Beat the heat: CPAP Comfort tips for summer

Warm summer nights can make CPAP therapy feel more uncomfortable than usual.

Some people notice their mask feels warmer against their skin, while others experience moisture build-up, sticky sensations, or disrupted sleep from feeling too hot overnight. If your CPAP air feels too warm, the humidified air can sometimes add to that heavy, uncomfortable feeling during warmer weather.

The good news is that a few small adjustments can make a real difference. From choosing lighter mask materials to improving airflow in your bedroom, these simple CPAP summer tips can help therapy feel cooler, more comfortable, and easier to stick with throughout summer.

When humidity starts affecting your comfort

If your mask feels damp or you wake up with moisture collecting inside your tubing, your CPAP humidifier settings may need adjusting for the warmer season.

During summer, heated humidification can sometimes create excess condensation — often called “rainout” — when warm air cools as it travels through the tubing. This can leave your mask feeling wet and uncomfortable overnight due to CPAP mask condensation.

Lowering your humidifier settings slightly may help reduce this moisture build-up and create a more comfortable sleep environment.

Check out our blog article about CPAP humidification

Your mask can make a bigger difference than you think

Some CPAP masks naturally feel lighter and more comfortable during warmer nights. Many people find that smaller, more minimal mask styles such as nasal pillows or nasal masks feel less bulky and allow for better airflow around the face compared to full-face masks.

Learn more about how to find the right mask for you

Choose soft, breathable materials for comfort

Lighter, more breathable mask materials can help therapy feel easier during warmer nights. Resmed masks use soft fabrics and minimal designs to help reduce heat and moisture build-up while you sleep. Our AirTouch™ N30i features breathable fabric and a lightweight tube-up design that helps users move more freely and sleep more comfortably through the night¹.

Hot weather can make mask hygiene even more important

Sweat, facial oils, and humidity can build up more quickly during summer, which may leave your mask feeling sticky or uncomfortable by morning.

Keeping your mask and accessories clean can help reduce irritation and keep therapy feeling fresh and comfortable. Mild, fragrance-free soap and allowing components to fully air dry can help support better mask hygiene during warmer months.

Explore our webpage for mask cleaning tips and care advice.

Creating a cooler sleep environment

Your bedroom environment can play a big role in CPAP comfort during summer. Lightweight bedding, breathable fabrics, and keeping air circulating in the room may help prevent overheating overnight. Some people also find cooling pillow pads or CPAP-friendly cooling accessories useful during particularly warm evenings.

Make humid nights easier with CPAP essentials

Keep your CPAP therapy feeling fresh and comfortable by replacing parts like filters and tubing as recommended. In humid weather, accessories can take longer to dry, so having a spare mask or tubing on hand can help you stay on track with therapy while helping to reduce moisture build-up and rainout.

Don’t overlook hydration

Warmer temperatures can increase dehydration, which may contribute to dry mouth or throat discomfort during CPAP therapy. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help you feel more comfortable overnight.

CPAP therapy can feel more challenging during hot weather, but comfort often comes down to small adjustments. Whether it’s changing your mask setup, adjusting CPAP humidity settings, improving airflow in your bedroom, or choosing lighter materials, even simple changes can help therapy feel easier and more comfortable during summer nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I prevent ‘rainout’ during summer nights when using my CPAP machine?

Adjusting your humidifier settings, as mentioned in the blog, can help minimise condensation in your mask. Read our article about CPAP humidification for detailed instructions.

• Are there specific CPAP masks better suited for hot weather?

AirTouch^TM N30i is a good mask pick for warmer weather as this tube-up nasal mask is our first* to be fully wrapped in breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. The mask is designed to wick moisture like your cosy pyjamas to keep your skin feeling cool and fresh.¹

Nasal pillow masks, such as our Resmed AirFit^TM P10 mask,  are also a good option as they are small, lightweight, and easy to use and adjust² Nasal masks, like our Resmed AirFit^TM N20 mask, are a popular choice too as they provide a secure and comfortable fit for most faces³.

But many other factors will affect the suitability of your mask, such as your sleep style, grooming and comfort needs. Learn more about our different mask options with our page on how to find the right CPAP mask for you.

• How often should I clean my CPAP mask in the summer?

Hot weather may exacerbate hygiene issues, meaning it’s essential that you take good care of your mask. It’s important to clean your mask per our recommended schedule, but you should also regularly check for wear and tear to make sure your machine and mask are functioning correctly.
Follow our CPAP mask cleaning advice. Refer to our mask user guide for detailed information.

• What should I do if I experience discomfort due to increased humidity during CPAP therapy in summer?

Please don’t give up! Experiment with different strategies mentioned in the blog, such as using CPAP cooling accessories and adjusting your bedroom environment. Keeping a backup CPAP mask and accessories on hand can also be helpful. Remember you’re not alone in this. Do speak with your doctor or care professional for assistance.

Disclaimer

PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL – CE-marked medical devices (CE0123). Manufacturer: Resmed. Local contact: Resmed. Please refer to the instructions for use for relevant information related to any contraindications, warnings and precautions. 

This blog post contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. 

If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice, or other institution with which the authors are affiliated and do not directly reflect the views of Resmed or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. 

An image displayed on this page was generated using artificial intelligence (AI) and is intended for illustrative purposes only. It may not accurately represent actual products, services, individuals, locations, or events and should not be considered a factual or documentary representation.

* The mask contains magnets that may interfere with certain implants or medical devices. Please refer to the user guide for complete information, including magnet contraindications and warning.

References:

1. Resmed external 90-day study of 120 patients conducted between 31/05/2023 and 06/11/2023. Data on file; ID A5454700
   Resmed external clinical study of 33 patients conducted remotely via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic between 13/10/2021 and 11/11/2021. Data on file; ID A5100431
2. Fremantle External Clinical Study 3 Report. Data on File ID A2965853
3. Merlion Usability Evaluation Report. Data on File ID A4128383