Wondering why your CPAP suddenly feels off as the temperature drops?
If your nose is drying out, your mask is damp, or your tubing feels like a frozen garden hose, you’re not imagining things. Winter can really throw off your therapy, even when your setup looks perfectly fine on the outside.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to just put up with it.
With a few simple tweaks, you could turn those chilly nights into something a whole lot more comfortable. In this CPAP Winter Guide, we’ll show you how to make your setup work better for the season, so you can breathe easier and wake up feeling ready for the day.
Why Winter Challenges CPAP?
To understand why winter messes with your CPAP, we’ve got to look at how your body handles air.
Think of your nose like nature’s humidifier. It warms and adds moisture to the air you breathe, so by the time it reaches your lungs, it feels just right. But when you use a CPAP machine, the steady flow of air moves faster than your body can keep up with. In winter, that air is colder and drier than usual, and that’s when things start to get tricky.1
Your throat might feel dry. Your nose can get stuffy. You might even notice the occasional nosebleed.2 It’s not your machine acting up, it’s just your body reacting to that chilly, moisture-sucking winter air.
It’s annoying, sure, and a bit puzzling at first. But the truth is, winter tends to stir up a handful of sneaky issues that slip into your routine and quietly throw things off. Recognising what’s happening is the first step to making things feel right again.
Common Problems for CPAP Patients in Winter
So, what’s actually behind all that discomfort? Let’s run through the most common ones and put a name to the problems you might be experiencing.
Nasal Dryness
When cold air and steady airflow from your CPAP come together, your nose can start to feel tight, dry, or even a little sore. That’s because the cold, dry air pulls moisture away from your nasal passages, leaving them irritated. Sometimes, it might even lead to scabbing or nosebleeds. If your nose feels uncomfortable when you wake up, that’s usually a sign your nose isn’t loving the winter air.3
Rainout in Tubing
Ever woken up to your mask feeling damp or heard weird bubbling sounds coming from your hose? there’s a good chance you’re dealing with rainout.
Rainout happens when the warm, humidified air from your CPAP cools down too much as it travels through the tubing. The moisture turns into water droplets that can collect in the hose or even drip right into your mask while you’re trying to sleep.1 It’s annoying, uncomfortable, and can easily throw off your therapy.
Cold Air Sensitivity
Some people feel cold more easily than others. And when that chilly air runs through your CPAP, it can make your chest feel tight or leave you shivering in bed. Your body might be more sensitive to cold if you have poor circulation or not much body fat. That chilly airflow can leave you feeling restless or make it harder to stay cosy through the night.9
Mask Seal Issues
When the temperature drops, your mask might not behave the way it usually does. Cold air can make the mask’s material a bit stiff, which affects how well it fits your face. At the same time, winter air often dries out your skin, and that lack of moisture can make it harder for the mask to stay in place. The combination can lead to slipping, leaks, and a sleep that feels more fussy than restful.2
All of these issues can make winter nights feel more frustrating than restful. But don’t stress, there’s a lot you can do to get things back on track and most of the fixes are simpler than you’d expect.
Let’s walk through some easy ways to help your CPAP stay warm, comfy, and winter-ready.
Essential Winter Tips for CPAP Therapy
You know how you bundle up in winter to stay warm? Well, your CPAP setup could use a little of that same care. Cold nights can make therapy feel less comfortable, but a few thoughtful tips might be all it takes to keep things running smoothly — so you can stay cosy, breathe easier, and wake up feeling refreshed.
Adjust your Humidification Settings
Using a humidifier with your CPAP is one of the easiest ways to bring comfort back into your nights. Most modern machines come with a built-in heated humidifier, and turning it up just a notch during winter can really help with the dryness.1
Some machines also come with an auto humidification setting. This smart feature adjusts the moisture level for you based on room temperature and humidity, so you don’t have to guess what’s right. Check your settings — if auto humidification is available, turn it on and let it do the work for you.
Avoid Rainout with Heated Tubing
Still feeling off, even after tweaking your humidity settings? You could be running into rainout and that calls for a different kind of fix.
This is where heated tubing steps in.
Heated tubing keeps the air warm from your machine to your mask, which helps stop moisture from building up inside the hose. Some models even monitor the temperature along the tube and adjust automatically as your room cools down.
Heated tubing also helps the air feel smoother and less drying, especially if your bedroom tends to get cold.4 Some people even find they can turn their humidifier down a notch and still wake up feeling great.5 If your CPAP humidity alone hasn’t solved the problem, this small upgrade could make a big difference in how your nights feel.
Use a Standard Tubing Wrap or Slimline Tubing Wrap
Want a simpler option? Try a tubing wrap. These soft cloth covers insulate your hose, helping it stay warmer than the room air and cutting down the chances of condensation forming inside.
They also reduce pulling and dragging when you move, which means fewer leaks. And the fabric is much gentler than cold plastic, especially on a chilly night.
Standard wraps fit most hoses, but if you’re using a slimmer, lightweight tube (often called slimline tubing), you’ll want a wrap made specifically for that size to get a snug fit and proper insulation.
It’s like a cosy jumper for your hose, it’s soft to the touch, warm to sleep beside, and built to keep moisture where it should be.
Consider Using a Travel CPAP Machine in Winter
Believe it or not, a travel CPAP machine could be your ticket to staying more comfortable through winter. The smaller size and shorter tubing aren’t just great for packing. They’re easier to wrap and insulate, which helps keep the air warm and reduces the chance of rainout.
Most travel machines also deliver solid waterless humidity control, making them a handy option when the air around you starts to dry out. And with power issues popping up more often in colder months, they’re a smart backup too. Many models are designed to work with portable batteries that can handle low temperatures, so your therapy stays on track regardless of the weather. One solid pick is the Zopec Explore Mini. It’s compact, travel-friendly and built to perform even when the temperature drops.
Just keep in mind, not all travel machines are created equal. The BMC M1 Mini is the only compact model that works with a heated tube right out of the box. The ResMed AirMini offers the same, but only if you use a ZephAir connector. If you’re someone who’s sensitive to cold air, the Transcend Micro might fall short. It doesn’t support heated tubing at all.
A smaller setup could be just what you need to stay warm and comfortable this season.
Keep Your Bedroom Warm
This might sound obvious, but if your room feels like a freezer, your CPAP therapy might be feeling it too. Cold air can cool down the air travelling through your hose, making things less comfortable and possibly leading to rainout.
Warming up your sleep space, even by a few degrees, can help your CPAP maintain the moisture and temperature your body needs. Try sealing up any drafts, using a safe space heater, or covering your windows to keep the cold out.
A warmer bedroom doesn’t just feel better. It helps your CPAP work the way it’s supposed to. When the air around you is less icy, your whole setup runs more smoothly and helps you stay comfortable all night long.
Moisturise Nasal Passages and Skin
Cold winter air and CPAP therapy can be a rough combo for your nose and skin. When the air is dry, it can lead to nasal dryness, and in some cases, even lead to nosebleeds.6 The skin under your mask might also start feeling dry or irritated, especially after a long night, causing mask leaks to happen.
To help, try adding a bit of moisture back into your routine. A saline spray or a CPAP-safe nasal gel before bed can soothe your nose and keep it feeling comfortable through the night. Some people also like using coconut oil. It melts at body temperature and creates a gentle layer of protection.6
For your skin, using a simple moisturiser and a mask liner can go a long way in keeping your mask snug and comfortable. They reduce friction, prevent rubbing or marks, and help your mask stay sealed through the night.
Small changes like these could make your therapy feel a lot more comfortable this winter.
Clean and Maintain Your CPAP Regularly
Colds and bugs love winter, and unfortunately, your CPAP gear can give them a place to hide if it’s not cleaned properly. The warm, moist parts of your setup (like the hose and humidifier) are the perfect spots for germs, mould, and bacteria to grow.
That’s why regular cleaning matters, especially this time of year.To keep your gear working well, reach for gentle, CPAP-safe cleaning products. A mild soap takes care of built-up oils on your mask and tubing, while wipes are good for quick daily clean. A hose brush can help clear out any lingering moisture deep inside the tube. And if you’re after something quick and fuss-free, UV cleaners like the Lumin can kill 99.9% of germs in just five minutes, no chemicals needed.
If you’re after a more detailed breakdown, our article How to Clean and Maintain Your CPAP Equipment has you covered.
Stay Hydrated
We get it. Between morning chaos, work, and trying to remember where you left your keys, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. But when winter rolls around, staying hydrated becomes more important than ever.
Cold air and indoor heating dry out your body quickly, leaving your nose, throat, and mouth uncomfortably dry. Keeping your hydration up helps your airways stay moist and comfortable, which can make a real difference to how your CPAP feels overnight. If you’re waking up with a dry mouth or feeling extra thirsty in the morning, it might be your body’s way of telling you it needs a little more support. A few steady sips during the day could be all it takes to help things feel better by bedtime. Just keep an eye on what you’re drinking, too much sugar can actually dry you out even more and leave your mouth and nose feeling worse.7
Replace your CPAP Equipment Regularly
Even if your machine is still running smoothly, the smaller parts like cushions, masks, headgear, and tubing don’t last forever. Over time, they can lose their shape or develop tiny cracks that affect performance. And in winter, cold air can make plastic and silicone more brittle, which might lead to breaks or leaks sooner than expected.
Sticking to a regular replacement schedule helps keep your therapy effective and your gear in top shape. Some damage isn’t easy to spot, so it’s worth swapping things out before problems start.8
Not sure when to replace what? Check out our blog: When to Replace Your CPAP Supplies for a full breakdown.
We know that’s a lot to take in, especially when all you want is a good night’s sleep. So, to make things a little easier, we’ve put together a quick summary below. It’s a simple way to see what the most common winter CPAP problems are and how to fix them. Save it, screenshot it, or just come back whenever you need a refresher. Hopefully, it makes your winter nights a little smoother and your routine a whole lot easier.
The Takeaway
Winter might try to throw your CPAP therapy off track, but now you’ve got all the tools to stay one step ahead. Whether it’s adjusting your humidifier, swapping in heated tubing, or just keeping your room a little warmer, small changes can make a big difference in how you sleep.
The best part? You don’t have to do it all at once. Try a tip or two, see what works, and build from there. The goal is simple: help you wake up feeling better, even on the chilliest mornings.
Need a hand getting your setup winter-ready?
We’ve got all the gear you need to help you breeze through the colder months with ease.Check out our full range of CPAP essentials and give your therapy the winter upgrade it deserves.
