On This Page
Why You’re Still Snoring With CPAP
Our editorial process includes extensive measures to verify accuracy, provide clarity on complex topics, and present factual information. Read more
Key Takeaways
- You might still snore while on CPAP if therapy isn’t fully optimized, often due to issues like low pressure settings, mask leaks, mouth breathing, nasal congestion, or alcohol and sedative use.
- Many of these issues can be addressed by checking pressure settings with your doctor, improving mask fit, switching mask types, addressing mouth breathing, and using humidification.
- Lifestyle factors matter, as alcohol, sedatives, and untreated nasal congestion can worsen sleep apnea symptoms and reduce CPAP effectiveness.
Reasons You’re Still Snoring With CPAP
If you're still snoring with CPAP therapy, there are several potential causes.
CPAP Pressure Is Too Low
Sometimes, a sleeper doesn't stop snoring on CPAP therapy, because the air pressure settings are too low for their needs. Air pressure levels are determined during a process called titration, and sometimes mistakes are made. Additionally, things like weight gain, changes in sleep position, or increase in alcohol or sedative use can influence air pressure needs.
If the air pressure selected doesn't adequately address sleep apnea symptoms, re-titrating or trying a slightly higher air pressure level is possible.
Mask Leak or Poor Mask Fit
A poorly fitting mask that leaks air is another top cause of continued snoring with CPAP therapy. A CPAP mask should properly seal against the skin, so no air leaks out around the edges. When a CPAP mask doesn't fit properly, it may cause discomfort and lead to less effective therapy. When air leaks from a mask, there's also less air pressure available to keep the airway open and prevent snoring.
Wrong Type of CPAP Mask
Just as a poorly fitting mask can result in air leaks or discomfort, the wrong mask type for a person can cause air leaks and effectiveness problems, too. Also, a mask that works well for a person initially may not work well forever, especially if they experience a weight change or changes to their teeth.
Mouth Breathing While Using CPAP
If you’re a mouth breather during sleep, yet you use a nasal mask, you might find yourself developing a mouth air leak. This type of air leak describes when air that’s delivered to the nasal passages escapes through the open mouth. A mouth leak can cause a dry mouth and, like other air leaks, reduce the effectiveness of CPAP therapy.
Nasal Congestion or Blocked Airways
People with sleep apnea may struggle to breathe even during CPAP therapy because of congested nasal passages or other airway blockages. There are multiple options for addressing nasal congestion and blockages, some of which make CPAP therapy more effective, and others that are alternatives to CPAP therapy.
Alcohol or Sedative Use
Drinking alcohol or taking a sedative can make sleep apnea symptoms more severe by relaxing airway muscles. When sleep apnea temporarily worsens due to a consumed substance, existing CPAP therapy air pressure settings may be inadequate, and symptoms like snoring may return.
Don’t Just Test Your Sleep. Understand It.
Measure key sleep metrics and review your results with a licensed sleep-care provider. Discuss sleep issues and options to make restless nights a thing of the past.
How to Stop Snoring While Using CPAP
If you're still snoring with CPAP therapy, explore and address potential causes one-by-one to see if you can find and resolve the issue.
Check CPAP Pressure Settings
Talk with your doctor or sleep specialist if you suspect your CPAP machine's air pressure settings are too low. They can check to make sure the machine is programmed with the air pressure level that was identified as ideal for you. They can also troubleshoot your side effects and determine if a higher pressure level may reduce or eliminate your snoring.
Improve Mask Fit and Reduce Leaks
If you aren't sure whether or not your CPAP mask is leaking at night, ask a sleep partner if they've heard air leaking or check your CPAP machine's data. Modern PAP devices collect usage data, which includes tracking air leaks and information about them. If a leak is present, your mask might need adjustment or tightening, so the mask seals properly on the skin.
Consider Switching Mask Types
Sometimes adjusting an existing mask isn't enough to fix an air leak or mask fit issue, but switching mask types would help. For example, a full face mask could be switched out for a nasal or nasal pillow mask, which might provide more comfort. Even within mask types, there are a variety of options, and finding the style you prefer can make a big difference.
Address Mouth Breathing
Switching mask types can be one way to address mouth breathing. For example, if a person uses a nasal mask and has a mouth leak, a full face mask or oro-nasal mask might resolve the issue.
If a nasal mask is preferred, addressing mouth breathing through the use of a chin strap or mouth tape might help. These can help keep the mouth closed at night, so a person continues breathing through their nose and mouth leaks don't occur.
Treat Nasal Congestion
If snoring with CPAP is occurring because of nasal congestion, treating it might help. Depending on the cause, a person may try antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce congestion. Changing masks may also reduce nasal congestion in some cases.
Use the Humidifier and Adjust Humidity Levels
If nasal congestion stems from dryness, adding heated humidification or adjusting an existing humidifier's settings might ease the congestion. Adding or adjusting humidification levels can also help improve comfort, which may make sticking with CPAP therapy easier over time.
Avoid Alcohol Before Bed
Because alcohol can worsen sleep apnea symptoms, drinking it, especially near bedtime, may interfere with CPAP therapy. Try to reduce alcohol intake or avoid it completely to prevent it from worsening your sleep apnea symptoms, like snoring.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you're struggling with side effects related to CPAP therapy, whether that's snoring or something else, talk with your doctor or sleep specialist. A healthcare provider can review your therapy data, check for mask leaks, and determine whether changes to your equipment, pressure settings, or treatment plan are needed.
In some cases, additional testing or a different type of therapy may be recommended to ensure your sleep apnea is being treated effectively.
References
The Sleep Doctor Forum
Real Experiences, Real Connections
Continue the discussion on the Sleep Doctor Forum. Connect with experts and fellow forum members on CPAP, sleep apnea, and all things sleep. A priceless resource that’s free to join.
