Most CPAP problems are common and fixable, and nearly all trace back to one of three things: a mask that doesn't fit or seal, air that's too dry, or pressure that feels uncomfortable. The table below maps the most common issues to a quick fix, a detailed guide, and the supply that solves it. Never change your prescribed pressure yourself — if a problem persists after these steps, contact your doctor or equipment provider.
Common CPAP problems and how to fix them
| Problem | Why it happens | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Mask leaks | Worn cushion or poor fit | Refit the mask and replace a worn cushion or mask |
| Dry or stuffy nose | Not enough humidification | Raise your humidifier setting or add a heated humidifier — see our nasal dryness tips |
| Sore throat | Breathing dry, unhumidified air | Add or increase humidification — see CPAP sore throat causes |
| Red marks or skin irritation | Cushion too tight or wrong material | Loosen the headgear, try a memory-foam cushion, or replace it — see avoiding mask marks and nose sore remedies |
| Gas and bloating (aerophagia) | Swallowing air, often from high pressure | Ask your provider about pressure or BiPAP — see our aerophagia guide |
| Claustrophobia or mask anxiety | Too much mask contact on the face | Try a minimal-contact nasal pillow mask and use ramp — see CPAP anxiety tips |
| Rainout (water in tube or mask) | Warm humid air condensing in cool tubing | Use heated tubing and lower the humidity — see our rainout guide |
| Hard to exhale | Pressure feels strong on the out-breath | Turn on Expiratory Pressure Relief — see what EPR is and how to set it |
| Pressure feels too high | Still adjusting to therapy | Use AutoRamp and EPR; don't change prescribed pressure yourself — see is your pressure too high? |
| Still snoring with CPAP | Mask fit or settings need adjusting | Check the seal and review settings with your provider — see still snoring with CPAP |
| Machine noise | Dirty filter or an air leak | Replace the air filter and check all seals and connections |
| Mask slips off overnight | Stretched or worn headgear | Adjust or replace the headgear — see the replacement schedule |
Mask and fit problems
Most CPAP complaints start at the mask. Leaks usually mean the cushion has worn out or the mask needs refitting — a fresh cushion often solves it instantly. Red marks and irritation mean the mask is too tight or the material doesn't agree with your skin; loosen the headgear and consider a softer memory-foam cushion. If the mask itself feels overwhelming, a lighter nasal pillow mask puts far less on your face. Replace cushions every 1–2 months and masks every 3–6 months so a worn part isn't the hidden cause.
Comfort and breathing problems
Dryness, congestion, and sore throat almost always come down to humidification — raise your humidifier level or add a heated humidifier. Difficulty exhaling is solved by turning on Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR), which eases the pressure as you breathe out. If the pressure feels too high overall, use the AutoRamp feature to start low and build up as you fall asleep — but never adjust your prescribed pressure without your provider.
Machine and air problems
Rainout — water pooling in your tube or mask — happens when humidified air cools in the hose; heated tubing and slightly lower humidity fix it. Unusual noise is usually a dirty filter or a small air leak at a connection. And a musty smell means it's time to clean — see our guide on cleaning your CPAP machine, mask, and equipment. For machine-specific error messages, check our AirSense 11 troubleshooting guide.
When to talk to your provider
The fixes above solve most everyday CPAP issues. But contact your doctor or equipment provider if problems persist despite a good mask fit and proper humidification, if you have ongoing bloating or chest discomfort, if you're still snoring or feeling unrested, or if you think your prescribed pressure needs changing. Pressure and therapy-mode changes should always be made by a professional.
The bottom line
Nearly every common CPAP problem traces back to mask fit, humidification, or pressure comfort — and most are fixable at home with a small adjustment or a fresh supply. Keep spare cushions and filters on hand, replace parts on schedule, and browse our CPAP supplies collection for the parts that solve these issues.