lost lots of weight--odds of still needing CPAP?

[svh]

SO, I haven't posted in ages--things were going along swimmingly. I was diagnosed about 4 years ago. Wore my mask religiously every night. It helped. I was glad.

Now, fast forward to this past fall. Marital breakup, major weight loss. I lost 42 pounds (25% body weight), and have kept it off for about 6 months.

Recently, I have been waking up headachy, like pre-CPAP. I am wondering, what are the odds that I don't need the CPAP anymore (best result), or that my needs have significantly changed?

I know I need to schedule another sleep study, and I will, when I remember, but I'm just wondering what the prevailing wisdom says here.

The last two nights I have slept without the CPAP, for the fist time in years, and have woken up feeling fine.I wake in the night, yes, but not gasping. I've been sleeping poorly all winter/spring, due to the whole divorce thing, and I sometimes take sleep meds for it. I haven't taken anything the nights I went without CPAP, though, as I figured I should have fewer variables.

Any thoughts? I know there's a huge repository of knowledge here, and I appreciate anyone's ideas on the subject. Thanks!

[Dog Tired]

'm not sure what to make of it.

However, when I saw my sleep doctor last week, he queried whether I'd need CPAP by end of the year. He wants to re-test me then.

I was diagnosed last November (AHI 35+). After starting CPAP my weight ballooned to about 97KG.

Since the 4th Jan this year, I have drastically changed my diet and started exercising - when I previously did none.

From that time, I have lost about 15KG and my fitness levels have increased. I can now run 5KM.

So, my point is there may be something to your hunch.

I'd suggest getting re-tested by your sleep doc and take it from there - you could be right.

Funny how life changes can motivate you to better health - worked for me!

Perhaps I should change my username, because it no longer correctly describes my situation.

[AirBreather]

Excess weight is generally thought to be a contributing factor to sleep apnea. However, I lost 70 lbs (27%) two to three years ago, have kept it off since, and that loss has had no effect whatsoever on the amount of CPAP pressure I need to minimize apneas. Of course, weight loss might affect you differently. Anyone who loses a significant amount of weight probably should be retested.

[sleepy gal]

Hello all, it's been years since I have been on this site.

I too have lost quite a bit of weight and much to my surprise my sleep study last week showed that I still have sleep apnea, especially in REM sleep. So I guess one does not always become apnea free by losing weight. It was a shock!

If you are having symptoms similar to what you had prior to using CPAP you probably should go ahead and call for that sleep test!

Good luck.