Spring Sneezes and Sleepless Nights: Managing Hay Fever with CPAP

Spring Sneezes and Sleepless Nights: Managing Hay Fever with CPAP

Spring has arrived — and with it, the scent of blooming flowers, longer days, and unfortunately for many Australians, the return of hay fever. Hay fever (or seasonal allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to airborne particles like pollen, mould spores, and dust. It causes classic symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion, and runny noses. For those managing sleep apnea with CPAP therapy, these springtime sniffles can make a good night’s rest more of a challenge.

When Allergies and CPAP Collide

Hay fever often leads to nasal congestion, which can make it harder for CPAP users to maintain steady airflow during sleep. A blocked nose can increase resistance in your airway, leading to mouth breathing, air leaks, and discomfort with your mask. Some even wake up mid-night to find their mask on the floor after struggling to breathe through their nose.

But before you consider skipping your CPAP therapy, it’s important to know that your machine can actually help. With the right adjustments, CPAP therapy can reduce congestion, keep your nasal passages moist, and make breathing easier — even in the middle of allergy season.

Why Humidification Matters

Your nose has an incredible built-in humidification system. It warms and moistens each breath you take, helping to protect your airways. However, when allergies block your nasal passages, you start breathing through your mouth — bypassing this natural process and drying out your airways.

That’s where a heated CPAP humidifier comes in. It replaces the moisture your nose can’t provide, helping to ease congestion and soothe dryness in your nose and throat. By keeping your nasal passages comfortably hydrated, humidification reduces irritation and helps prevent that “stuffy nose” feeling that can make CPAP uncomfortable.

Allergy-Season Survival Tips for CPAP Users

If spring sneezes are disrupting your sleep, these practical tips can make a big difference:

• Switch to hypoallergenic filters: These capture fine particles like pollen and pet dander, helping you breathe cleaner air while you sleep. Replace them every few weeks during peak allergy season.
• Clean your CPAP equipment regularly: Wash your mask, tubing, and humidifier chamber with mild soapy water to prevent pollen, dust, and mould build-up.
• Use the humidifier year-round: Adjust the humidity setting to your comfort level — just enough to keep your nose from drying out, without causing condensation (“rain-out”) in the tubing.
• Keep allergens out of your bedroom: Close windows during high pollen days, vacuum with a HEPA filter, wash bedding weekly, and keep pets off the bed.
• Try a different mask: If nasal congestion is severe, a full-face mask lets you breathe comfortably through your mouth while still benefiting from therapy.

The Bottom Line

Seasonal allergies don’t have to mean sleepless nights. With small adjustments — like using humidification, keeping your equipment clean, and managing your environment — you can breathe easier and stay consistent with your CPAP therapy.

If allergies or congestion are making your CPAP use uncomfortable, speak with your doctor or CPAP specialist. They can help tailor your setup, recommend nasal sprays or antihistamines, and ensure you continue to get the deep, restorative sleep your body needs this spring.

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.