Comfort and side effects
Sore Throat From CPAP: Causes and Fixes
A scratchy or sore throat on CPAP is usually caused by dry air, often from mouth breathing or low humidity. A humidifier, heated tubing and fixing mouth leak usually clear it up.
Signs
- Scratchy or raw throat in the morning
- Dry cough
- Hoarse voice
- Throat that feels better by midday
Common causes
- Dry air
- The AASM says a humidifier reduces dry nose and sore throat by adding moisture to the air.
- Mouth breathing
- Air escaping through your mouth dries your throat quickly.
- Cold air
- F&P notes cold, dry air from your device can dry out your airways.
- Infection
- A cold or virus may be the real cause, especially with fever.
Fixes to try, easiest first
Turn up humidity
Raise humidity one step at a time. Use distilled water and fill the tub each night.
Add heated tubing
Heated tubing lets you run more humidity without rainout.
Stop mouth leak
If you use a nasal mask, try a chinstrap or a full face mask.
Try a different mask style
The AASM notes sometimes a mask style change is needed to prevent dry nose, mouth or sore throat.
Keep your equipment clean
Wash your mask, tube and water chamber as directed to avoid germs.
See your doctor if it continues with your clinician
If a sore throat lasts more than a week or comes with fever, see your doctor.
See your doctor if a sore throat lasts more than a week, comes with fever, swollen glands, trouble swallowing, or white patches on the throat.
Supplies that can help
Tubing with a built-in heating wire that keeps humidified air warm all the way to the mask, which is the main fix for rainout (water droplets …
A soft strap that supports the jaw to help keep the mouth closed, used mainly with nasal and nasal pillow masks to reduce mouth leaks.
Distilled water is what most CPAP humidifier chambers are meant to be filled with, because it leaves little or no mineral scale behind.
The removable water tank of a CPAP humidifier; it wears and needs replacing, especially if it cracks, clouds or leaks.
Retailer links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Mask types this applies to
Frequently asked questions
Can CPAP cause a sore throat?
Yes, usually from dry air or mouth breathing. Humidification is the main fix.
Should I stop using CPAP with a sore throat?
Usually not. Turn up the humidity and check for mouth leak. See your doctor if you have fever or it lasts more than a week.
Does a full face mask help a sore throat?
If the sore throat comes from mouth leak, yes, because air stays in the system. Make sure humidity is high enough too.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error