adhesive

If you’ve explored the world of mouth taping, you’ve probably come across a growing number of brands offering this sleep-enhancing solution. Mouth tape can support nasal breathing, reduce snoring, and promote deeper, more restful sleep. But not all mouth tapes are created equal, and the biggest difference often comes down to what’s underneath: the adhesive.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between acrylic-based and silicone-based adhesives used in mouth tapes — and why that difference matters more than you might think.

What’s the Deal with Adhesives, Anyway?

The adhesive in mouth tape isn’t just what keeps it in place overnight — it’s what touches your skin for 6–8 hours at a time, night after night. The quality, feel, and performance of that adhesive can affect everything from comfort and breathability to skin sensitivity and how often you wake up at night to reapply it. Poor-quality adhesive can even cause your skin to break out in a rash or acne.

Acrylic-Based Mouth Tape: The Industry Standard (Until Now)

Many "stretchy" mouth tape brands use acrylic-based adhesives. If it has wavy lines of adhesive on the back, it's probably acrylic. Acrylic adhesives are common in medical tapes and consumer bandages. They’re strong and cost-effective, but not always the most skin-friendly.

Acrylic adhesive is a type of synthetic, plastic-based glue made from acrylate polymers — materials derived from petroleum. These polymers are engineered to form strong bonds when exposed to pressure, which is why they’re commonly used in things like bandages, medical tape, and even duct tape.

Core Ingredients in Acrylic Adhesive Typically Include:

• Acrylic acid or acrylate esters (the base plastic-like compounds)
• Tackifiers to make the adhesive sticky
• Plasticizers to improve flexibility
• Stabilizers and additives to increase durability and shelf life

These adhesives are designed to stick firmly to the skin and maintain hold over time, even with moisture or movement. However, that strength can come at a cost.

Pros:

• Readily available and widely used
• Strong adhesion that keeps tape in place

Cons:

• Can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially with repeated use
• Often feels “tuggy” or harsh during removal
• May leave behind residue
• Less flexible — can feel stiff or rigid on the lips
• Not ideal for people prone to breakouts or skin reactions

Silicone-Based Mouth Tape: The Dryft Sleep Advantage

At Dryft Sleep, we use a silicone-based adhesive, a more advanced and skin-conscious option. Silicone adhesives are often used in hospital-grade wound care because of their gentle, hypoallergenic properties.

Benefits of Silicone-Based Adhesive:

• Gentle on skin, even with nightly use
• Painless to remove, with no tugging or irritation
• Flexible and soft, allowing for a more comfortable fit that moves with your face
• Leaves no sticky residue
• Ideal for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or frequent use

Our silicone-based tape is medical-grade, breathable, and engineered for overnight wear — designed for comfort, performance, and peace of mind.

Side-by-Side Comparison