Podcast #11: CPAP vs. Surgery—Which Is Better?

In this podcast, I’ll be talking about a very controversial subject: CPAP or Surgery: Which is better? Kathy and I will cover  the following:

  • My honest answer to which is better: CPAP or surgery
  • Controversy about surgical success
  • How the Provider Effect influences specialists’ preferences
  • The problem with using the AHI to define surgical success
  • Why conservative surgery can sometimes be detrimental to patients
  • The problem with meta-analyses
  • research study vs. real-world CPAP compliances rates
  • How to overcome indecision due to too many options
  • How to find the right surgeon.

Download MP3

Show Notes:

VA study comparing survival for CPAP vs. UPPP

Netherlands study about average AHI and CPAP usage

Carl Stepnowski interview (iTunes #19) MP3

American Sleep Apnea Association CPAP Assistance Program

SecondwindCPAP.com

How to find the right surgeon

If you found this podcast helpful, please go to iTunes to rate and review this program. This way, more people can find this information to help themselves and others.

 

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5 thoughts on “Podcast #11: CPAP vs. Surgery—Which Is Better?”

  1. Just got done listening to Podast #11 CPAP VS SURGERY. Thank you so much for the information you provided! My husband is not reluctant to consult a sleep doctor, arguing that his doctor would most likely recommend CPAP which is not going to work anyway. He also argues that he has no symptoms and sleeps just fine. I’ll have to have my husband listen to this podcast.

  2. Very interesting presentation. Given the compliance issue you noted, and I have observed. Your approach would seem the better choice, from the compliance point of view if for no other. There is nothing convenient about a CPAP, it takes up way too much of the patients life, and is very inconvenient for people who are mobile.

  3. Just got done listening to Podast #11 CPAP VS SURGERY. Thank you so much for the information you provided! My husband is not reluctant to consult a sleep doctor, arguing that his doctor would most likely recommend CPAP which is not going to work anyway. He also argues that he has no symptoms and sleeps just fine. I’ll have to have my husband listen to this podcast.