Sleep Apnea in the Fall and Winter
Key Takeaways
- Various factors can affect the severity of sleep apnea symptoms, including the time of year.
- During the fall and winter, drier cold air, increased respiratory infections, and increased allergens may worsen sleep apnea symptoms
- Effective ways to combat potentially worsening sleep apnea symptoms during the winter include using a humidifier and regularly cleaning and replacing CPAP equipment.
Various things can affect an individual’s sleep apnea symptoms, making them worse, such as alcohol intake, smoking, and altitude. Sleep apnea symptoms may also worsen during the colder months of the fall and winter. Understanding how the colder weather can affect sleep apnea can help you determine strategies to stick with your CPAP therapy all year round.
Why Does Sleep Apnea Worsen in the Fall and Winter?
Some studies indicate that sleep apnea symptoms may worsen during the colder months. For instance, A study published in the Chest Journal looked at the seasonal impact on sleep apnea.¹ Researchers conducted a meta-analysis over 10 years, which included 7,523 patients with sleep apnea. The study indicated an increase in apnea and sleep-disordered breathing during the winter as opposed to other seasons, independent of BMI, neck circumference, and gender.
The reason for worsening sleep apnea symptoms may be a combination of factors, including those listed below.
Colder, Drier Air
The winter and fall months typically bring colder, drier air. The dry air can irritate the airways, leading to increased inflammation and congestion. Low humidity can also further dry the nasal passages, causing swelling. Dryer, irritated airways may contribute to airway obstruction and worsen sleep apnea symptoms during the fall and winter.
Increased Risk of Illness
The fall and winter months often mean an uptick in respiratory infections such as the common cold, the flu, and bronchitis. Respiratory infections can lead to symptoms such as throat irritation, coughing, and nasal congestion. All of these symptoms can increase airway obstruction, leading to an increase in sleep apnea symptoms.
Increased Allergens
Some people think of spring as allergy season. However, fall and winter allergies are also prevalent. An increase in weeds, mold, and ragweed during the fall months can trigger an increase in allergy symptoms for some individuals.
During the winter months, most people spend more time indoors, where they are also exposed to potential allergens. According to the Asthma and Allergy Network, common winter allergens include pet dander, dust mites, and mold.² An increase in allergy symptoms may lead to respiratory problems such as wheezing, chest tightness, and congestion, all of which can worsen apnea symptoms.
Impact on CPAP Therapy
The colder months may potentially have an adverse impact on CPAP therapy. For example, if you have a respiratory infection or dry, irritated nasal passages, you may find CPAP less comfortable, which affects your compliance with the therapy. However, it's essential to stick with your CPAP therapy throughout the year.
How to Manage CPAP Therapy During the Colder Months
Using CPAP therapy throughout every season is vital to preventing the complications from untreated sleep apnea. There are ways to manage CPAP therapy during the colder months and stick with your treatment. Consider the suggestions below.
Use a Heated Humidifier and Heated Tube
A heated humidifier with CPAP can decrease nasal irritation and dryness by adding moisture to the airway. This can be especially important during the colder fall and winter months, when the air is generally cold and dry. If using a humidifier, consider using heated tubing as well. A heated humidifier can lead to excess water droplets in the tubing, which can lead to a cold sensation on the face. Heated CPAP tubing can prevent condensation and reduce the chances of too much moisture in the tubing.
Ensure a Proper Mask Fit
Having a proper-fitting CPAP mask at any time of the year is essential. However, a proper mask fit becomes even more critical when there is the potential for increased symptoms. It may also be helpful to discuss mask options with your health care provider. For example, in the winter, if you develop a respiratory infection, certain masks, such as a full-face mask, may work better than a nasal mask if you experience nasal congestion. A full-face mask may ease some of the pressure from your nose.
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Clean CPAP Products Regularly
It is important to clean your CPAP open equipment regularly throughout the year. But this may be especially important during the winter when you may have increased allergy symptoms or a respiratory infection. Germs from the mouth, throat, and lungs can get into the CPAP hose and mask as you breathe in and out while sleeping. Most CPAP hoses and masks can be cleaned using warm soapy water and then rinsed thoroughly. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendation for specific cleaning protocols and the frequency.
Replace You CPAP Products Regularly
Replacing CPAP products regularly is also important to prevent infection and keep everything working optimally. Most manufacturers and experts recommend changing CPAP tubing, masks, mask frames, and mask cushions every three to six months.³ Read our complete guide to cleaning and replacing CPAP supplies here.
Conclusion
Sticking with your CPAP therapy throughout each season is important to reduce the risk of sleep apnea complications and adverse health effects. Please check out The CPAP Shop for all your CPAP needs, such as masks, tubing, and accessories.
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References
- Cassol, C. M., Martinez, D., da Silva, F. A. B. S., Fischer, M. K., Lenz, M. D. C. S., & Bós, Â. J. G. (2012). Is sleep apnea a winter disease?: meteorologic and sleep laboratory evidence collected over 1 decade. Chest, 142(6), 1499-1507. https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(12)60683-7/abstract
- What are Winter Allergies. (2025). Allergy and Asthma Network. https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/winter-allergies-causes-symptoms/
- How Often Should you Replace Your CPAP Mask? (2025). Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/cpap/how-often-should-you-replace-cpap-mask
