Researchers Discover That Stopping CPAP Causes Sleep Apnea Recurrence

August 12, 2011

I had to do a double take when I can across this article, which proudly announces that if you’re a successful CPAP user, stopping CPAP all of a sudden will cause your sleep apnea to return. That’s like saying if you stop drinking water, you’ll become thirsty. The original point of the study was to show that the physiologic consequences of sleep apnea can return once CPAP is withdrawn, but the title makes it sound like it’s a new discovery. 

Written by Steven Park · Filed Under Blog 
Tagged: ,,

3 Responses to “Researchers Discover That Stopping CPAP Causes Sleep Apnea Recurrence”

  1. Hunter Hearn, MD on August 12th, 2011 12:09 pm

    Although the conclusions are probably obvious to you and me, the results are important. I find that some of my patients with OSA think CPAP use is going to be temporary and “cure” their sleep apnea, the way an antibiotic might “cure” an infection. I educate the patient that OSA is a life-long disorder (usually) and that CPAP treatment most likely will be for life.

    With that being said, regular CPAP use could reduce inflammation in the oropharynx (particularly uvula) since there is not more snoring with CPAP. The less swollen uvula could possibly lead to less snoring and less severe OSA off of CPAP.

    Also, I have some patients who want to know if they can go on a vacation for a week and NOT use the CPAP. Now I have more reasons to say no…and can explain that you must take your CPAP on vacation.

  2. Henna on February 6th, 2012 2:24 pm

    Hello. Was interested in finding the specific article you linked to. Would you be able to provide title/ author info? I don’t have a subscription to the journal.

    - Henna

  3. Steven Park on February 6th, 2012 3:25 pm

    Henna,

    Sorry, but I don’t have the original article.

Got something to say?





The material on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not and should not be relied upon or construed as medical, surgical, psychological, or nutritional advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your medical regimen, exercise or diet program.



web hosting, website maintenance and optimization by Dreams Media