A female adult using machine while sleeping beside her partner
Oct 10

Still Snoring with CPAP? Here's How to Fix It

Oct 10

Still snoring even with your CPAP machine running? You’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean your therapy isn’t working.

While CPAP is the gold standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea, persistent snoring can still occur, often pointing to issues with your setup, pressure, or sleep habits.

This guide breaks down the most common reasons for snoring with CPAP and offers practical, expert-backed fixes to help you sleep better quietly.

You’ll learn:

  • Why CPAP doesn’t always eliminate snoring

  • How pressure settings, mask fit, and mouth breathing contribute

  • Sleep position tips to reduce airway collapse

  • Lifestyle changes and maintenance routines that help

  • When to consult a sleep specialist for further evaluation

With the right adjustments, you can stop the snoring and get the full benefits of your CPAP therapy.

Understanding CPAP Therapy and Snoring

CPAP therapy prevents apneic events by delivering a continuous flow of pressurized air to keep the airway open. This typically resolves OSA-related snoring. However, some people still experience residual snoring even while using their device correctly.

Common Causes of Snoring with CPAP

  1. Incorrect CPAP Pressure Settings
    If your CPAP pressure is too low, it may not fully prevent airway collapse. Periodic reviews ensure pressure remains optimal as body weight and sleep patterns change.

  2. Poor Mask Fit and Air Leaks
    Leaks reduce pressure and can mimic snoring sounds. Trying alternative mask styles can often resolve the issue. YourCPAPShop offers a full range of nasal, full-face, and nasal pillow masks to help you find your best fit.

  3. Mouth Breathing
    Breathing through your mouth while wearing a nasal mask causes a drop in pressure and contributes to snoring. This is especially common during nasal congestion or allergies. Chin straps or full-face masks help address this.

Impact of Sleep Position on CPAP Effectiveness

Back-sleeping increases airway collapse, reducing the effectiveness of CPAP. Side sleeping, in contrast, can significantly enhance therapy.

Devices like the Night Shift Sleep Positioner or adjustable beds are often recommended to help maintain side sleeping posture throughout the night.

A cpap machine on top of the desk

Solutions to Stop Snoring with CPAP

If you're still snoring with CPAP, don’t give up. These practical, evidence-based adjustments can help.

  1. Adjusting Pressure Settings with a Sleep Professional

Your pressure may need to be increased or auto-adjusting features activated. Many new machines, like the ResMed AirSense 11, offer real-time automatic pressure adjustments. These adaptive devices analyze your breathing and respond to apneic events instantly.

Consult with a sleep specialist or respiratory therapist to ensure your device is set correctly. 

  1. Ensure a Proper Mask Fit

No two faces are the same, and no single mask fits everyone. Ill-fitting masks can cause leaks, pressure loss, and discomfort that all contribute to persistent snoring. The Canadian Sleep Society recommends working with trained fitters to try different types until the optimal seal and comfort level are achieved.

Your CPAP Shop carries a selection of top-rated masks and accessories, and their expert team can guide you in choosing the right one for your sleep habits and facial structure.

  1. Address Mouth Breathing

If you’re waking with a dry mouth or find your mouth open during sleep, you're likely mouth-breathing. Solutions include:

According to the Sleep Foundation, addressing mouth breathing improves pressure delivery and reduces snoring in up to 70% of users.

Couple looking at phone while they are in bed

Additional Tips for CPAP Users

Beyond basic setup, several daily habits and care routines can further optimize your CPAP experience.

Regular Maintenance and Cleaning

  • Clean your mask, hose, and humidifier chamber weekly

  • Replace filters monthly

  • Inspect for cracks, wear, or mineral buildup

Poor hygiene can lead to bacterial buildup and degraded machine performance. For best results, Your CPAP Shop offers cleaning kits, wipes, and replacement parts.

Treat Nasal Congestion

Nasal blockage diverts airflow through the mouth. Use:

  • Saline nasal sprays

  • Heated humidification

  • Allergy medication, if applicable

Weight Management

Excess weight contributes to tissue collapse in the upper airway. According to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, a 10% weight loss can lead to a 26% reduction in the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Exercise, dietary changes, and professional support may significantly boost your CPAP’s success.

When to Consult a Sleep Specialist

If you’ve adjusted your mask, pressure, and sleep position, and you’re still snoring, it may be time to seek professional guidance.

Signs You Need Expert Evaluation:

  • Persistent loud snoring

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • CPAP compliance issues

  • High residual AHI on your device

Alternative or Supplementary Treatments:

  • Oral appliances

  • Surgery for nasal or airway obstructions

  • Positional therapy or myofunctional therapy

Sleep specialists may recommend:

  • Home sleep apnea tests, like WatchPAT

  • In-lab polysomnography for more complex cases

  • Upper airway imaging to evaluate structural problems

Your CPAP Shop can connect you with trusted resources if you need a formal sleep study or specialist referral.

Health Implications of Persistent Snoring

Snoring isn’t just a noise; it’s a symptom of airflow disruption and poor-quality sleep. If left unresolved, it can lead to:

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Increased accident risk

  • Mood disorders and memory problems

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that individuals with untreated sleep apnea had a 3.8x higher risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to those without the condition.

A doctor and his patient in clinic holding a CPAP mask

Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Snoring and Support CPAP Use

You can support your therapy and minimize snoring by adopting key lifestyle strategies:

  • Follow a regular sleep schedule (7–9 hours/night)

  • Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet

  • Avoid alcohol or sedatives before bedtime

  • Exercise regularly

  • Control allergies through medication or environmental changes

  • Avoid screen time for an hour before bed

Fine-Tuning Your Therapy: Quiet Nights Ahead with CPAP

Snoring while using CPAP doesn’t mean the therapy has failed; it’s a sign that your setup may need fine-tuning.

From mask fit and pressure adjustments to treating nasal congestion and adopting new sleep positions, small changes can make a big difference.

By addressing these factors, you’re not just silencing snores, you’re enhancing your sleep quality, protecting your health, and getting the most from your therapy.

Need personalized help? Your CPAP Shop has the equipment, resources, and expert support to help you fine-tune your CPAP setup for quiet, effective sleep night after night.

FAQs

Q: What should I do if I’m still snoring with CPAP even after trying different masks?
A: Consider asking your provider about adjusting your machine pressure or switching to a device with auto-adjusting capabilities. Residual snoring could also indicate positional issues or nasal obstruction.

Q: How can I tell if my CPAP mask fits properly?
A: A proper fit means no large leaks, comfort throughout the night, and no facial marks or soreness. Try it while lying in your normal sleep position. If unsure, consult a provider or use fit services offered by Your CPAP Shop.

Q: Are there alternatives to CPAP for treating sleep apnea?
A: Yes, oral appliances, positional therapy, surgery, and lifestyle changes can be alternatives or supplements. These should always be explored under medical supervision.