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How to Stop CPAP Rainout: Causes, Solutions, and Best Products for AirSense 10 & 11

Updated: Aug 22

Introduction

If you’ve ever woken up to a gurgling noise in your CPAP mask or felt water splash on your face in the middle of the night, you’ve experienced what’s commonly called “rainout.” This happens when condensation forms inside the CPAP tube or mask—an annoying (and sometimes sleep-disrupting) issue. Fortunately, there are simple solutions, especially if you're using a ResMed AirSense 10 or AirSense 11.

In this post, we’ll break down what causes CPAP rainout, how to prevent it, and which products can help you sleep comfortably through the night.


What Is CPAP Rainout?

CPAP rainout is condensation that forms in your CPAP tubing or mask when the warm, humidified air from your device cools down before reaching your airway. This results in water pooling in the tube or dripping into the mask.

It’s more common in colder environments or rooms with air conditioning. If you’re using heated humidification (which most people do), the temperature difference between the hose air and your room can cause the moisture to condense.


Common Causes of CPAP Rainout

  1. Cool bedroom temperaturesA cold room causes the warm air inside the hose to cool rapidly, turning humidity into water droplets.

  2. High humidity settingsThe more humidity your CPAP produces, the more likely it is that condensation will form if temperatures drop.

  3. Unheated tubingStandard hoses don’t regulate temperature, making them more susceptible to rainout.


Solutions to Prevent CPAP Rainout

Here are several effective ways to reduce or eliminate rainout:


1. Use a Heated Hose

Heated hoses keep the air warm as it travels from your CPAP machine to your mask, minimizing condensation.

These connect directly to your machine and automatically adjust based on your humidity and temperature settings.


2. Adjust Humidity and Temperature Settings

If you’re not using a heated hose, or even if you are, try tweaking these settings:

  • Lower the humidity level on your device

  • Increase the tube temperature (if using a heated tube)

  • Enable “Climate Control Auto” on ResMed machines to allow the device to self-adjust based on room conditions


3. Insulate Your Hose

You can buy a hose cover or wrap your tubing in a soft fleece to help keep the air temperature more consistent.

  • ✅ Recommended Product:

    • SnuggleHose Fleece Hose Cover (Fits both standard and heated hoses)


4. Warm Up Your Bedroom

Raising the room temperature slightly can reduce the difference between the warm CPAP air and the surrounding air, preventing condensation.


5. Elevate Your Hose

Let gravity help you. Use a hose lift or hanger to elevate your CPAP tube above your head. This allows any moisture to drain back toward the machine, rather than pooling in your mask.

  • ✅ Recommended Product:

    • HoseBuddy CPAP Hose Holder


Quick Fix Checklist for AirSense 10 & 11 Users

Problem

Solution

Water in the mask

Use a heated hose + lower humidity

Gurgling sound

Elevate the hose + use a hose cover

Frequent rainout in cold room

Turn on Climate Control Auto

Final Thoughts

Rainout is one of those small CPAP frustrations that can lead to big sleep disruptions. But with the right setup—especially using ResMed’s ClimateLineAir heated hoses and automatic settings—it’s entirely manageable.

Remember, better sleep starts with comfort. If rainout is affecting your therapy, take a few simple steps to dry things out—without sacrificing humidity.


Got questions or need help picking the right gear? Feel free to drop a comment below or reach out to our team—we’re here to help!

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