If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your doctor likely prescribed a CPAP machine for you. Your device can keep your airway open and allow you to get sufficient high-quality sleep. Admittedly, though, a CPAP machine is not the most comfortable or convenient thing. The good news is that if you lose weight, you may no longer need it! This blog post explores the relationship between weight loss and OSA symptoms. It also touches on other ways you might be able to get rid of your CPAP for good.
Body Fat and OSA
OSA can afflict anyone, but it is more common among obese individuals. That is because extra fatty tissue around the neck and abdomen can interfere with high-quality breathing. Thus, you are more likely to snore and experience breathing disruptions.
The good news is that many obese individuals with OSA find that their symptoms are greatly reduced or even completely eliminated — after weight loss. Some research even indicates that losing as little as 10 – 15% of your body weight could lead to great improvements in the quality of your nighttime breathing.
If you are on a weight loss journey, keep using your OSA treatment as you adhere to a balanced diet and fitness plan. Focus on making small but impactful changes that you can stick to long-term. For example, you can gradually increase your daily step count while simultaneously making healthy (but still tasty!) food swaps.
Once you reach your weight loss goal, you can ask your doctor about trying to stop CPAP therapy.
Other Ways to Get Rid of CPAP
While weight loss can make CPAP therapy unnecessary in some cases, it is important to note that even some very slim people have OSA. That is because OSA can have causes that are unrelated to body fat, such as a deviated septum or dental misalignment.
If you are eager to get rid of your CPAP machine without the help of weight loss, there are other treatment options you might consider:
- A custom oral appliance from a dentist. A mandibular advancement device can slightly reposition your lower jaw, which can help to keep your airway open at night. Many patients find that an oral appliance is more comfortable than a CPAP.
- Combined therapy. Combined therapy still uses a CPAP machine, but it also utilizes an oral appliance, so you can use your machine on a lower setting.
- Other alternative treatments. Some patients can reduce OSA symptoms through orthodontic treatment, surgery, or other means.
Slimming down might help you get off CPAP, but there are no guarantees. Regardless, you should try to stick to healthy lifestyle choices as you strive to manage your OSA.
Meet the Practice
Dr. David J. Drummond has worked as a dentist for more than 40 years. In recent times, he has devoted much of his time and energy to helping patients find freedom from obstructive sleep apnea via oral appliance therapy. If you are interested in CPAP alternatives, he and our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Lawton, OK, office at 580-355-0344.