Sleep apnea can change over time — and sometimes, those changes happen so gradually that you don’t notice them right away. If you’ve been using a CPAP machine for a while but still feel tired, or your bed partner mentions your snoring is getting louder again, it could be a sign your sleep apnea is becoming more severe.
Here are some key signs to watch for and what you can do to get your sleep (and health) back on track.
1. You’re Feeling More Tired Than Usual
Even with CPAP therapy, you should wake up feeling relatively refreshed. If you’re noticing daytime sleepiness creeping back in — dozing off during meetings, nodding off in front of the TV, or struggling to concentrate — it could mean your therapy settings are no longer optimized.
What to do: Make sure your mask fits well, check your CPAP data (if your machine tracks it), and talk to your doctor or sleep specialist about whether your pressure settings need adjustment.
2. Your Snoring Has Returned
If your partner tells you the snoring is back, that’s a red flag. Snoring often means your airway is collapsing again during sleep — one of the hallmarks of untreated or under-treated sleep apnea.
What to do: Inspect your CPAP equipment for leaks or wear and tear. Even small mask leaks can reduce pressure and make treatment less effective.
3. Weight Changes Are Affecting Your Sleep
Gaining or losing weight can significantly impact the severity of sleep apnea. Extra weight around the neck and airway can increase obstruction, while major weight loss may mean your CPAP pressure is now higher than necessary.
What to do: If your weight has changed by more than 10% since your last sleep study, it’s worth checking in with your provider. You may need a new titration study or a pressure adjustment.
4. You’re Waking Up with Morning Headaches or Dry Mouth
Morning headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat can all signal your CPAP therapy isn’t keeping your airway fully open through the night. You might also be breathing through your mouth if your nasal passages are congested or your mask doesn’t fit properly.
What to do: Try a full-face mask if you tend to mouth-breathe, and ensure your humidifier is set correctly. If you’re already using humidification and still notice symptoms, your doctor can evaluate whether your therapy pressure needs updating.
5. Your Blood Pressure or Other Health Conditions Are Getting Worse
Untreated or poorly managed sleep apnea can make high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes harder to control. If your doctor notes rising blood pressure despite medication, it may be a sign your sleep apnea is playing a role.
What to do: Track your blood pressure regularly and discuss the results with your healthcare provider. They might recommend repeating a sleep study or reviewing your CPAP compliance data.
6. You’ve Noticed More Nighttime Awakenings
If you’re waking up frequently — gasping, choking, or just restless — it’s likely your airway is being disrupted more often. These awakenings prevent you from reaching deep, restorative stages of sleep.
What to do: Review your CPAP usage reports (most modern machines store this data). If your apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is rising, your therapy might not be as effective as it once was.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you notice any of these changes, don’t ignore them. Your body — and your CPAP data — might be telling you it’s time to re-evaluate your treatment. A repeat sleep study, updated pressure settings, or new mask type can make a world of difference in how you feel each day.
Better Sleep Starts with the Right Setup
Regular maintenance, timely equipment replacement, and open communication with your healthcare team can help keep your sleep apnea under control. Check your supplies, replace worn masks and filters, and make sure your CPAP is working as it should — because consistent, quality sleep is worth it.
Disclaimer: The information provided on CPAPnation.com is solely for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. CPAPnation.com is not responsible or liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that you obtain through this site. Reliance on any information provided by CPAPnation.com is solely at your own risk.
