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Thank you, ChicagoGranny, for making an argument and not just unsubstantiated bashing. I had previously read the information you provided. The problem with showing the effectiveness of Buteyko and any breathing method is that it is extremely difficult to organize a proper study and get it paid for. So I agree that there is not sufficient evidence of effectiveness, and I don't think that will change as most research is conducted and paid for by pharmaceutical companies. But, having a background in science, the theory behind overbreathing (the Bohr effect, hypocapnea induces vasoconstriction, and diminishing bicarb pH buffering system) seems very possible. I guess I just have one last question:

What causes obstructive sleep apnea?

I feel like I am surrounded by non-overweight people getting diagnosed with OSA. Some at 16, some at 40, and some at 60 years old. It seems unlikely to me that they suddenly had their airway decrease in size. Does this just mean that they have always had it and are just now getting diagnosed? If not, what changed?

I know chunkyfrog thinks that trying non-medical approaches is dangerous:

chunkyfrog wrote: especially when it supplants or delays REAL MEDICINE.

As the Buteyko Method was developed by a group of MEDICAL DOCTORS and scientists, it was created as a complimentary therapy. A Buteyko practitioner should never tell a client to delay using or not use a CPAP. They should, in fact, encourage use of the CPAP until the point when it is recommended to get another sleep study to see if the symptoms have gone. While you may call anything that is non-medical quackery, the problem is that the CPAP does not get to the cause of the issue. You are not cured by using a CPAP. It sounds more like a life sentence. I think this is why the Buteyko Method interests me. The theory makes sense to me. And if the theory is true, I see no reason why you could not reverse the underlying cause of sleep apnea. And as you will be using your CPAP properly while undergoing breathing retraining, I see no harm in trying.

johnnyp wrote:I feel like I am surrounded by non-overweight people getting diagnosed with OSA. Some at 16, some at 40, and some at 60 years old. It seems unlikely to me that they suddenly had their airway decrease in size. Does this just mean that they have always had it and are just now getting diagnosed?

For many, if not most, people, the diagnosis only comes after the condition (It is a progressive condition.) progresses to the stage of severe. This is a problem with both the medical profession and our culture (Snoring is treated as humor instead of signs of a severe health problem.). Anecdotally, Gramps believes he had sleep apnea since his teenage years. But, he was only diagnosed many decades later.

johnnyp wrote:What causes obstructive sleep apnea?

There are many factors, and I do not have time to discuss them this morning. But, just for some ideas - failure of the jaw to fully develop resulting in a narrow airway; damage or deterioration of the nerves that maintain airway patency; and of course, obesity; antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs; and other factors.

johnnyp wrote: non-overweight people getting diagnosed with OSA

I have read that 40% of patients are slim. This field of medicine is relatively new and has been overlooked. There is a lot more to be learned, and a lot to be "unlearned".

Butyeko? Better to start a good exercise and nutrition program and practice keeping the mouth shut when breathing.

johnnyp wrote:I feel like I am surrounded by non-overweight people getting diagnosed with OSA. Some at 16, some at 40, and some at 60 years old.... this just mean that they have always had it and are just now getting diagnosed?

yes

go listen to this: http://doctorstevenpark.com/burhenne

johnnyp wrote:the Buteyko Method interests me. The theory makes sense to me. And if the theory is true, I see no reason why you could not reverse the underlying cause of sleep apnea. And as you will be using your CPAP properly while undergoing breathing retraining, I see no harm in trying.

You may also find this interesting: Didgeridoo Therapy

---Complimentary [sic] therapy: that which says nice things about you?
Note: there are good doctors, but also bad. The same applies to "scientists".
There was a once active member (read "troll"), who was OBSESSED about Buteyko;
and other dangerous quackery. Not active now. Maybe he died . . .
I wonder why.