Question:
When do you quit using your c-pap

I have had a c-pap for 4 1/2 yrs. and I had my RNY surgery on Sept.26,01 Ihave lost about 75# so far and I was wondering when you can quit using it? I don't want to quit using it to soon but I also don't want to keep using it if I don't need to any help will be greatly appreciated.    — Jennie D. (posted on January 1, 2002)

January 1, 2002
jennie i too am wondering the same thing. i know if u use it when u dont need to u can hurt ur lungs. i am only 2 weeks post op but worry about the future when i have lost lots of weight. will i be able to tell i dont need it or will i have to go for yet another sleep eval? i hope there is someone among our brothers & sisters who has an answer.
   — sheryl titone

January 1, 2002
I haven't used my c-pap machine for the past month. I am 2 months post-op on the 5th. I do sleep with my head elevated, per my Doctor's instructions, but otherwise, I do not have any of my pre-op sleep apnea symptoms anymore. I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am down 50 pounds and a lot of the weight is gone from my face and neck. I actually can see my collar bones now. I knew I could stop using my c-pap machine because I didn't use it for a couple of nights when I had a slight cold and I didn't snore, I woke-up feeling refreashed and I didn't get drowzy in the afternoon. Try going one or two nights without using your c-pap and see how you feel. If you are tired and get drowzy during the day, then you problably need to keep using it for a little longer.
   — Susan M.

January 1, 2002
The only sure way is to have another sleep study done...to see if your apnea events have decreased or hopefully disappeared. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 1, 2002
I was such a wimp, I kept mine til I was down to 105#. But I didn't need it. It was waking me up at night. You might try sleeping with it ON, under your pillow and if you wake up, you'll just slip it on. The correct way is to go back to the sleep clinic, of course, but some people are done with their CPAP's in 30 days and it takes that long to get an appt to talk to the doc to get an appt at the clinic! I took my husband's off him because it was blowing his mouth open and into my ear or eyeball, so it was obvious he didn't need it any more! But he kept it running and under his pillow til he was abotu 60 days out.
   — vitalady