Everyday life with CPAP

Using CPAP at High Altitude: What to Know Before You Go

Most CPAP machines are rated to work up to a set altitude, and humidifiers can have their own limit. The ResMed AirSense 11 is rated from sea level to 3,010 m (about 9,875 feet), while Philips says not to use the DreamStation 2 humidifier above 2,286 m (7,500 feet). Check your user guide before a mountain trip, and talk to your doctor if you have other heart or lung conditions.

Signs

  • Planning a trip to the mountains
  • Machine behaving differently at elevation
  • Drier air and a dry nose at altitude
  • Unsure whether your humidifier is safe to use

Common causes

Operating limits
Each machine lists an operating altitude in its specifications. The AirSense 11 guide lists sea level to 3,010 m, with an air pressure range of 1060 to 700 hPa.
Humidifier limits
The DreamStation 2 manual warns not to use the humidifier above 2,286 m (7,500 ft), because it can affect the quality of therapy or injure the patient.
Dry mountain air
Mountain air is often cold and dry, which can make your nose and mouth drier.

Fixes to try, easiest first

  1. Look up your machine's altitude rating

    Find the operating altitude in the technical specifications of your user guide. Compare it with the elevation where you will sleep, not the summit.

  2. Check the humidifier separately

    Your humidifier may have a lower limit than the machine. If you will sleep above it, ask your provider whether to run without humidification.

  3. Bring distilled water and supplies

    Pack distilled water if your humidifier requires it, plus a spare filter and cushion.

  4. Adjust comfort settings for dryness

    If you can use the humidifier, small changes to humidity or tube temperature can help with dry air.

  5. Ask your doctor about the trip with your clinician

    Talk to your sleep doctor before sleeping at high altitude, especially if you have heart or lung disease, so they can advise whether any changes are needed. Do not change your prescribed pressure yourself.

When to call your doctor

Talk to your doctor before the trip if you have heart disease, lung disease, use oxygen, or have central sleep apnea. Get medical help right away for shortness of breath, confusion or chest pain at altitude.

Supplies that can help

Distilled water for CPAP humidifiers

Distilled water is what most CPAP humidifier chambers are meant to be filled with, because it leaves little or no mineral scale behind.

AmazonCPAP.comAffiliate linksHow to choose
CPAP travel case

A padded bag that protects the machine, mask, tubing and power supply in transit.

AmazonCPAP.comAffiliate linksHow to choose
CPAP battery

A battery pack that runs a CPAP machine without mains power, for camping, power outages or long flights.

AmazonCPAP.comAffiliate linksHow to choose
Waterless humidification (HME)

A heat and moisture exchanger (HME) that captures warmth and moisture from your breath and returns it on the next breath, used mostly with travel CPAPs …

AmazonCPAP.comAffiliate linksHow to choose

Retailer links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Mask types this applies to

Nasal maskNasal pillows maskFull face maskUnder the nose full face mask (hybrid, minimal contact)

Frequently asked questions

Does CPAP work at high altitude?

Machines are designed to work within the altitude listed in their manual. The AirSense 11 lists sea level to 3,010 m. Above your machine's rating, therapy may not perform as intended.

Can I use my CPAP humidifier in the mountains?

Check your manual. Philips says not to use the DreamStation 2 humidifier above 2,286 m (7,500 feet).

Do I need to change my CPAP pressure at altitude?

Do not change your prescribed pressure yourself. Ask your sleep doctor before your trip if you are worried.

Sources

Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error

Related problems