When I first came across the Bella Lip Appliance, I was intrigued. A small tool that looks deceptively simple, but is said to influence not just your lips and jaw strength, but also your breathing, posture, and even your stress response.

I’ve been experimenting with it for a while now, and I want to share both the experience and the neurology behind why this little tool actually has an impact. I think it packs a punch, and while it is commonly used for more cosmetic reasons (hence the name), it does a LOT of good for the nervous system! Need I say more?!

What is the Bella Lip Appliance?

The Bella Lip Appliance is a handheld tool that you press between your lips in short, guided exercises - usually less than a minute at a time. It’s not something you wear around; it’s a training device, more like a resistance band for your lips and jaw.

You could easily add it to your morning routine, immediately after brushing your teeth (and maybe right before you use my Honour Ritual vagus nerve oil).

The purpose is to activate and strengthen the lips and surrounding facial muscles, which in turn supports better nasal breathing, jaw stability, and nervous system regulation.

The Neurology Behind It

This is where it gets interesting.

Cranial Nerve Stimulation: The lips, jaw, and face are densely innervated by cranial nerves, particularly the trigeminal nerve (CN V) and the facial nerve (CN VII). These nerves feed directly into the brainstem, the same area that regulates autonomic nervous system function - your fight-or-flight vs. rest-and-digest balance. By activating these areas through resistance, you’re essentially giving the nervous system powerful sensory input.
Jaw & Stress Response: If you have seen me in clinic, I’ve very likely worked on your jaw! The jaw is deeply tied to how we process stress, and it is a master compensator for the whole body and nervous system. Many people clench or grind their teeth as part of a sympathetic (fight/flight) response. Training the jaw and lips to function with balance and stability can send calming feedback to the brainstem, reducing the “stress loop.”
Breathing & Regulation: A strong lip seal makes nasal breathing easier and more natural. Nasal breathing, with tongue on the roof of the mouth, stimulates the vagus nerve, improves oxygen exchange, and is one of the fastest ways to shift your body into a more regulated state.

So while the appliance looks like a simple tool, it’s targeting the glorious gateway of nervous system regulation: the cranial nerves and the airway, via the jaw (TMJ).

My Experience the Bella Lip Appliance

The first time I used the Bella Lip Appliance, I was surprised at how much effort it took. Holding it between my lips and creating that resistance for just 30–60 seconds felt like a workout for my mouth.

It is designed to be used both vertically and horizontally.

After a few sessions:

My lips and jaw felt stronger and more engaged, but also like my jaw wasn’t tense anymore, like it could just hang off my face as it is designed to.
I found breathing through my nose a bit easier - this was unexpected because I didn’t think this was an issue for me!
Immediately after each use, I noticed a subtle drop in internal tension, almost like my nervous system had a mini reset. This continued to amplify with each use so that the regulation lasted longer and longer.

It’s not flashy. There’s no instant dramatic change. But over time, the shifts in breathing and jaw relaxation feel significant. As I like to say about many of these hacks, it “took the edge off” of my stress response.

If you have jaw dysfunction, or chronic dysregulation with headaches, face pain or even migraines, I encourage you to give this product a go.

The team at BLA provide you with an instructional video so you can practice the exercises, and they also do a 1:1 training (it’s quick) to watch you use the device, so you can get the most out of the exercises. Service is exceptional.

Benefits I See

Promotes nasal breathing (huge for sleep, energy, and regulation).
Activates cranial nerves in a way that supports autonomic balance.
Provides a quick, effective exercise - less than a minute (we all have one minute available).
Quick and easy to use and clean.

Things to Keep in Mind

It’s not a replacement for addressing bigger airway or structural issues.
It requires consistency to notice changes.
The sensation is unusual at first - expect some lip fatigue!
If you are hypermobile? Go easy. Do not open your mouth as wide as it goes! It opens too far and you will stress out your nervous system.
Research on this specific device is still emerging, though the neurological concepts are well-supported.

Who Might Benefit

The Bella Lip Appliance is particularly helpful if you:

Tend to mouth-breathe or struggle with keeping a lip seal.
Experience jaw tension or clenching linked to stress.
Are exploring ways to regulate your nervous system through physical input.
Want a quick, simple exercise that complements other regulation practices.

Final Thoughts

The Bella Lip Appliance isn’t just a cosmetic gadget. It’s rooted in solid neurological principles: stimulate the cranial nerves, balance the jaw, and support nasal breathing - and you change the way your nervous system processes stress.

It’s not a miracle fix, but as part of a broader approach to nervous system regulation, it’s a powerful, simple tool. One minute at a time.

If you would like to try the Bella Lip Appliance for yourself, the team having kindly given me a discount to pass on to you!

Use the code: carrie15 here for 15% off

SHOP HERE