Is the cpap a life-long thing?

[Sleepless Nights]

Do people with sleep apnea have to use the cpap machine for the rest of their lives, or do you get cured at a certain point where you don't need it anymore?

[ironhands]

depends why you're on it, but really, there's no cure. Most are stuck with it, depending on the severity

[squid13]

Most of us will be on it for the rest of our lives.

[sawinglogz]

Based on current medical understanding, it's life-long.

It's possible someone will discover a cure, at least for some causes, but we still don't understand apnea very well.

Personally, I plan to look into dental appliances to see if that's an option for me, but if it's not, I'll take the mask over sleeplessness.

[Janknitz]

Think of CPAP like a wheelchair or a cane. It helps you get around, but it doesn't cure the disease.

All CPAP does is splint open your airway with a cushion of air, so your airway cannot shut down for whatever reason it shuts down during obstructive apnea. If you are overweight, weight loss MAY help, but otherwise there really isn't a cure for apnea at this point in time. Keep in mind that obesity is not the only cause (and possibly not even the main cause) of OSA.

So yes, I expect to be wearing my CPAP when I'm a little old lady in the nursing home.

[Sleepless Nights]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Well that kind of stinks that there is no cure. I guess I'll just have to get used to my machine.

[oak]

yes it does stink, but i am really glad i found out i had it. had it not been for my psychiatrist suggesting a sleep study when i complained of excessive daytime sleepiness, i would still be in the dark.

[sawinglogz]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Well that kind of stinks that there is no cure. I guess I'll just have to get used to my machine.

Yup, even several months in, it's a bit of an annoying chore, but it's better than without!

Also, be aware that the surgical options have extremely low success rates, and even the ones with less-than-awful results are usually only effective for a year, and then the efficacy rates drop back down to abysmal. So, despite the very natural desire to find a permanent fix, be very very wary of "cures."

[Edit: Actually, if I recall correctly, tracheotomies might eliminate apnea, but that's obviously a pretty drastic approach.]

[I Love the Jets]

I intend to use CPAP for the rest of my life (which should be considering longer than without CPAP)!

Good luck!

[SleepWellCPAP]

Though it happens rarely, I have had customers lose a significant amount of weight and were able to discontinue use of pressure therapy. They did go back to the lab and confirm CPAP was no longer necessary.

[chunkyfrog]

Sadly, for many more, untreated apnea contributes to, or maybe even causes obesity.

[Todzo]

Do people with sleep apnea have to use the cpap machine for the rest of their lives, or do you get cured at a certain point where you don't need it anymore?

From what I have been able to determine so far the Medical community does not even know objectively how many continue with CPAP long term, or what happens to those who do or do not continue, or why they do or do not continue.

Frankly the answer to this question appears to be truly unknown!!!

I can find testimony of "cure" from weight loss, eucapnic breathing, acupuncture, and other forms of traditional Chinese medicine. Some tell of recovery from what appeared to be a precipitating illness. Some seem to spontaneously loose the need for the hose.

Perhaps that is why we hear of the need to "prove" apnea when one is tested after a long time of not being tested.

I am doing what I can find to get healthy and hoping. It would be nice to loose the hose!!!

Take care,

Todzo

[BlackSpinner]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Well that kind of stinks that there is no cure. I guess I'll just have to get used to my machine.

Think of it in terms of "Leopard Paws" Those prosthesis that allow a runner without feet to compete in the Olympics on par with everyone else (if not better).

[Sleepless Nights]

Thanks everybody for your responses. I tried to respond back to you guys, but because I'm a new member, I got a pop-up message that said that as a new member, I'm only allowed 7 posts a day (unless that was the sleep apnea forum I'm also a member of). But I really do appreciate all of your help. And I like the responses that there might be natural alternatives to curing sleep apnea. For now, I'm going to try to shed a few pounds and see if that helps.

[chunkyfrog]

The great thing is that if you are young, a cure may yet happen in your lifetime.
When I think of all the folks who don't know they have apnea, you have the advantage (tiger paws) by using your machine--
This machine can get us onto the airplane sooner, and can help our mental and physical functions.
It even helps golf and "marital" performance!
We are able at last to realize our full potential--just for wearing a little extra stuff at night--not too bad!