Humidity Levels & CPAP: When to Use (and Avoid) Humidification in Summer

Summer is finally here, and for many CPAP users, it’s time to think about adjusting your therapy settings. One of the most overlooked adjustments people make during warmer months is their humidification level. If you’ve been running your CPAP machine at the same humidity setting year-round, it might be time for a change, and getting your summer humidity settings right can make a real difference in your sleep quality and overall comfort.

Why Summer Changes Everything

When temperature rises, the air around us naturally contains more moisture. This means your CPAP therapy needs to adapt. Running your humidifier at the same level you do in winter could actually work against you. In warmer months, the air is already partially humidified, so you’ll need less help from your machine to maintain that comfortable balance ¹. Think of it like this: your humidifier is there to top up the moisture your body naturally loses when breathing compressed air. In summer, nature’s already doing some of the heavy lifting for you.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

Here’s the reality. There’s no one-size-fits-all humidity level that works for everyone. Your ideal setting depends on your personal preferences, your location’s climate, and even your medications ². The good news? Finding what works for you doesn’t take long. Start by setting your humidity one notch below than your machine’s average level during the warmer months and adjust from there ².

If you wake up with a dry mouth or stuffy nose, gradually increase your humidity by small increments. Conversely, if you notice moisture building up in your mask or tubing, a phenomenon called rainout, or if you’re waking up with water droplets on your face, you’ve gone too far ¹. It’s all about listening to your body and making small tweaks.

The Problem With Going Too Far

This is where many people stumble. It’s tempting to crank up your humidifier thinking “more moisture must be better”, but excess humidification creates its own problems. When your humidity level is too high, water collects in your hose and mask, which can splash onto your face and jolt you awake in the middle of the night ².

The statistics back this up. While 40% of CPAP users experience dry mouth at some point, pushing your humidity too high creates a different set of uncomfortable symptoms ¹. The key is balance, not maximum moisture.

Temperature Matters Too

Here’s something many people don’t realise: humidity and temperature work together. If you’re experiencing dryness even after adjusting your humidity level, consider increasing your tube temperature by just 1–2°C ¹. Warmer air helps your nasal passages retain moisture more effectively, reducing the burden on your nose to warm and humidify the incoming air ¹.

For most CPAP users, starting with a tube temperature around 20–28°C gives you a comfortable range to work with ¹. During summer, you might find yourself on the cooler end of that spectrum which is perfectly fine, especially if you’re new to CPAP or tend to sleep warm.

Make Your Move

Don’t settle for discomfort during summer months. Whether you’re dealing with persistent dryness or excess moisture in your mask, adjusting your humidity settings is a simple way to reclaim your sleep quality. Start lower than you think you’ll need, make small adjustments night by night, and pay attention to how you feel when you wake up.

If you’re consistently experiencing dryness, nosebleeds, congestion, or other discomfort despite adjusting your humidity levels, consult with your doctor or a CPAP consultant. They can help rule out other factors like mask leak or medication side effects that might be contributing to your symptoms. Your sleep quality matters. It’s worth getting it right.

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 apnoea, 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 Apnoea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.

References

[1] Resmed. “Manual Mode: Know Your CPAP Humidifier.” Resmed, 10 Dec. 2024, www.resmed.com/en-us/sleep-health/blog/manual-mode-know-your-cpap-humidifier/. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.

[2] ] Devore, N. “Here’s How to Find the Best Humidity Level Setting for CPAP.” Cpap.com, 28 Sept. 2022, www.cpap.com/blogs/cpap-therapy/best-humidity-level-for-cpap-machine. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.