Is sleep apnea a forever condition?

[dreamstream]

Is there any chance that as one ages sleep apnea might subside?

I'm 46, healthy, slim. I've explored every possible option with doctors, surgeons, etc. Best and only option right now is CPAP. It's working so great. But when I put the mask on a night I find myself a bit grief stricken that I'll have to wear this gear for the rest of my days which I assume is the case based on what I've learned and read but is there any hope or is sleep apnea largely a life-long condition?

[Osiris357]

It depends on your situation. Really there are a whole variety of reason why someone has sleep apnea. Being overweight is one but far from the only one. While I was a runner and weighting 150 lbs I was still dragging every single morning and snoring like a lion. I have since gained 50lbs back so I’m sure it doesn’t help but I still had it when I was skinny. Another reason could be a big tongue. There are many more that I can’t think of off the top of my head. But yes you could very well have this for the rest of your life. I’ve pondered the same thought.

[SarcasticDave94]

I'd tend to think that if someone were diagnosed with very mild apnea, addressing other health issues that affect apnea could have it reduce to where CPAP isn't required. That would probably require some evidence, such as a sleep study to prove one does not need a CPAP device. A patient just supposing apnea is gone because of X is potentially a dangerous health decision. Statistics are against not having apnea after being diagnosed with it originally. Weight is only one factor. I lost 100 pounds after my initial diagnosis, which resulted in still being diagnosed with severe apnea. As I see it, typically, unless you are actively doing something medically to address apnea, it doesn't go away or reduce on its own.

[mesenteria]

It is a correctable condition, but not always, and not very often.  For most of us, especially nearer to our sunset than we are to our apparition on this side of the veil, the disorder (and unfortunately some of its attendant disorders and diseases) are much more likely to be permanent.  In my own case, it wasn't until I developed AFib that the alarm bells went off, and by then it was too late.  When I did the very last diagnostic, a sleep lab, and everyone did a forehead slap, that's when my specialist said that my AFib is a permanent problem for me, and he provided literature stating that it is also progressive.  No mulligans. 

The point is, which comes first, the AFib or the sleep apnea.  It turns out it was the apnea, and mine was 'severe'.  At my age, it's not going to improve.  Had it been earlier, and due to a badly deviated septum or chronic post-nasal drip and sinusitis, those could probably have been mitigated and the apnea forestalled.  Or maybe delayed?

However, all that gloom aside, nothing is cast in concrete.  If there is one major thing, or two, that you can change, and if it will improve your sleep, perhaps you can put the apnea behind you.  Even if it's just for a decade, who'd refuse?!?

[dreamstream]

Thank you. Thought this might be the case.

[Marillion]

Putting it into perspective. There are lots worse things in life that could hit (knocks on wood.) For example, someone I know recently was assigned a Stoma bag at the age of 32 and they will have to use it for the rest of their life. But realistically speaking, there are much worse things than a Stoma bag that could happen also. It's important to keep perspective! That's what I always try to remember if I get down about something. Using a CPAP machine when you sleep isn't so bad when you think of it like that.

[70sSanO]

There’s always hope, but probably not. You are 46, already thin, and in good health.

When I started I was 49 and I’m 68. No amount of fitness (cycling, surfing, etc.) eliminated my sleep apnea. My therapy may have changed over the years, but it never went away.

I can’t recall a time when I hated CPAP so much I was grief stricken. I may not have been thrilled about it everyday, but it has always been my ticket to be able to live my life as well, if not better, than the next guy.

Am I concerned about the future? You bet. As a veteran of CPAP, I dread the possibility that I may need convalescent care someday, and all the little things I do to make this work will just be ignored.

But I am not losing sleep over it (lol).

There are so many seniors with sleep issues, if having to hose up helps me to avoid some, I’m more than happy.

John

[Cpapian]

People have often likened xPAP to wearing glasses.  Correct your vision ..... correct your breathing.

Personally,  I  am happy I don't have to take pills for it (even if they aren't contaminated, there always seem to be side effects) or surgery (a big yuck for me). Strapping on a mask at night is nothing in comparison.

[Dormeo]

I started treatment when I was 70, and I kept finding myself wanting my mommy so she could tell me there, there, you don’t have to do this any more. That was strange for me; such a thought had not crossed my mind in decades, despite all of life’s challenges.

But it passed, I got used to using the machine, and also I stopped thinking about the likelihood I’ll be using it for the rest of my life. It’s a drag, but not really more than doing all the stuff the dentist says to do.

Let yourself feel what you’re feeling, but don’t imagine you’ll always feel the same way.

[SuperSleeper]

Let yourself feel what you’re feeling, but don’t imagine you’ll always feel the same way.

That is VERY sound advice and applicable to all the ups & downs of life.