Winter alters the body’s physiology in ways that are difficult to adjust to unless you live somewhere where it is always cold. Whether you like winter or not, it will affect your respiratory system, especially if you suffer from sleep apnea.

Cold temperatures can aggravate sleep apnea by exacerbating the disorder’s underlying problems. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most frequent type of sleep apnea, happens when the airway narrows, making breathing more difficult. As a result, your blood oxygen level drops since your body isn’t obtaining enough oxygen. Your brain responds to the lack of oxygen by delivering little jolts to your body to reopen your airway.

Take precautions when going outside to avoid illness or exacerbation of symptoms.

Here are strategies you may use to mitigate the harmful health effects of the season:

• Dress appropriately: This is the most obvious place to begin. To avoid getting a cold and worsening your sleep apnea, keeping warm during the winter is critical. When heading out, dress warmly; you can easily remove layers as needed. It’s also a good idea to wear a scarf over your mouth and nose whenever possible. Cold weather can dry out your airway and nasal passages, making it easier to develop a cold.
• Breathe through your nose and out the mouth: Your body is more equipped to catch particles entering the airway by breathing through your nose; it may also reduce congestion by filtering what enters your lungs, allowing you to breathe better at night.

The CPAP Device in Winter

The cold and flu season brings a rise in cold and flu cases, which might obstruct CPAP compliance and a restful night’s sleep. Extra caution should be exercised in the cold when using and cleaning the device.

You ought to:

• Clean your machine: Most people with sleep apnea don’t clean their CPAP devices daily. It’s critical to wash your mask, water chamber, and tubing with warm water and soap daily during the winter. Keeping your machine clean can help it run more efficiently at night and reduce germ build-up.
• Be consistent: Make sure you’re using your CPAP every night. Consistency is crucial in the winter when sleep arousals are at their highest.
• Invest in a humidifier: Although most CPAP machines have a humidification option, it’s also a good idea to have a humidifier in your room when it’s cold outside. An extra humidifier helps combat the dry winter weather, typically associated with acquiring a cold.

What if I’m already sick or have a cold?

It’s difficult enough to have a cold and sleep apnea, but it’ll be even more difficult if you don’t follow your treatment plan. If your nose is too stuffy for your mask, a full face mask can be a better option. Cold air dries down the respiratory passages, so individuals get sick more often. Mucus usually coats the nose tube, keeping germs from entering the body; however, in the winter, the amount of mucus produced is lower, increasing your chance of exposure.

Find Sleep Apnea Relief in Washington

Dr. Buck is a facial orthopedist based in the state of Washington. Through teamwork and combining their expertise, Dr. Buck and his fellow ENT physicians and pulmonologists help their patients find relief from sleep apnea. With Dr. Buck and his team, you can find relief from the severity and alleviate symptoms from sleep breathing issues. For more information on Dr. Buck’s practice and the treatment options he provides, please schedule an appointment by giving us a call today at 425-361-7499. Additionally, one may contact us by filling out our online form.