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When to stop using CPAP
When can I stop using CPAP?
Will I be able to stop CPAP if I lose weight and my health improves?
Has anyone been able to stop using CPAP?
Has anyone had a doctor tell them they didn't need to use CPAP anymore?
Will I be able to stop CPAP if I lose weight and my health improves?
Has anyone been able to stop using CPAP?
Has anyone had a doctor tell them they didn't need to use CPAP anymore?
Views: 20526
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by PD Laire on
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CPAP is like the Hotel California -- you can step in any time you like, but you can never leave.
Quite seriously, though, it's a forever thing. I've never heard of anyone going off it.
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Permalink Reply by Dave on
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If you think you can stop, you must verify before stopping CPAP by getting a polysomnography without your device and prove that you no longer need CPAP. Anything else is russian roulette or a pipe dream.
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Permalink Reply by Saz RPSGT on
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Most insurances will require a re-evaluation every 5 years or so. If you show no need for CPAP anymore then you're off at that point. (the test is started without CPAP and then retitrated to see if there are any changes.
You can stop using CPAP when your sleep test shows normal numbers for the AHI and RDI.
My grandma actually got off of CPAP after using it for 15 years (roughly) She just lost a significant amount of weight, though sometimes losing weight won't get rid of apnea. There have also been a handful of patients at my lab that retested where they wouldn't need CPAP any longer. Only a handful in the 10 years I've been working in this field.
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Permalink Reply by Ricky L. Johansen, Jr. on
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I stopped CPAP, why? Sleep Apnea is a misnomer because the epiglotis (not sure of spelling?) gets in the way of breathing creating the snoring affect; has little to do with air exchange (see studies) and with GERD (Acid Reflux) the only time that issue can cause problems with breathing is if you experience the reflux while asleep (like sleeping on your belly). So yes, you can go off of CPAP. Dr. Ricky L. Johansen, Jr., Ph.D.
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Permalink Reply by 99 on
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i think that is brillient you go on cpap and never die give me more
PD Laire said:CPAP is like the Hotel California -- you can step in any time you like, but you can never leave.
Quite seriously, though, it's a forever thing. I've never heard of anyone going off it.
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Permalink Reply by S C. Osburn on
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Ricky L. Johansen, Jr. said:I stopped CPAP, why? Sleep Apnea is a misnomer because the epiglotis (not sure of spelling?) gets in the way of breathing creating the snoring affect; has little to do with air exchange (see studies) and with GERD (Acid Reflux) the only time that issue can cause problems with breathing is if you experience the reflux while asleep (like sleeping on your belly). So yes, you can go off of CPAP. Dr. Ricky L. Johansen, Jr., Ph.D.
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I have never heard of anyone being able to stop "needing" CPAP.... wish I did !!
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Permalink Reply by Amy on
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I have been in respiratory and sleep for many years and I can tell you I have picked up machines for many people who no longer needed their CPAP. Some lost weight and corrected their sleep apnea. Some had surgery and that corrected the problem. The one thing they had in common is they all had a baseline sleep study to prove that their sleep apnea did improve.
There is no guarentee that loosing weight will correct sleep apnea. It depends on why you have sleep apnea. There is no guarentee that surgery will work or that the change will be permanent either. It is something that is monitored and tested. Work with your doctor and sleep specialist.
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I just read the reply from the Dr now I imagine it depends on what your problem is to why you need the CPAP. With me,. it is not obstructive, I am just stopping breathing. so with the servo vent it monitors that and breathes for me when I do not. I am overweight at the moment, but had issues when I wasn't so I guess it really depends on ones body.
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Amy, Can you tell me if you have had anyone that they could not figure out why they had apnea ? And do you know of a way to help someone that does not go into REM ? Thank you ! Kim
Amy said:I have been in respiratory and sleep for many years and I can tell you I have picked up machines for many people who no longer needed their CPAP. Some lost weight and corrected their sleep apnea. Some had surgery and that corrected the problem. The one thing they had in common is they all had a baseline sleep study to prove that their sleep apnea did improve.
There is no guarhaentee that loosing weight will correct sleep apnea. It depends on why you have sleep apnea. There is no guarentee that surgery will work or that the change will be permanent either. It is something that is monitored and tested. Work with your doctor and sleep specialist.
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Permalink Reply by St. Chris on
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DO NOT DISCONTINUE MEDICAL TREATMENT WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR PHYSICIAN.
Kim, Ricky is a "doctor" because he has a PhD in Neuropsychology. (A Google search yielded his LinkedIn profile.) That's not a medical degree, and it's definitely not a specialization in pulmonary medicine.
Ricky, cite your "studies" or else your reference is useless.
Can a few of you MDs please respond?
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Permalink Reply by Kelly Moore on
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Sometimes do to weight loss or other anatomical factors you may be able to SWITCH from CPAP therapy to Dental Device Therapy also known as Oral Appliance Therapy. A dentist that is trained is sleep medicine will determine if you are a canadiate for this therapy. This is a medically approved therapy that works well for patients that have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring problems. It can also help those who have problems with their CPAP machine. Dental Device Therapy has helped a plethora of people that cant tolerate the CPAP machine. There is a CPAP combination therapy that combines CPAP therapy with Dental Device Therapy. This is used for the severe cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea ... it allows you to get rid of the mask portion of the CPAP ....you keep the hose and the machine and it works together to treat the obstructive sleep apnea. The dental device is used to help open the airway with a no-mask option. I personally think this is a great option because usually if someone wants to stop using the CPAP is because they are uncomfortable with the mask on their face. Dental Appliance Therapy is worth looking into, medical insurance also is covering it! To find out if you have covergae call your medical insurance company and ask if you have DME under your plan. You would want to ask your MEDICAL insurance if you have code E0486 under your plan and then go from there! For a dentist in your area go to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine to look up a trained dentist that has had specific training in dental sleep medicine in your area. I hope that helps some of you who are looking to STOP USING CPAP!! :)
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