Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy treats obstructive sleep apnea by delivering pressurized air through a mask to keep the upper airway open during sleep. When users develop mild upper respiratory symptoms, such as a sore throat, they often question whether they should continue using their device. While throat irritation can make nightly therapy uncomfortable, maintaining adherence is important for effective sleep apnea management.
General Guidance for CPAP Use with a Sore Throat
Continuing CPAP therapy is generally safe and recommended when dealing with a mild sore throat caused by the common cold or simple irritation. Sleep apnea symptoms, which involve repeated pauses in breathing, can become worse when the body is fighting an illness because congestion further narrows the airways. Untreated sleep apnea also leads to fragmented sleep, hindering the body’s ability to recover from a minor ailment.
Sleep specialists prioritize consistent adherence to CPAP therapy unless a severe illness makes the mask intolerable. Missing a single night of therapy can cause the immediate return of sleep apnea events and associated symptoms like excessive daytime fatigue. If the soreness is minor and you can still breathe effectively through your nose or mask, the benefits of continuous treatment outweigh the temporary discomfort.
Is the CPAP Machine Causing the Irritation
Sometimes, the sore throat is directly related to the CPAP machine itself, rather than a separate illness. The pressurized air can dry out the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. This effect is noticeable if the machine’s integrated humidifier is not used or is set too low for the room’s ambient temperature and humidity.
Mask air leaks or unconscious mouth breathing during the night are frequent causes of throat irritation. When air escapes around the mask seal or passes through an open mouth, the pressurized flow bypasses the natural moistening process of the nose and the humidification system. This results in the rapid drying of the throat tissues, leading to scratchiness or pain upon waking.
Poor equipment hygiene presents a separate risk, as poorly maintained masks, tubing, or humidifier water chambers can harbor contaminants. Bacteria, mold, or allergens can accumulate within the CPAP system and be blown directly into the user’s airways. Exposure to these irritants can cause inflammation or a low-grade infection in the upper respiratory tract, manifesting as chronic throat soreness.
Practical Adjustments for Comfort
When a mild sore throat occurs, optimizing the machine’s settings can significantly improve comfort and promote healing. Increasing the heated humidification setting adds more moisture to the airstream, preventing the drying effect on the throat. Using heated tubing with the humidifier is beneficial, as it maintains the air temperature and prevents condensation, often called “rainout.”
Users should check their mask fit before lying down to ensure the seal is secure and no air is escaping. Even a small leak can negate the benefits of humidification and contribute to dryness; repositioning the mask or tightening the headgear slightly can resolve the issue. If soreness is due to mouth breathing while using a nasal mask, a simple chin strap can help keep the mouth closed and direct the flow through the nasal passages.
A temporary increase in equipment cleaning frequency is advisable during illness to prevent germ recirculation. Daily cleaning of the mask and the water chamber with mild soap and distilled water can reduce the presence of pathogens. For temporary relief before sleep, using a saline nasal spray can moisten the nasal passages, or dissolving a lozenge can coat the throat lining, making the pressurized air more tolerable.
When to Seek Medical Advice or Temporarily Stop Use
While minor irritation should not deter therapy, certain symptoms indicate the condition has progressed beyond a simple cold and requires medical evaluation. Users should contact their physician if they develop a high fever, experience severe pain when swallowing, or notice thick, discolored mucus (green or yellow). These symptoms may suggest a bacterial infection like strep throat or a more serious respiratory illness.
Difficulty breathing, severe chest congestion, or acute ear pain exacerbated by the air pressure are sufficient reasons to consult with a medical professional immediately. If the illness is highly contagious, such as influenza or COVID-19, users should discuss cleaning protocols and the risk of contaminating the equipment with their doctor. Only a sleep physician or the prescribing doctor should advise a patient to completely stop CPAP therapy, even for a short duration.