15 Jun Winter’s Impact on Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Sleep apnea affects a significant and growing portion of the Canadian population, with 6.4% of adults reporting a diagnosis — double the rate recorded in 2009. Among those aged 60 to 79, that figure climbs to 12.8%. Even more striking, a 2024 study of over 51,000 Canadians found that 28.1% had moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, yet nearly 93% of high-risk individuals remain undiagnosed. OSA occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, causing the airway to collapse and interrupt breathing — sometimes dozens of times per night. CPAP therapy, the gold-standard treatment for OSA, works by delivering gentle air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open. But does it hold up against the demands of a Canadian winter?
Research confirms that winter conditions can worsen sleep apnea symptoms. A study published in CHEST found that more sleep-disordered breathing events were recorded in winter than in other seasons, with significant seasonal patterns in the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) — independent of factors like sex, age, BMI, and neck circumference. A large-scale study in Communications Medicine, analyzing data from over 70,000 participants, found that AHI is approximately 5% higher during summer and winter compared to spring and autumn in the northern hemisphere. Some research even suggests nighttime breathing disturbances may increase by nearly 20% during winter months.
The primary culprit is dry air. Cold air holds far less moisture than warm air, and that lack of humidity irritates and dries out the airways — making breathing more challenging, increasing snoring, and worsening sleep apnea symptoms. Indoor heating systems compound the problem by stripping remaining moisture from the air. Canadian homes often drop to below 30% relative humidity in winter, well below the 40–60% range associated with lower respiratory infection risk.
Winter Challenges for CPAP Users
For CPAP users, dry winter air creates a compounding effect. The machine draws in cold, moisture-depleted air and forces it into the airways under pressure — quickly overwhelming the nose and throat’s natural ability to humidify incoming air. The result: dehydrated nasal tissues, irritated mucous membranes, and congestion that makes breathing through a mask genuinely uncomfortable. Roughly 40% of CPAP users report dry mouth, which can spiral into bad breath, coughing, sneezing, and recurring sinus infections.
Cold and flu season adds another layer of difficulty. Respiratory illnesses inflame and congest the airways, making it harder to breathe comfortably — and harder to tolerate CPAP equipment night after night. At the same time, indoor allergens surge as heating systems recirculate dust, pet dander, and airborne particles while limited ventilation allows dust mites to quietly multiply.
There are also mechanical challenges to consider. When warm, humidified air travels through CPAP tubing and meets cooler room temperatures, condensation builds up inside the hose — a phenomenon known as rainout. And as skin dries out in winter conditions, CPAP masks struggle to maintain the secure seal they depend on to function properly.
Winter-Ready CPAP Adjustments and Maintenance
Modern CPAP machines come equipped with built-in humidifiers that add moisture to the pressurized air before it reaches your airways. In winter, these should typically be set higher—around 4-6 on machines with a 1–8 scale. Getting that setting right can make the difference between waking up refreshed and waking up with a dry, irritated throat.
Heated tubing takes it a step further. Maintaining air temperature along the entire length of the hose prevents the condensation buildup that causes rainout — that unpleasant gurgling of water droplets mid-therapy. Research supports the upgrade: heated humidification with climate-controlled tubing has been shown to improve CPAP adherence by reducing comfort-related complaints.
Beyond the machine itself, small adjustments to your sleep environment go a long way. A bedroom humidifier targeting 40–50% relative humidity, a room temperature between 15–19°C, and regular use of nasal saline spray can all ease the strain on your airways. Staying well hydrated throughout the day helps, too.
On the maintenance side, replacing the tubing every three to six months and using only distilled water in your humidifier help keep the equipment performing reliably. For Toronto residents, a backup battery is worth having on hand — winter storms have a way of cutting power at the worst possible moment. Consulting a sleep specialist can also help optimize your CPAP settings for seasonal changes.
Don’t let winter make your sleep apnea worse.
If the cold, dry air is disrupting your CPAP therapy, it’s time to upgrade your setup with the right equipment and expert guidance. PROFMED Healthcare Solutions is Toronto’s trusted CPAP machine store in Toronto, with over a decade of experience helping Canadians breathe easier at night. From heated humidifiers that combat dry winter air to premium masks from ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Philips Respironics, CPAP Machine Store has everything you need to stay comfortable and compliant all season long. Book your consultation today.