Does CPAP tighten the pallate?

DCTom · Post by **DCTom** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 4:46 pm

At least one person on these boards has suggested that if you use CPAP for a while, your pallate "tightens" up and then you can get off CPAP. My doctor said he's never heard of such a thing. And frankly, I've surfed a lot of boards and Sites on OSA and nobody has ever mentioned this before. I think it's the opposite. Once you go on CPAP, your pallate gets more floppy. It does not tighten. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 5:02 pm

Nope, As I see it it might stretch it. Like a balloon.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 9:38 am

Janelle wrote:I found this information on the internet while doing searches for Sleep Apnea before I ever found this forum, when I was first diagnosed. When I mentioned this to my ENT on the first visit when she wanted to do the radical tonsilectomy, palate removal, and uvula removal, she AGREED this did indeed happen and set another appointment for 6 months later, during which time I was on APAP. At the 6 month visit, my soft palate had totally tightened!

If you are not snoring, the soft palate is not being vibrated which is causing the sagging, no vibration and the tissue can firm up again. And this is what happens. IF ENTs KNOW THIS, how can it be a myth????

Anonymous wrote:Janelle, can you please refer us to where you found this on the internet? Since I first read your post I have been searching for this information and can find nothing on it. I also placed a call to my ENT group and just received a call back. Seems they do not share your ENT's opinion that this happens. I would love to prove them wrong but I need your help in supplying the documentation from the studies you found so I can show them it's not just hearsay. Thank you.