How the changing seasons affect your sleep and your CPAP therapy

The nights are getting cooler, the sun sets earlier, the heating is back in use… These seemingly insignificant changes have a direct impact on the quality of sleep and the comfort of CPAP device users.

Between changes in daylight, the time change on the night of November 1st, dry air, and seasonal allergies, it's normal to experience fluctuations in sleep quality. Here's how to understand—and better manage—these transitions to maintain effective CPAP therapy year-round.

Why do we sleep differently depending on the season?

The circadian rhythm, which regulates our sleep-wake cycles, depends largely on natural light. In autumn, the decrease in light disrupts this rhythm: the body secretes melatonin, the sleep hormone, earlier, which can cause daytime fatigue, decreased energy, or a more somber mood.

The switch to winter time on the night of November 1st accentuates this adaptation. Even if we "gain" an hour of sleep, the body has to reset its biological clock. Some people sleep better, while others experience more restless sleep for a few days.

👉 To adapt better: expose yourself to natural morning light, limit screen time in the evening and maintain a stable bedtime routine, even after the time change.

Dry air and heating: a duo that influences CPAP therapy

When heating systems are switched on, the ambient air becomes drier. As a result, the airways and mucous membranes dry out, which can worsen dry mouth and nasal irritation in CPAP users.

💧 The built-in humidifier in your device plays a crucial role. By slightly increasing the humidification level, you reduce discomfort and improve pressure tolerance. If you use a heated hose, this also prevents condensation inside (the dreaded "rainout" effect).

👉 Discover our CPAP humidifiers and accessories

👉 To learn more, also see our article: The role of humidifiers in CPAP therapy | Why are they essential?

Too much humidity? Beware of condensation in the pipe

Conversely, if your room is already humid (for example, due to poor ventilation or the use of a portable humidifier), water vapor can condense in the CPAP tubing overnight. This water buildup can create noise or even splash onto the mask, disrupting sleep.

To avoid this problem:

1. Slightly reduce the humidification level on your device.
2. Use a heating tube such as the ResMed ClimateLineAir heating tube
3. Position the CPAP machine slightly lower than your head , so that the water stays in the reservoir.

A small adjustment can often make all the difference. 👌

Seasonal allergies: when autumn invades your nose

October and November are prime months for mold and dust mites , two common causes of allergies. These irritants lead to nasal congestion, coughing, or runny nose, which obviously makes breathing with a CPAP mask difficult.

A few tips:

1. Change your CPAP filters more often
2. Clean the mask and tubing every week
3. Wash your pillowcase, sheets, and vacuum regularly.
4. In cases of severe congestion, a full face mask such as the ResMed AirFit F40 may be more comfortable than a nasal mask.

👉 For more information, see also our article: Tips for properly maintaining your CPAP machine and accessories

Viruses and colds: should you continue using CPAP when you are sick?

Autumn also marks the return of respiratory viruses (colds, flu, COVID-19). These infections can make wearing a mask difficult, but it is rarely recommended to interrupt CPAP therapy without medical advice.

On the contrary, positive pressure can help improve oxygenation during sleep. If you are very congested, you can:

1. Increase the humidity level slightly.
2. Practice nasal hygiene (which consists of irrigating the nasal passages to eliminate secretions)
3. Clean the mask more often.
4. Replace the mask cushion if it is damaged or irritating ( see replacement cushions) .

If the discomfort persists, consult your sleep professional before making any significant changes to your treatment.

Sleep routine: how to stay consistent despite the time change?

The switch to winter time sometimes disrupts sleep patterns. However, consistency remains key:

1. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
2. Avoid prolonged naps.
3. Don't compensate by staying out later "because it gets dark earlier".
4. Expose yourself to morning light as soon as you get up (open the curtains, walk outside).

This stability reinforces your biological rhythm and improves sleep quality under CPAP treatment.

For more lifestyle advice, also read:
👉 Physical activity and sleep apnea: a winning combination

How to adapt your CPAP machine according to the seasons?

Find all our essential products to adjust your equipment:
👉 Accessories for CPAP

How to prevent sleep disorders related to light and temperature?

1. Light your room gently in the morning : a gradual increase in light helps to resynchronize your internal clock.
2. Keep the room cool at night : around 18 to 20 °C promotes deep sleep.
3. Limit screen time after 9 p.m. to avoid blocking melatonin secretion.
4. Hydrate yourself slightly before bed (but not too much, to avoid waking up during the night).

And above all, do not abandon your CPAP treatment if you experience discomfort: most seasonal inconveniences can be corrected by small adjustments to humidity, temperature or maintenance.

In summary: your sleep deserves seasonal attention.

Each season changes our sleep conditions: light, temperature, air quality, habits. For people with sleep apnea, these factors can influence the quality of rest and the comfort of CPAP therapy. By adjusting a few parameters—humidity, heating, bedtime routine—you can maintain effective therapy year-round .

Before winter arrives, take the time to:

✅ Check the condition of your mask, filter and tubing.
✅ Adjust your humidifier.
✅ Clean your device carefully.
✅ Review your sleep routine.

Do you have questions about your equipment or your CPAP therapy? Our team is here to answer them!