Had Sinus Surgery - Still Need CPAP?

I had a sleep study several years ago and was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. I had surgery to enlarge my nasal passages and reduce the size of my turbinates rather than try a CPAP because I travel a lot and didn't want to pack a machine around with me. Two years after surgery I still wake frequently, sometimes with headaches, rarely sleep more than 5 hours total, and feel like I get no rest. I've had another sleep study showing no apnea or other measurable problems. My question: is a CPAP machine helpful with sleep even after breathing obstructions are no longer a problem?

Sue in Sequim wrote:I had a sleep study several years ago and was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. I had surgery to enlarge my nasal passages and reduce the size of my turbinates rather than try a CPAP because I travel a lot and didn't want to pack a machine around with me. Two years after surgery I still wake frequently, sometimes with headaches, rarely sleep more than 5 hours total, and feel like I get no rest. I've had another sleep study showing no apnea or other measurable problems. My question: is a CPAP machine helpful with sleep even after breathing obstructions are no longer a problem?

Get an overnight Sleep Study...you problibly stll have OSA. Surgery rarely helps.

Thanks for the thoughts, LSAT. I did have an overnight sleep study after my surgery, plus an overnight oxygen saturation test. Oxygen levels were good, and apnea much reduced, but I still wake often with minor congestion, usually have a headache about 4AM, and feel lousy in the morning. Does CPAP deliver oxygen more efficiently to the brain, improving sleep? I can look into having another study...

I think what Sue meant was you need to have *another* sleep study. Having one study after surgery might just mean you had relief for the short term. Sinuses are only one small part (and often a VERY small part) of the OSA picture. The problem tends to change over time, which is why most people with OSA have periodic reviews with further studies to make sure they are still getting effective therapy.

Many have reported here that sinus surgery gave them months to a year or two of 'relief' from their symptoms, but they seem to almost always return in spades at some point. the s ymptoms you reported are *classic* indicators of OSA.

Sue,

The surgery you described was nasal surgery. The other surgery for SA is a UPPP involving the soft tissues at the back of the mouth where relaxed tissues are likely to "collapse" closing or restricting the airway. UPPP is the surgery that attacks issues at the back of the mouth. From my reading UPPP is considered "successful" is apnea events are reduced by 50%. So the surgery might not cure SA if it is moderate or severe, a patient most likely would still need to use an oral appliance or xPAP. Additionally the number of UPPP surgeries that are "successful" is between 40-60%. UPPP surgery is not reversible and it has other effects that you would want to consider. Many time the UPPP surgery becomes less effective after several years. Perhaps the nasal surgery has lost some of the effect this long after it was performed. A visit with your PCP and a new study might well be a good idea.

That being said, a CPAP could be used by a patient with your history. I have had surgery to correct a deviated septum and my breathing through my nose is very good now. I too had headaches before I went on CPAP and after my nasal surgery. The CPAP pressure maintains an open airway acting like a splint to counteract the tendency of the soft tissues at the back of the mouth/throat to collapse allowing adequate air to enter your lungs.

As for traveling with the CPAP, the case is now my "man purse" where I keep my tickets, computer, and reading material. It is not difficult taking it with me. I make sure that I have an octopus plug and/or a short extension cord for those rooms where outlets are at a premium. I even used it on our cruise around the Hawaiian islands several years ago.

Good luck getting over the headaches. Mine were due to oxygen starvation.

Rolf

Thanks to the people who replied - I'm going back to my sleep clinic next week for reevaluation!