When to stop using CPAP

When can I stop using CPAP?
Will I be able to stop CPAP if I lose weight and my health improves?
Has anyone been able to stop using CPAP?
Has anyone had a doctor tell them they didn't need to use CPAP anymore?

I think only some people can stop using it after losing weight and/or having surgery. For most of us we have to use it the rest of our lives.

I was able to stop CPAP after my septoplasty/turbinectomy procedure. But several years later, I had to resume CPAP. My apnea is not as horrible as it was, but it is still bad enough that I don't have a choice. That being said, the surgery was one of the best things I've ever done. My daytime breathing is MUCH better and my allergies aren't nearly as bad.

My apnea isn't related to weight, but I think I've heard of people losing weight and getting off CPAP... Not sure about that.

I "joke" that when I started CPAP in my early 20s, I went through the Kubler-Ross stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

you can stop using cpap when you die.........probably not before for the grand majority of us

When you are your doctor agree that you are cured. Many factors could effect your OSA. If you are heavy and lose weight or have surgery which improves things or a combination of things. But you go by how you feel sleeping without it not just by a sleep study or numbers.

Gerry

JanSaysHi wrote:When can I stop using CPAP?
Will I be able to stop CPAP if I lose weight and my health improves?

Some people have, but for many, they are overweight because of their sleep apnea.

JanSaysHi,
Keep in mind that those who no longer need CPAP wouldn't likely be here on this board to reply to your question. I have met people whose doctor released them after testing confirmed their sleep apnea had resolved after major weight loss. It does happen. I don't expect it to happen for me since my symptoms were present even back when I was fit and active (sooo long ago). Getting as healthy as one can is motivation in its own right, and if no longer needing CPAP is a fringe benefit, great! Never know unless we try, right?

You can stop anytime you wish.

The consequences might not be to your liking, but the option is there.

Thank you all who responded to this discussion topic.
I heard from a lot of you!
Only my respirologist would be able to tell me if my sleep study results suggest I stop CPAP therapy.
Very few people have been able to stop their CPAP therapy even with surgery and weight loss.
There are a few lucky ones.
In the mean time I am still trying to get used to my CPAP and mask and waiting for that burst of energy I had one day about 4 weeks after starting therapy.
Wish me luck!
And good luck all the other masked people!