Has anyone had their C-PAP settings lowered since losing weight?

MelanieJayne · December 8, 2007

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea 7-years ago and have used a c-pap since then. My air pressure was increased when I gained weight, but I was wondering if anyone has had to have their c-pap pressures lowerd since being banded and lost weight?

kacee · December 8, 2007

I would think it would definitely be lowered as you lose weight. I got my CPAP 3 weeks before surgery and actually never really started using it. As the weight came off I didn't use the CPAP (I got it primarily because I was such a horrible snorer and then found I had apnea). Since then I've been on several vacations with family members who all said I am either not snoring at all or just "buzzing" a little....nothing like it use to be, so I am inclined to think that if I was re-tested they would lower my numbers.

Reesh · December 10, 2007

Hi, like you I have sleep apnea, my dr. told me when I hit 165lbs, I should have another sleep study and most likely will be off the machine. I have lost 64lbs so far and I had my surgery in March. You should talk with yr dr. I know just by my sleeping habits that I still need the CPAP.

Big Fred · December 10, 2007

Found out I had sleep apnea when I started this weight loss process. Had a sleep test done in April and began using the CPAP machine in May. The pressure was set at 14lbs psi.

I the band put in on 10-25-07. Lost 25lbs before the band and 30 after. Three weeks after banding I had to reduce the psi to 10, then reduced it to 8 a week later. This past week I have been off the machine completly and my wife says that I hardly snore and when I do it's so low that it does not bother her.

So to answer your question - Yes the psi will need to be lowered as your weight comes off. Please discuss this with your Dr., they will help you with the process.

PS.. Depending on what type of machine you have, you can find out how to lower it on the internet. The company my insurance carrier got the machine from said they would need to send out a Tech. and would charge my insurance, thisproces could take two weeks. I searched the internet and found my machine and how to do it. It took me exactly one minute to change the setting.

Good luck.........................

vballmom · December 10, 2007

Did you actually have to wear your cpap mask during the lapband surgery? I have a bi-pap and during my sleep study I quit breathing 401 times during the night. I now sleep with my machine all the time and I just love it bec I sleep so much better and feel rested.

MelanieJayne · December 11, 2007

Thank you all for your replies! I would have to check my doctor about resetting the settings, because right now it I think it is too high. I did not have to use my c-pap during my lap band surgery, because I was intubated, but last year when I had back surgery (microdiscectomy) I did wear it during surgery.

miztrniceguy · December 11, 2007

i packed mine up and brought it with me to surgery, but did not use it...have not unpacked it yet. i do not like it and am not used to it. i tried to avoid using it by opting for a UPPP surgery.helped my overall breathing, but last study i had was over 70 events per hour.