Winter and CPAP therapy don’t always get along. As temperatures drop, cold and dry air can turn a good night’s sleep into a stuffy, leaky, gurgling mess—especially if your CPAP settings aren’t adjusted for the season. From nasal dryness to the dreaded CPAP rainout, winter introduces challenges that many users don’t experience during warmer months.
The good news? With a few simple setting changes—and the right accessories—your CPAP therapy can be just as comfortable in winter, if not better.
Let’s break it down.
Why Winter CPAP Settings Matter
During Canada's winter months, indoor air becomes much drier due to heating systems. That lack of moisture can lead to several common CPAP issues, including:
- Irritated nasal passages and sinuses
- Increased congestion or nosebleeds
- Sore throats and dry mouth
- Condensation (“rainout”) inside your CPAP hose or mask
That’s why optimizing humidity, tube temperature, and insulation is so important during winter. Small adjustments to your CPAP setup can make a big difference to comfort, sleep quality, and therapy effectiveness.
Key Winter CPAP Adjustments (Start Here)
Increase Your Humidity Level
Cold air holds far less moisture than warm air, so many CPAP users need a higher humidity setting in winter to avoid dryness and irritation.
What to do:
Increase your humidifier setting gradually—one level at a time. For example, if you normally use level 3, try level 4 and see how it feels. Give each change 2–3 nights before adjusting again so your body has time to adapt.
Signs you may need more humidity include:
- Dry or scratchy nose and throat
- Increased nasal congestion
- Morning headaches or sinus pressure
⚠️ Keep in mind: too much humidity can lead to condensation or rainout. The goal is balance—comfortable breathing without excess moisture.
Adjusting the Humidity on the AirSense 11 - Watch Now
Adjusting the Humidity on the AirSense10 - Watch Now
Adjusting the Humidity on the Dreamstation 2 - Watch Now
Raise Your Heated Tube Temperature 🌡️
If your CPAP setup includes a heated tube (highly recommended for winter), the tube temperature plays a major role in comfort and moisture control.
Cold bedroom air can quickly cool the airflow inside the hose, increasing the risk of condensation and sudden blasts of cool air.
Recommended winter tube temperature: 27°C–30°C (81°F–86°F)
Keeping the tube warm allows the air to hold moisture as it travels from the humidifier to your mask. This helps prevent rainout and keeps the airflow consistently warm and comfortable throughout the night.
If you notice gurgling sounds, water droplets in the tube, or cool air bursts, slightly increasing the tube temperature can often solve the problem—without needing to lower humidity.
Switch to Manual Mode (If Needed)
Many modern CPAP machines use Auto Climate Control to automatically balance humidity and tube temperature. While this works well for many users, it doesn’t always adapt perfectly to colder winter environments or individual comfort needs.
Consider switching to Manual Mode if you experience:
- Ongoing dryness in your nose, mouth, or throat
- Excess moisture or gurgling sounds
- General discomfort despite Auto mode being enabled
Manual mode lets you adjust humidity and tube temperature separately, giving you more precise control—especially helpful during winter when room temperatures can fluctuate overnight.
Understanding CPAP Rainout (The Winter Nemesis)
Rainout happens when warm, humidified air from your CPAP machine cools too quickly as it travels through a cold hose. The moisture turns back into water, collecting inside the tubing or mask.
You may notice:
- Gurgling or knocking sounds
- Water droplets in the hose
- Water splashing into your mask or onto your face
It’s uncomfortable, disruptive, and frustrating—but thankfully, very preventable.
Think of it like a hot shower on a cold day. The bathroom mirror fogs up, then water droplets form and run down the glass when cooler air hits it. That’s exactly what’s happening inside your CPAP tubing.
Rainout Prevention Tips That Actually Work
✅ Insulate the hose
A CPAP hose cover acts as a thermal barrier, helping maintain a steady air temperature. You can also run the hose under your blankets to use body heat, but if you move around at night, a hose cover is the better option.
✅ Lower your CPAP machine
Place your CPAP unit lower than your mattress, such as on a shelf or small table. This allows condensation to drain back into the humidifier instead of flowing into your mask.
✅ Use the warm-up feature
Many CPAP machines offer a 5–10 minute warm-up function. Using it before bed preheats the air and tubing, reducing condensation from the start and making therapy more comfortable right away.
Winter CPAP Do’s and Don’ts ✔️❌
✅ DO:
- Use distilled water only
- Clean your mask, hose, and water chamber weekly
- Check mask fit (cold air can stiffen materials)
- Adjust straps if leaks increase
- Replace filters more often during winter
❌ DON’T:
- Use tap water (even filtered)
- Ignore gurgling sounds—they mean rainout
- Crank humidity to maximum immediately
- Leave water sitting in the chamber for days
- Assume summer settings work year-round
Must-Have CPAP Equipment for Winter
Heated CPAP Hose
Helps prevent condensation and keeps humidity consistent all night. Ideal for cold bedrooms and users prone to rainout.
Buy the AirSense 11 Heated Hose
Buy the AirSense 10 Heated Hose
Shop All Heated Hoses
CPAP Hose Cover
Adds insulation, reduces noise, and feels softer against your skin—an easy winter upgrade.
CPAP Hose Lift or Tube Management System
Prevents tugging, kinks, and cold exposure from dangling hoses while you sleep.
Extra Winter CPAP Maintenance Tips
- Clean equipment more frequently during cold and flu season
- Replace disposable filters every 30 days
- Allow all components to fully air-dry before reassembly
- Keep your CPAP away from cold windows or drafts
Final Thoughts: Sleep Cozy, Not Crusty
Winter doesn’t have to sabotage your CPAP therapy. With the right humidity settings, tube temperature, insulation, and accessories, you can breathe comfortably all season long—and you may even sleep better than you do in summer.
Start with small changes, listen to your body, and don’t ignore warning signs like dryness or rainout.
If you need help fine-tuning your setup, our support team can be reached HERE. Our CPAP consultants include Registered Respiratory Therapists to help you sleep better, no matter the season.