Breathe Easy Year-Round: Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Your CPAP

Staying consistent with CPAP therapy can feel different as the seasons change. From spring pollen to winter dryness, every shift in weather can affect your comfort and the quality of your sleep. The good news is that a few simple adjustments can keep your therapy effective and help you breathe easy all year long.

Spring: Keep Allergies Under Control

Springtime in Australia brings blossoming trees, mild evenings — and for many, a burst of sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes. About one in five Australians experience hay fever, and those with sleep apnea can find this season especially challenging. Pollen, grass spores, and dust can irritate your nose and throat, making it harder to breathe comfortably through your CPAP mask.

Keeping your CPAP equipment clean and allergen-free is one of the best ways to stay ahead of symptoms. Wash your mask cushion daily with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and let it air-dry. Clean your tubing and humidifier chamber weekly to stop dust and pollen from collecting. Regular cleaning not only helps with allergies but also ensures your therapy remains safe and effective.

Consider switching to hypoallergenic filters during high-pollen months. These filters capture finer particles like pollen, pet hair, and dust mites that standard filters might miss. Replacing them every one to two months keeps your airflow fresh and your lungs protected. You’ll notice a difference in how clean the air feels — especially during heavy pollen days.

Summer: Stay Cool and Comfortable

When the nights grow warmer, comfort becomes key. High humidity can cause condensation — known as “rainout” — inside your tubing, leaving your mask feeling damp. Adjusting your humidifier settings can help: lower the humidity slightly on hot nights and raise it when the air feels dry.

Keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated. A fan or air conditioner can regulate temperature, but avoid blowing air directly on your CPAP machine, as this can interfere with humidity balance. Storing your device in a cool spot also helps maintain its performance.

Travelling during summer? Portable CPAP devices are an easy way to stay consistent with therapy while you’re away from home. Just remember to keep filters clean and tubing protected from heat and dust.

Winter: Add Warmth and Moisture

Winter brings crisp air and dry indoor heating — conditions that can irritate your nose and throat. Heated humidification is your best ally during these months. By adding gentle warmth and moisture to the air you breathe, it soothes dryness and keeps congestion at bay. Heated tubing can further enhance comfort by maintaining warm airflow and preventing condensation in colder bedrooms.

To support your therapy, keep your equipment clean and make sure to refill your humidifier with distilled water to avoid mineral buildup. You might also consider using a room humidifier to balance overall moisture in your bedroom.

A Final Word

Your CPAP machine works hard to give you restful sleep, and a little seasonal care goes a long way. By keeping your equipment clean, adjusting humidity and filters with the weather, and managing allergens in your environment, you can enjoy steady, comfortable therapy throughout the year.

If allergies, dryness, or temperature changes are affecting your sleep, speak with your doctor or sleep specialist. With the right adjustments, you can breathe easier, rest deeper, and feel your best — no matter the season.

How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help

Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time.

If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.