In Nicole Smit's podcast: How mouth tape and nose strips improve your sleep and stress levels
Mar 25, 2025
Recently I had the privilege to join the podcast (see link for episode #205) of Nicole Smit, hyperventilation coach and specialist in the field of breathing. As co-founder of PurelyGoods, this was not only an opportunity for me to explain our products, but also to talk about something that affects us all : how we breathe, sleep and deal with stress.
What started as an open conversation about nasal breathing and mouth tape, grew into a deep dive into the impact of breathing on our mental and physical health.
The forgotten power of breathing
Many people don’t think about it, but breathing is one of the most powerful tools we have to help us sleep better, reduce stress, and even improve athletic performance. During the podcast with Nicole, we discussed why nasal breathing is so crucial, especially at night.
Did you know that mouth breathing during sleep often leads to:
- A dry mouth or throat
- Poorer oxygen uptake
- Restless sleep
- Snoring
- Increased stress responses in the body
That is why aids such as mouth tape and nose strips are not strange gadgets, but rather accessible ways to structurally improve your health.
Mouth tape: small aid, big difference
I get it – the idea of putting tape over your mouth may sound a little daunting. But mouth tape is safely designed to gently hold your lips closed, encouraging nasal breathing while you sleep.
🎙️ In the podcast we discussed:
- Why Mouth Breathing During Your Sleep Is Problematic
- How mouth tape helps you get more oxygen
- Why This Can Lead to Deeper, Restorative Sleep
- Why it's smart to practice during the day first
Personal experience
My brother (Floris) and I (Jelle) discovered the benefits of mouth tape when we ourselves were struggling with fatigue and shallow breathing. The effect was surprisingly quickly noticeable: better focus during the day, more restful sleep, and fewer morning headaches .
Nasal strips: breathe freely and sleep deeply
For people with allergies, stuffy noses or who snore regularly, nasal strips are a valuable addition. They open the nostrils and provide more airflow – just what you need for deep, calming breathing.
🎙️ In the podcast we delved deeper into:
- The difference between different types of nose strips
- Why athletes use them for better performance
- How they help with colds or hay fever
- Combine use with mouth tape for optimal effect
The link between breathing, stress and hyperventilation
Nicole is a hyperventilation coach who works daily with clients who struggle with stress, panic attacks or a constant feeling of being rushed. And what is shown time and again? Breathing is the key to recovery.
In the episode we shared insights on:
- How Incorrect Breathing Triggers Stress
- Why many people unconsciously hyperventilate chronically
- How to Restore Calmness with Simple Breathing Exercises
- How tools like mouth tape can help with breathing training
An interesting comment from Nicole was:
“A lot of people breathe like they are running, when they are just sitting on the couch.”
That got me thinking: how often are we stuck in a stress mode without realizing it?
Our mission at PurelyGoods
The impetus to found PurelyGoods came from that personal experience with restless breathing and poor sleep. What started as an online store for wellness products evolved into a mission to help people sleep better, breathe more calmly and live healthier .
Our core products:
- Mouth tape to promote nasal breathing
- Nasal strips to clear the airways
- A sleep guide full of tips for relaxation and better sleep routines
Every week we hear stories from customers who say they sleep better, snore less or even have better control over their anxiety symptoms.
Practical tips from the podcast
Nicole and I also shared some practical habits that everyone can implement right away:
- 🧘♂️ Breathe calmly through your nose for five minutes before going to bed
- 🌙 Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet
- 💤 Use mouth tape to prevent mouth breathing at night
- 📱 Put your phone away 30 minutes before bed
- 🌿 Practice nasal breathing during the day, even during light exertion
They are simple adjustments, but they make a world of difference.
Conclusion: Small aids with a big effect
My conversation with Nicole Smit was not only inspiring, but also affirming. Breathing is perhaps the most underestimated factor in our health. The use of Mouth tape and nose strips may seem like a small step, but it can make a huge difference to your sleep quality, stress levels, and daily energy.
Whether you're struggling with stress, sleeping poorly, or simply want to live more consciously – start with your breathing.
🎧 Curious about the full episode?
Listen to Nicole Smit's podcast via your favorite platform and discover all the tips, insights and personal experiences about sleep, stress and breathing.
👉 Want to view our products or download the free sleep guide? Take a look at purelygoods.nl/slaapgids
