Is sleep apnea curable?

This question was asked in Roosevelt, New York on 03/19/2013.
Is sleep apnea curable? Or would I have sleep apnea for life?

Doctors Answers (4)

Jana P. Kaimal, MD, FCCP
Answered on: 4/5/2013 7

The answer to that question depend on your individual medical situation and the type of sleep apnea you are diagnosed with. In mild cases, you may be able to treat it by changing your behavior, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills, changing your sleep position to improve breathing, stopping smoking and avoiding sleeping on your back. If your apnea is a result of an obstructed airway, however, these solutions may not be enough. It is best to seek the advice of a qualified sleep specialist since the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, like any other medical condition, is something that can only be provided on an individual level.

Daron Scherr, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 4/5/2013 1

There is debate among the experts on how to answer this. CPAP and oral appliances treat OSA like wearing your glasses treats your vision. Surgery can be curative in some people, but the problem frequently recurs. I personally have had 3 surgeries and I still need to wear an oral appliance.

That being said, I refer a lot of people for surgery.

Vector Sleep Diagnostics Center
Answered on: 3/26/2013

Thank you for this question. In general, sleep apnea is a chronic and likely a lifelong disease. It may get worse or BETTER depending on other factors (weight, other medical conditions etc). There are number of treatments for various stages of this disease (oral devices, breathing machines, surgery among other treatments). Treatments may vary based on the individual's disease state. First step is to make an accurate diagnosis and consult with a sleep specialist to discuss all treatment options.

SomnoDiagnostics, Inc.
Answered on: 3/22/2013

As a rule sleep apnea to any degree is treatable and curable when primarily related to obesity and lose a significant amount of weight.