This article is general information only, not medical advice. For anything related to your health, symptoms, or therapy, speak with your doctor or sleep physician.

Hay fever, medically known as allergic rhinitis, happens when your immune system reacts to something you're sensitive to, such as pollen, dust mites, mould, or animal dander, triggering symptoms like sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy, watery eyes.¹ It's common, affecting around 1 in 5 adults in Australia, and while pollen-related hay fever tends to ramp up in spring and summer, other triggers like dust mites can cause symptoms all year round.¹ CPAP therapy pulls in room air, filters and pressurises it, then delivers it through a tube and into your mask every time you sleep, which is why your mask and tubing need to be cleaned every day.² That's part of why keeping your equipment allergy-season ready matters if you rely on CPAP. At CPAP Online, we know a few small habits now can mean a lot more comfortable nights through the peak allergy months ahead.

In southern Australia, grass pollen season mainly runs from October to December, while in northern coastal areas grasses mostly flower from January to March.³

The CPAP problem

Allergy season creates a bit of a double challenge for CPAP users. Hay fever symptoms, congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes, can already make it harder to get a full night's sleep.¹ At the same time, a CPAP machine draws in room air and delivers it through your mask. ² That mean pollen and dust in that airflow can make their way into your equipment. A clogged filter can make the machine work harder than it needs to, and nasal congestion can affect how well your mask seals, which may mean more leaks or discomfort right when allergy symptoms are already flaring.

None of this means overhauling your whole routine or giving up on therapy. A few simple checks across your filter, mask, and bedroom can go a long way, here's where to start.

1. Check Your Filters

CPAP machines generally use one of two filter types: a disposable filter or a reusable foam filter and the right one depends on your specific machine (common brands include ResMed, Philips Respironics, Fisher & Paykel, and BMC).

• Inspect your filter regularly, even if it's not due for replacement yet.

• Replacing it once it looks worn, grey, or discoloured, or if airflow feels weaker checking more often during high-pollen periods or in a dusty home is a sensible precaution. Most disposable filters need to be replaced every 2-3 months.

• Reusable foam filters can typically be rinsed in warm water and left to dry fully before refitting, check your machine's manual, as not all filters are washable.

Consider Upgrading to a Hypoallergenic Filter

If airborne allergens are a concern, upgrading to a hypoallergenic CPAP filter is worth considering. These filters are designed to capture finer particles than a standard filter, helping keep your device's air intake cleaner during high-pollen periods.

Most major machines offer a hypoallergenic or fine-filter option, including:

• ResMed AirMini

• ResMed AirSense 10 / S9 and AirSense 11

• Löwenstein PrismaLINE

• Philips Respironics DreamStation

This is general product information only and is not medical advice. Filter replacement frequency varies depending on the filter type and machine, so always follow your manufacturer's guidance. Hypoallergenic filters are not a substitute for managing hay fever, asthma or other health conditions. For anything related to your health, symptoms or therapy, speak with your doctor or sleep specialist.

2. Keep Up a Weekly Deep Clean

• Clean your entire mask, headgear and tubing each week to get rid of dust and germs.⁴

• Rinse the mask cushion each morning and wipe with a damp cloth or CPAP wipe.

• Empty the humidifier chamber daily and leave it open to dry.

• Skip scented soaps, bleach, and alcohol, as these can damage equipment or irritate skin and airways.

• Follow your manufacturer's cleaning guidance rather than external cleaning devices not covered by it.

3. Mind Your Water and Humidity

• Use distilled water in the humidifier and replace it daily rather than letting water sit, since standing water can encourage bacterial growth.⁴
  

• If you notice more condensation ("rainout") or dryness, adjust humidity in small steps.

• Clean the humidifier chamber weekly with mild soap and let it air dry completely before reassembling.
  

Shop All Water Chambers & Humidifiers

4. Cut Down Bedroom Allergens

• Wash bedding weekly.

• Vacuum and dust regularly, ideally with a HEPA-filter vacuum.

• Keep windows closed on high-pollen days and run your CPAP in a clean, uncluttered space.

• Shower before bed to rinse pollen from skin and hair.

• Check local pollen forecasts and plan outdoor time around lower-pollen periods.

• In some people, spring pollen can also trigger thunderstorm asthma, so if you wheeze during spring or summer, speak with your doctor.³

5. Know When to Replace Parts

• Headgear, tubing, filters, and the humidifier chamber should be checked routinely and replaced once worn or damaged.

• It's time to replace your mask cushion and headgear once you can no longer maintain a good seal despite regular cleaning and correct fit.⁴

• Watch for tell-tale signs: a filter that's grey or clogged, tubing that's cracked or gone cloudy, or a mask cushion that's stiff, leaking, or leaving marks.

• Not sure when to replace what? Check out our blog: When to Replace Your CPAP Supplies for a full breakdown.

Quick Checklist

A few small habits now can make peak allergy season a lot more comfortable while keeping your therapy working the way it should. If your symptoms, breathing, or therapy change noticeably, check in with your doctor.

Bottom line

Spring brings more pollen and dust into the air, so it's a good time to give your CPAP equipment a little extra attention. Checking your filters, keeping up with cleaning and replacing worn parts are simple ways to keep your gear fresh and in good condition through the season. For questions about your machine, refer to the manufacturer's instructions, and for anything related to your health or therapy, speak with your doctor or sleep physician.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice or a clinical recommendation. Always follow your manufacturer's cleaning and care instructions. For anything related to your health, symptoms or therapy, consult your treating doctor, sleep specialist or other qualified healthcare professional.

CPAP Online has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity.

Source 1

Healthdirect Australia. (2024). Hay fever (allergic rhinitis). https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever

Source 2

Cleveland Clinic. (2024). CPAP machine. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22043-cpap-machine

Source 3

ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy). (2024). Pollen allergy: Frequently asked questions. https://allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/pollen-allergy

Source 4

Mayo Clinic Health System. (2016). Why cleaning your positive airway pressure (PAP) supplies is important. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/why-cleaning-your-cpap-is-important