Summer Skin Sensitivities: Why Heat Makes Mask Irritation Worse & What to Do January 28, 2026 Summer Skin Sensitivities: Why Heat Makes Mask Irritation Worse & What to Do About It Summer can be challenging for skin health, and for people using CPAP therapy, warmer weather can make mask discomfort more noticeable. If your mask suddenly feels irritating, leaves redness, or causes breakouts during hotter months, it’s a common seasonal issue. Heat, sweat, and humidity all influence how your skin responds to overnight mask use. How Heat and Sweat Increase Irritation As temperatures rise, the body naturally produces more sweat to stay cool. When a CPAP mask sits against the face overnight, heat and perspiration can become trapped underneath. This creates increased friction between the mask cushion and the skin, which can lead to redness, soreness, and pressure marks. Even masks that feel comfortable in cooler weather may become irritating once summer arrives. The Role of Humidity and Moisture Humidity softens the outer layer of the skin, making it more sensitive and more prone to irritation. Softened skin is less resilient to ongoing pressure, increasing the likelihood of breakouts, chafing, and redness. When moisture is combined with hours of mask wear, irritation can develop more quickly around the nose, cheeks, or chin. Why Mask Fit Matters More in Summer Warmer nights can cause masks to shift or leak due to sweat, leading some people to tighten their mask for a better seal. While this may seem helpful, a tighter fit can trap more heat against the skin and increase pressure in already sensitive areas. Over time, this can worsen skin discomfort rather than improve it. Keep Your Skin and Mask Clean Good hygiene is especially important during summer. Washing your mask regularly helps remove sweat, oil, and bacteria that can irritate the skin. Cleansing your face before bed reduces buildup and gives your skin a better chance to recover overnight, supporting overall comfort and skin health. Review Your Mask Materials and Fit Seasonal changes are a good time to reassess your mask. A different size, a softer cushion, or an alternative mask style may reduce pressure and irritation during warmer months. What works well in winter may not always be ideal in summer, and small adjustments can make a noticeable difference. When to Seek Extra Support If skin irritation persists, becomes painful, or interferes with your CPAP use, it’s important to seek advice. Speaking with one of our CPAP consultants can help determine whether a mask adjustment or change is needed, ensuring your therapy remains comfortable and effective throughout summer. 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 80 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.
