Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Learn How To Cure Sleep Apnea

Apnea Surgery

Not Enough Sleep?

If after long hours of sleep you feel rested, then you had a good sleep. You are ready for a new day. But if you had insufficient sleep, you will find yourself lacking in focus, lethargic, and irritable. These are the signs of someone who has sleeplessness or is sleep deprived.

Sleep is important for good health. During sleep, the body repairs and recharges itself. An 8 hour sleep is sufficient, but some people can sleep for 6 hours and feel fully refreshed. There are people who sleep for 8 hours or more but still feel sluggish.

Sleep disruptions can affect the quality of sleep a person is getting. Apnea is a frequent reason for sleeplessness. A person suffering from apnea will wake up gasping for breath. During sleep, he or she may stop breathing-perhaps for seconds or even a minute. When this happens, oxygen does not enter the air passages through the nose and the mouth.

The prolonged lack of air lowers the levels of oxygen in the bloodstream, and the brain sends signals. The person wakes up wheezing and choking. When this happens frequently, he or she is not getting enough sleep. The other symptoms of apnea are dry mouth, heartburn, and splitting headaches in the morning. People who snore are the prime suspects for apnea.

In children under fiver years old, symptoms of sleeplessness are mouth breathing, snoring, sweating, and frequent waking up. Those who are older will wet their beds, snore, and do poorly in school. Their growth is slow compared to other children their age. In very rare cases, apnea in children can induce enlargement of the heart or cor pulmonale.

Waking Up in the Middle of the Night

If your child wakes up frequently during the night, suspect apnea. Monitor your child’s snoring or breathing. If there are long pauses in between breathing, the likelihood of apnea is high.

Sleep disruptions that also cause sleeplessness are the sudden body jerks that rouse a person from sleep. This should not be a concern, but is a sign that your body is overly fatigued, and the brain refuses to rest.

Another cause for sleeplessness is the frequent need to urinate, and this may have underlying symptoms related to apnea. Whatever the cause, it is always best to seek medical advice.

In the case of apnea, observe your partner’s or child’s sleeping pattern. Watch out for loud snoring, tossing and turning, choking and gasping. A child may not exhibit sleepiness during the day like adults suffering from apnea. Instead, they will have less attention span and lack focus; when this happen their school work will suffer.

Who to See?

When these symptoms are exhibited, it is time to call a doctor. Bring your child to the family doctor or pediatrician. For those who have heart problems, bring them to a cardiologist.

When it is necessary to remove excess tissues on the mouth or the bony tissues on the throat, an otolaryngologist or EENT should be consulted at the soonest possible time.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    obstructive sleep apnea surgery is it worth the risks?
    Has any one had the surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. Were thay cut your soft pallet, your uvula, and tonsils. If you have had it or know some one that has. Did it help. And what was the recovery. Did it change your voice. And any think els I should know before I go get cut up.

    • ANSWER:
      Many family members have had the surgery and now there apnea is worse because of the scar tissue. Much pain. Use CPAP, no pain, no scar tissue, Surgery only works if you know exactly where the obstruction is.

  2. QUESTION:
    What is a new sleep apnea surgery?
    My grandmother has sleep apnea and she has had several minor surgeries already. She heard on a news report about a new surgery that has been done. It involves a tube in the nose to remove something. She couldnt really remember, just wondering if anybody has heard about something like that. Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      For severe cases surgery is advised .About 60% of the persons suffering from sleeping problems are overweight , so weight reduction, avoiding alcohol or sedatives before sleeping or mechanical devices which keep the windpipe open may be prescribed by doctors.More details and remedies at http://nosleep.in/sleepapnea.html

  3. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea surgery will it work?
    Has any one had the surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. Were thay cut your soft pallet, your uvula, and tonsils. If you have had it or know some one that has. Did it help. And what was the recovery. Did it change your voice. And any think els I should know before I go get cut up.

    • ANSWER:
      My next door neighbor had this surgery done:was terrified before they began.
      But once out of surgery she had to lick ice cream popsicles all day to cool her throat because of removing the tonsils:can remember that mine were removed some 53 od years ago and got as reward the popsicles.Way great for a kid.
      The uvula and soft pallet are stitched together with stuff that dissolves by itself
      And within 14 days she was up and about again :there was a light change in her voice:sounded a bit higher.
      Planets.

  4. QUESTION:
    Need an alternate medicine for obtructive sleep apnea apart from surgery?
    My wife is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, her upper airways both through nose and throat narrowed and her oxigen rate while sleeping comes down drastically to 40%. Suggested surgery but not cooperative. Asks for homeo medicine. Snores loudly, with abdominal breathing. Any suggestion for curing through homeopathy or some alternate medicine is welcome

    • ANSWER:
      PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN CONSIDERING THE OTHER ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTION. They may be life threatening.

      Sleep apnea is a potentially life threatening disrorder. Sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart attack, deadly heart rhythms and other problems.

      Treatment for sleep apnea, as with other potentially deadly disorders, should be based on REAL science. Alternative medicine might not be harmful when used for less dangerous disorders. But when it comes to deadly disorders, only proven treatments should be used......and, yes, I do believe in some 'alternative' therapies like accupuncture and others for some disorders.....

      But...for sleep apnea, treatment should be limited to scientifically proven methods (proved by REAL scientists in REAL universities).

      The accepted treatments for sleep apnea include: CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure), weight loss, oral appliance (mouthpiece made BY DENTIST), and oral surgery.

      That is IT. Those ARE the proven methods for treating sleep apnea.

      There are other advertised treatments for sleep apnea (nose strips, magnets, sprays, homeopathy, sound devices, hypnosis, voodoo)....None of them have been demonstrated to be effective in REPRODUCIBLE studies....that means that scientists from different labs were not able to get the same results as the individuals who made the claim....

      So please be careful. Doctors may not know everything in medicine....but they know a lot more than general public about these disorders.

      Good luck.
      For more info on sleep apnea, go to American Sleep Association:

      http://www.sleepassociation.org/

  5. QUESTION:
    How long does it take to recover from throat surgery for sleep apnea?
    I recently had throat surgery for sleep apnea. My throat is exptremely sore, especially when I swollow. How long will this last?

    • ANSWER:
      I had a client who had the same surgery you describe and it took her about 6 weeks to finally feel normal. Take care of yourself and get as much rest as you possibly can - this will help your body heal. You'll probably feel some residual from the surgery (depending on how sensitive you were to the anesthesia they gave you) for about another month or two.

  6. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea surgery question?
    I'm almost 40. I've been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. My doctor wants me to wear a mask at night to help me sleep. This doesn't appeal to me. I asked about surgery and he wasn't too keen about it. He said that the risks vs. benefits weren't that great. Anyone ever gone through this or know anything about it?

    • ANSWER:
      My dad went through the surgery many years ago and it did almost nothing to help him. He was in a lot of pain afterwards and it took forever for it to heal. He finally just got the mask and machine and says it works the best. Too bad that surgery didn't work.

  7. QUESTION:
    If you have had surgery for sleep apnea, how bad was your pain after surgery? Any side effects?
    I am about to undergo surgery for sleep apnea. Surgeon says the recovery period will be the "worst I have ever felt". Someone who had the surgery said it just like a "bad sore throat" and not too terrible. I would like to hear from others who have had the surgery, and whether they had any negative aftereffects. I would appreciate only serious replies. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      I have not had the surgery but cared for many post-op. The thing about post-op pain is it's never the same for any two people. If you've had surgery before it may help show how well you handle pain.
      The main point I wanted to make to you was that across the board, the results of the operation also vary widely from person to person. Be prepared to not see a lot of improvement right away-but I hope you do!

  8. QUESTION:
    Can I PLEASE have some advice about sleep apnea surgery
    I have obstructive sleep apnea. I had a sleep study done. I got a CPAP machine but I can't sleep with it on. It's very uncomfortable and I cannot fall asleep with it on. I'm scheduled for a tonsillectomy and UPPP in 9 weeks.

    Everything I read online says don't do the UPPP. Everyone on Yahoo Answers says don't do the UPPP. Now, obviously the CPAP is not an option. I simply cannot tolerate it. The surgery is my next step.

    My tonsils have always been enlarged. Should I have just the tonsils out first and see if that works before I go ahead and do everything? I'm worried that the UPPP might change the way I talk. I don't know what to do. All I know is that I need surgery because I can't use the CPAP and I can't go on like this anymore.

    • ANSWER:
      I couldn't sleep with my CPAP either. It took an entire year to finally figure out what mask I could wear. I wear the nasal pillows, not that horrid big thing over my face. It is SO much better. I had the surgery to fix a deviated septum and trim the turbinates. It wasn't too bad. I was too nervous about the other surgeries so I didn't do them. The CPAP took me from 45 apneas per hour to only 3. My suggestion is to FORCE yourself to use the CPAP, trying all the different things. I even had to use a chin brace because my mouth would hang open, blocking the CPAP from working. But eventually I was able to learn to keep my mouth shut. lol

      The CPAP is ESSENTIAL. If you have to, take a sleeping pill at night or a relaxation pill (if your doctor agrees) and learn to get used to the CPAP. I sleep like a baby with mine on now and love the deep breathing I get with it. It just takes a LOT of time and adjusting to get used to it. Good luck.

  9. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea surgery
    Has anyone ever had repose surgery done for sleep apnea?
    I have use the cpap mask ,several kinds and styles. I can not tolerate them. I stop breathing 44 times in a minute. The ENT doctors says that now I need the surgery that is why I want to know more.

    • ANSWER:

  10. QUESTION:
    Is there anyone with sleep apnea who has had UPPP / tonsillectomy surgery and had success?
    I am scheduled for UPPP and tonsillectomy surgery in 3 months. I keep reading that these surgeries have a low success rate of curing apnea. Is there anyone who has had success with these procedures?

    • ANSWER:
      I have sleep apnea and have NOT undergone UPPP nor will I. Another closely related procedure is LAUPP (laser-assisted uvulopalaoplasty).

      You have not said why you are having this surgery, despite your reading that indicates (correctly) a poor success rate.

      UPPP is very painful and debilitating for up to a couple of weeks post surgery. As with all operations, there are a host of potential complications.

      These procedures have not withstood the rigors of time, follow-up and statistical analysis. While they may eliminate or reduce snoring, there does not appear to be any clear proof of lasting benefit in permanently eliminating obstructive sleep apnea.

      I'm sticking to my CPAP machine, which goes with me all over the world!

  11. QUESTION:
    Question on sleep apnea and surgery?
    I had a heart cath done and they wouldnt give me anything because of my sleep apnea,and that is just a mild sedation,My question is I need neck surgery a major surgery,whats that going to do with my sleep apnea?I have severe sleep apnea and i am also a diabetic.Doesnt look to good uh?

    • ANSWER:
      I took care of sleep disorder patients for the last seven years I did clinical work before I changed fields. Surgery is manageable with OSA.

      1) make certain the person who is going to give you the anesthesia knows you have sleep apnea. That is by far the most important thing. Mention it when they do your history and physical, and to every new doctor that sees you.

      2) If possible, have a copy of your sleep study and get them to put it in your chart when you're there. I always stressed to my patients to have a personal copy, and to take it with them when they travelled, in case they were hospitalized. Whoever did the test should give you one if you request it. If it's a hospital, ask for Release of Information. You will be asked to sign a consent to release the information, even to you.

      3) If you use a CPAP or BIPAP, bring it with you, and make them use it in the Recovery Room. (make sure it has your name and contact info on it). You would recover without it, but you'll do it much better and faster if you wear it in the RR, or PACU.

      Good luck, and best wishes!

  12. QUESTION:
    Can people with sleep apnea have oral surgery?
    I have sleep apnea due to enlarged adenoids and use a CPAP machine at night. I need to have oral surgery and was wondering if they could do it even though i have sleep apnea....I want to do it under conscious sedation....how about gas also

    • ANSWER:
      no

  13. QUESTION:
    Have you ever had surgery for sleep apnea?
    Have you had surgery to treat sleep apnea? What was your experience like?

    • ANSWER:
      I have sleep apnea and the CPAP machine works for me, but my father-in-law had the surgery to remove his uvula and he regrets it. He finds it's a lot easier to choke when eating and it hasn't really helped him. The other surgery is where they break your jaw and realign it, and just the thought of the surgery and the recovery was enough to scare me off...

  14. QUESTION:
    How dangerous is sleep apnea surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      It depends on what type of surgery you are talking about as there are many. The thing that I would say to you is that you probably won't DIE from any of them, but there are VERY mixed opinions on how effective they are. Most people think they are very ineffective actually. If you want to learn more visit www.cpaptalk.com It's a great forum for sleep apnea sufferers and they would be able to tell you much more.

  15. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea: If you have it and got surgery for it, did it improve things?
    My husband suffers from sleep apnea and as of now using a C Pap machine. He hates it and is not looking forward to using it all his life.

    He has schedule surgery in June. I think he'll get is uvula taken out and part of the pallate taken off to make a wide space. His doctor said it's not an 'end all' solution, but should improve things.

    If you have had a surgery for apnea, what kind of surgery was it and how much did your apnea improve?

    • ANSWER:
      Sorry to hear about your husbands problem. How can you sleep next to him with all the snoring and always waiting for the next stop. I Hope the machine helps on this. The operation is bound to improve the general situation drastically as he will most likely get rid of the machine. He will also get some good sleep again and with this being fitter during the day. By saying it will not be and "end all" solution, I think the doc means, nothing can be guaranteed and while the collapsing velum is a common cause for the apnea, it could be caused by factors.
      Good luck to both of you!

  16. QUESTION:
    When is it safe to use my cpap machine (for sleep apnea) after oral surgery?
    I had a wisdom tooth pulled Friday, and it is now Sunday night. Is it safe to use my CPAP machine yet for my sleep apnea? I don't want to cause a dry socket or anything.

    • ANSWER:
      You might wait until in the morning (monday) to contact your dentist and doctor about using the cpap. I use a cpap myself and have been told in the past to wait several days when i had implants put in.

  17. QUESTION:
    Has anyone had somnoplasty surgery for sleep apnea? What were your results?
    I'm thinking about options to fix my sleep apnea.

    Thanks
    To stuck_in_lodi2008, which surgery was is that you had? With the somnoplasty I was reading about they insert a needle into the tissue and not actually cut it out. Is this what you had done?

    • ANSWER:
      I've had this surgery for sleep apnea. My doctor told me that it would be a temporary fix for the problem, and would propably have to be done every couple of years. For as invasive as the surgery was I figured that is a small price to pay in comparision to wearing a CPAP. The surgery was done on Dec. 27 of '06, and by New Years Eve I was eating steak and chicken without much pain. I have severe sleep apenea, 79 episodes and hour. After the surgery it droped to I think 30 episodes an hour, but the level of oxygen in my blood did not improve very much. I've been told 15 times an hour is considered normal. I wanted to schedule a second proceedure, but instead my insurance company wanted me to see a Sleep Apnea doctor before my Ear Nose and Throat doctor preformed the surgery again. The Sleep doctor told me that with every procedure the chances that it will work get slimmer and opted for me trying the CPAP again. The problem with the surgery is it works by creating scar tissue. Within time the scar tissue will relax and the procedure will have to be done again. There is another one called the pillar method in which the isert polyester fibers into the soft pallet. With the fibers inserted the body continues to create scar tissue so there is no chance of it losening over time. I have yet to really look into that one though. All and all I think it did help, but I have it so bad that even some of the benifit I got was not enough.

  18. QUESTION:
    Why do I smell the scent of cucumbers after my sinus/sleep apnea related surgery?
    I also smell occasionally a sour/acrid smell but this isn't as often as the cucumber scent. I've not been able to find anything on this topic on the internet so asking here for some assistance. Thanks for the help.

    • ANSWER:
      Have you been eating cukes? Did your girlfriend leave some cuke scented items (lotion, gels, candles) laying around the house that could have leaked?

  19. QUESTION:
    What do you know about sleep apnea surgeries?
    I hate the mask (as many people do). I have severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am considering surgical options but I've been told the only one that may work for me is the mandibular advancement (when they break your jaw and move it forward). Has anyone had this before? What were your experiences? Did it work? Do you know of any other surgery that may help? Oral appliances?

    • ANSWER:
      I had a mandibular advancement back in the day when they still wired your mouth shut for 6 weeks. (Many surgeons now opt for a screw and plate closure along with tight rubber bands that allow more mouth movement and a little more eating options!)

      I did have about a year of orthodontics before I could have it done, incidentally, so it was not a quick fix by any means.

      The surgery itself sounded far worse than it actually was. The most pain I had was like a dull headache in my jaw area. Pain management was not a problem at all. I did miss eating what I wanted and lost significant weight. (What I would do to have that happen now!!!) I missed yawning the most, though!

      It did fix my sleep apnea completely. I have never even snored since. It was well worth it for me.

      My 5 year old had tonsils and adenoids removed for the same reason (sleep apnea) with good results as well. I had previously had that surgery, and it was much more painful than the mandibular advancement.

      I hope this helps! Best of luck to you!

  20. QUESTION:
    Can I get bariatric surgery to cure sleep apnea if it's an exclusion?
    I want to know if anyone has ever gotten passed the insurance exclusion by having the surgery to cure a co-morbidity.

    • ANSWER:
      while doctors will tell you that sleep apnea is caused by being over weight, it is by no means the only reason. My sister in law looks like a stick with a head and has apnea. i am a big girl and I have it.
      My husband was normal sized and also had it. Both my parents in law had it and both were normal sized. More reasons than just weight.

  21. QUESTION:
    Nasal Airway Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
    I was just diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and my doctor says that he wants to do surgery on both my palate and nasal airway. He says that my nasal airway is barely open and not getting any oxygen in it when I try to breathe (mouth breather). I don't want the surgery, so he says that he'll only let me try the CPAP for one night at the hospital but that if it doesn't work, he'll do the surgery anyway. Has anyone here had nasal surgery? Is it done awake/asleep? Does it hurt? Does it work? I'm really scared about it but all Doc tells me is not to worry. Easy for him to say.

    • ANSWER:
      It all depends on the reason for the nasal surgery. Some people do have a deviated septum or other major reasons for nasal blockage. In some cases the nasal airway blockage will actually make using cpap more difficult due to nasal congestion and such. On the other hand the palate surgery is not always the best option. This is not an absolute cure for OSA. Almost all patients who have the surgery wind up on Cpap anyways. The success rate is very poor and it almost never works. Also very painful. An ENT is generally going to want to perform the surgery. I agree with the person who says you should see a board certified sleep specialist on this matter. He may give you a different outlook on your situation. Good luck in whatever your outcome may be.

  22. QUESTION:
    my husband just had sleep apnea surgery and now he snores much louder! would you go back to doctor?
    and it is hard on his heart because his breathing is irregular now. we talked to the dr. that did the surgery and he said he has done all that he can do and nothing more! any suggestions?
    and... after surgery he started being a bed wetter (at 40 yrs. of age) help please! :(

    • ANSWER:
      Get a new surgeon. And a good lawyer.

  23. QUESTION:
    anyone else have a significant other with sleep apnea who had the surgery?
    how did it work? anything you can let me know about it. i tried posting this in health conditions but no answer. i figure alot of people break up because of this condition so let me know if it works.

    • ANSWER:
      I was diagnosed with sleep apnea several years ago. I tried the C-PAP for about six months and hated it. It's like sleeping with your face attached to a vacuum cleaner set in reverse so that it blows instead of sucks. My ENT told me I only had a 50/50 chance of the surgery curing the condition, but I went ahead and took the chance. In February 2006 he removed my tonsils, adenoids and uvula (that little hangy down thing in the back of your mouth). Recovery was a b__ch for about a week, but now my wife says I only snore if I have a cold or if I've been drinking too much, but still never as bad as before. My ENT says I still have the condition, its just much better now. I wake up much more rested than before also. All-in-all I'm glad I did it.

  24. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea surgery,,,yes or no?
    I am thinking of getting the surgery where they take out my tonsils and uvula. I have severe sleep apnea and have done the sleep studies and have a cpap (hate it and don't use). I would like to hear from people who have had the surgery and what is the outcome. I keep hearing 60% success rate. I don't want to go through the recovery if it isn't going to work.

    • ANSWER:
      The success of the Sleep Apnea surgeries are between 50-60%. Those odds weren't good enough for me to risk it. I wasn't real excited about some surgery I needed for a nerve that was pinched with an 80% success rate overall and a 95% success rate with my surgeon. I know you hate the CPAP but they work and are not invasive. I've used one for about three years and now I can't sleep without it. I have come to love it.

  25. QUESTION:
    If I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, will having a breathing tube during open-heart surgery cause complications?
    My son has obstructive sleep apnea and needs open-heart surgery to help get rid of the pressure in his lungs, I have heard that having a breathing tube in for the amount of time that the surgery is will cause complications when trying to remove it after.... is this information valid??

    • ANSWER:
      This is difficult to say. The endotracheal tube in and of itself will not cause problems related to his sleep apnea. What it sounds like is that they are concerned if he'll be able to come off the ventilator after the surgery. You don't say what kind of open heart surgery he's having. If it's a bypass it's not likely to effect his lungs post op. If it is a valve they're replacing, like the Mitral valve or the Aortic valve then, yes, it will help clear the Congestive heart failure. That will help his lungs function properly and increase his chances of coming off the ventilator greatly. Once he's off the ventilator they take the endotracheal tube out almost immediately after.
      Some people do get slight swelling of the throat and possibly the vocal cords. But this doesn't happen often, especially when the tube is put in under OR conditions. I

      If it is a valve they're replacing this should help with the apnea. If he is overweight he must lose the excess if he's going to have any chance of getting off the CPAP machine.
      God bless you both and help him to a speedy recovery.

  26. QUESTION:
    Obstructive sleep apnea --- surgery?
    Has anyone had surgery for obstructive sleep apnea? I may need to get it. What can I expect?

    • ANSWER:
      nothing idk what to say to this one haha

  27. QUESTION:
    Has anyone ever had surgery for sleep apnea?
    I'm considering having a procedure done that will take my tonsils out, remove my adnoids, reshape my palette, maybe cut out the back of my tongue, and possibly take out some fat from my throat. This surgery has a really long name that I can't remember right now. Has anyone ever had to go through that and how are you sleeping now?

    • ANSWER:
      My father did have a surgery for sleep apnea, however i'm sorry, i can't recall exactly what the doctor did. I know he cut something in the nasal area.

      It did help my dad a lot, he slept much better after. And he was able to come home on the day of the surgery.

  28. QUESTION:
    What is the surgery called to cure sleep apnea?
    I also read that taking your tonsils out helps. Any GOOD info will help. HELP

    • ANSWER:
      Have you tried non invasive procedures such as CPAP ?

  29. QUESTION:
    How fast will I feel the benefits of surgery for sleep apnea?
    I am scheduled for a tonsillectomy and UPPP in 10 weeks. I have had super-large tonsils my whole life. I've already tried the CPAP/BIPAP and it doesn't work for me. I can't sleep with it on.

    Now, I've been reading about the success rates of this surgery for sleep apnea. Some people say the success rates are low, and some say it's a 50/50 shot. I'm willing to take the risk and go through with it.

    Now, ASSUMING THAT this surgery does correct my sleep apnea, how fast will I begin sleeping better? Will I experience better sleep almost immediately (after the pain of the surgery subsides)? Or is this a process that takes several months?

    I'd like to hear from someone who has had success with sleep apnea surgery.

    • ANSWER:

  30. QUESTION:
    HELP - What is the best surgery for sleep apnea?
    I am scheduled for a UPPP in six weeks and am worried that it might not be the best option. I have already tried the CPAP and I can't sleep with it on. I have another appointment scheduled with my ENT to discuss all the options.

    Here's the deal: My tonsils are enlarged and have been since childhood. As far back as I can remember I have always had trouble with waking during the night. I am not overweight (and certainly not obese). Would a tonsillectomy alone likely fix the problem? Or should some of the soft palate be removed as well? The problem is that a UPPP is very invasive, statistically has a low success rate over the long term, and sometimes has bizarre side effects.

    Can anyone who has had sleep apnea surgery give me some pointers?

    • ANSWER:
      My husband just had this surgery, the UPPP. It was horribly painful, but very effective. He too had used a CPAP with little success. This surgery was immensely helpful with his snoring, and waking. The recovery was pretty brutal, liquids and frozen things for the first couple of days at least. He still, 3 months later, has some episodes of things coming out of his nose, but we just laugh at him. After 2 weeks he said he wouldn't do it again. 3 months later, he can't believe he waited so long to do it. I guess it just depends on your pain threshold and how desperate you are to remedy the situation.

  31. QUESTION:
    Im getting surgery on my sinuses because of sleep apnea - what should I expect?
    Whats the recovery time and will there be scars like in my nose?

    • ANSWER:
      You should have a breathing machine for sleep apnea, not surgery.
      My husband has sleep apnea.

  32. QUESTION:
    Can surgery cure sleep apnea?
    I know that you can use those air tanks and use dental devices, but is surgery a full proof option?

    • ANSWER:
      it is not fool proof, but it can help depending on what is causing the problem.

  33. QUESTION:
    i have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, should i have the surgery or used the cpap machine.?
    i am a 37 yr old truck driver and; yes, i am obese. i've tried diet and exercise. but while driving and the sleepy or tired feeling comes down on me i snack to stay awake, usually un healthy snacks like chocolate and caffiene and chips and sodas. if anyone has any experience or opinions i am open for suggestions.

    • ANSWER:
      Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea in obese patients has a very low success rate because the internal body fat is what causes the obstruction. Surgery is limited to the soft palate, and it will not help because the blockage is in the pharynx (lower throat).
      You really need to use the CPAP mask.
      Snack on apples, baby carrots, pears, whole grain crackers, string cheese, and the like.
      I have a friend who drove long-haul loads and kept busy eating good stuff. He said it really helped get rid of the constipation truckers suffer, too. He kept a small cooler in his rig.
      It's actually cheaper to go the fresh fruit and vegetable route than buying junk food.
      The problem you're having with sleepiness may actually be made worse by consuming sugary snacks, because your blood sugar isn't steady as it would be by eating healthy snacks. Yours probably spikes, then goes WAY down because you are eating "simple sugars". That will cause severe fatigue.

  34. QUESTION:
    Getting surgery, but I have sleep apnea, and I'm afraid of dying on the operating table because of it?
    Ok, I'm going to have a wisdom tooth cut out of my head, and I have sleep apnea.
    Which means, every minute or so, my throat closes, and after a minute or so, my brain says "hey idiot, you're suffocating" and I gasp and get a breath of air.
    All this happens without me waking up. I have a CPAP machine, but I can't use that while someone's operating in my mouth.

    So if I'm put under anesthesia, won't that mean that my brain will be too out of it to wake me up? If this happens, my heart will stop, because I won't be breathing. Do they put a tube down my windpipe to keep it open?
    I'm serious, how does this work?
    Is this possibly the explanation for people who die during routine surgeries for no apparent reason?
    I'm very afraid here, and I keep hearing "oh, I'm sure it will be fine" from people, but nobody can tell me WHY it should be fine.
    ... No, I can't have CPAP on during oral surgery, because for CPAP to work, you can't have your mouth open.
    It's the pressure from the closed system that keeps your throat open. Having my mouth open, would be like deflating a balloon, which is how CPAP works.

    • ANSWER:
      You do not necessarily have to be sedated to have this surgery. You need to inform your dentist of the sleep apnea. I have had all four of my wisdom teeth removed. When the first was done I was fully awake the other three at once I had to be sedated. Just tell you dentist that you want to remain awake. I did a search on your concern here is a support forum you may want to read up on others previous concerns and ones who have answered their questions. I hope all will go well. www.apneasupport.org/about4683.html

  35. QUESTION:
    I'm getting that surgery to help stop snoring and sleep apnea, how long does it take to heal?
    Is it painfil for days after? When do they remove the packing?

    • ANSWER:
      I didn't have the surgery, but an old boss did and it took about 3-4 months before his face looked normal again. He said it hurt, but he was given something for the pain and it was only painful the first week.

  36. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea and surgery?
    i am fighting obstructive sleep apnea and using apap machine is impossible. Any good or bad experiences with surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      the simple answer is that some OSA patients do well with surgery and some do not. A thin person with large tonsils and a mild degree of apnea is more likely to get a good result with surgery than an overweight person with no tonsils and a severe case of sleep apnea. The only surgery that is 100% effective for OSA is a tracheostomy, and this is obviously reserved for severe cases. If the you have underlying heart or lung disease, it is VERY important that your OSA be properly treated, so make sure your doctor knows you arent using the CPAP and ask what other options are available.

  37. QUESTION:
    Has anyone had surgery due to sleep apnea and shortness of breath? What exactly is the procedure?

    • ANSWER:
      My grandpa did he is doing alot better I remember as a little kid he would be telling a story then fall asleep during it
      it would be really scary since I was a small child

      Mild Sleep Apnea is usually treated by some behavioral changes. Losing weight, sleeping on your side are often recommended. There are oral mouth devices (that help keep the airway open) on the market that may help to reduce snoring in three different ways. Some devices (1) bring the jaw forward or (2) elevate the soft palate or (3) retain the tongue (from falling back in the airway and blocking breathing). Sleep Apnea is a progessive condition (gets worse as you age) and should not be taken lightly.

      Moderate to severe Sleep Apnea is usually treated with a C-PAP (continous positive airway pressure). C-PAP is a machine that blows air into your nose via a nose mask, keeping the airway open and unobstructed. For more severe apnea, there is a Bi-level (Bi-PAP) machine. The Bi-level machine is different in that it blows air at two different pressures. When a person inhales, the pressure is higher and in exhaling, the pressure is lower. Your sleep doctor will "prescribe" your pressure and a home healthcare company will set it up and provide training in its use and maintenance.

      Find out about the different manufacturers who provide respiratory equipment for obstructive sleep apnea.They have photos of their CPAP machines, masks and other equipment, so take a look.

      Some people have facial deformities that may cause the sleep apnea. It simply may be that their jaw is smaller than it should be or they could have a smaller opening at the back of the throat. Some people have enlarged tonsils, a large tongue or some other tissues partially blocking the airway. Fixing a deviated septum may help to open the nasal passages. Removing the tonsils and adenoids or polyps may help also. Children are much more likely to have their tonsils and adenoids removed.

  38. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea,Corrective Surgery?
    Has anyone with sleep apnea had success with surgery to fix it?

    • ANSWER:
      I can tell you that the success rate of the surgery is very poor. I see many pts with sleep apnea that have the surgery done and find that they still need CPAP anyways. It is also a very invasive and painful process. I dont know how many patients have told me if they had known the odds of it not helping they would have never gone through with it. It will lower your apnea hypopnea index but not by much. It is not a cure for sleep apnea. cpap is the one and only treatment that is proven effective. cpap may be a little annoying or uncomfortable but its a very simple fix for a very large problem. I would reconsider surgery and do some research into it before moving ahead with it. If anyone tells you it worked for them then your question needs to be "did you have a study done afterwards to see if you still have apnea?" Most will tell you they did not. They assume they are cured, which is generally never the case. Good luck in whatever you decide.

  39. QUESTION:
    Has anyone out there had experience with sleep apnea,CPAP or surgery for sleep apnea?? Please share..?
    My husband has been recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and not tolerating his cpap mask. He is physically and mentally exhausted from sleep deprivation and is considering a surgery called GAHM ,genioglossus advancement with hyoid myotomy. Anyone have this done and what were the outcomes ? Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      I've been on a CPAP for several years now. It took me a few weeks to get used to it but it's the best thing I've ever done. The surgery is only about 50% effective as in it only works for about 50% of those who get the surgery done. The group who are even potential candidates for the surgery is small. Work with your provider to try different masks.

  40. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea surgery? Need input from people who've had it done. Thanks!!?
    I have sleep apnea and I am scheduled to have it done on March 27th. I am having done Genioglossal Advance, Hyoid Advance, Septoplasty and Bilateral Inferior Turbinectomy. I am really scared about the recovery and the pain afterwards. As of right now, I am always fatigued due to the apnea and also have really bad headaches almost every other day. I always have jaw pain and I cannot breath out of the left side of my nose. I really want to get better, but I am terrified at this point. Please help me. I am 24 years old.
    I need to have this done because not being able to breath is causing other problems in my life like extreme fatigue, headaches, lack of energy etc. I really do not want to be attached to a breathing machine for the rest of my life. I am only 24 years old.

    • ANSWER:
      Having the surgery to clear any obstructions in your nasal passages is a good idea. However the glossal and such is generally a failed concept. Most people who have these surgeries done wind up on cpap anyways. Be prepared to have some extreme pain and long recovery period. You will also need to have another polysomnography to see if you still have sleep apnea. My experience is that you will....it may not be as severe but will still need treatment via cpap. Cpap is the only proven effective treatment for sleep apnea and I would much rather live with a non invasive air device than endure the pain, agony and failure of surgery. I would consider a second opinion on the genioglossal and any other surgery they want to perform on anything other than your nasal passage. Good luck in whatever you do. Iam speaking from a very lucrative sleep medicine practice and have seen these situations many many times.

      Here is a sight you may want to look up explaining what they consider successful surgery. Notice they do not anticipate a cure for sleep apnea, only a lessening of the disturbance index and symptoms.....

      http://www.sleepapneasurgery.com/surgical_philosophy_adults.html

  41. QUESTION:
    Question about sleep apnea, and plastic surgery?
    Has there ever been any medical studies on whether or not liposuction of the face and neck areas can improve sleep apnea symptoms? I keep hearing that airway obstruction can often be caused by excessive tissue around the airways, and is common in overweight people.

    So - what if someone had most of the excess fat removed from their neck and face through liposuction? Would that take some of the pressure off the airway and allow it to open up a little bit? Or is this just a pipe dream? (pardon the pun)

    • ANSWER:
      Just stay awake, it's easier, and sleep is way over-rated anyways. You can sleep when yer dead. I've heard of a converted "Red-neck", but never a converted "Fat-neck".

  42. QUESTION:
    Has anyone had surgery for sleep apnea?
    What do they do?? Is it successful? Do they take the tonsils out also?

    • ANSWER:
      Hello !

      I also have sleep apnea, but I don't want to have a surgery to treat it, only if my disorder is very serious. I have mild sleep apnea.

      Here are the types of surgery for sleep apnea known today:

      - UPPP, or Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. The surgeon cuts away the uvula and part of the soft tissue at the back of the throat. This may change or reduce loud snoring. The problem is that people with severe apnea are not good candidates for UPPP.

      -Lase surgery. This procedure can be done in the doctor's office but takes between one and seven visits to complete.

      -Gastric Bypass Surgery for overweight people. Click http://www.sleep-apnea-guide.com to learn more.

      -Tracheostomy is the last option in sleep apnea surgery. If all of other treatments fail, this simple surgery can eliminate sleep apnea.

      I hope it helps.

  43. QUESTION:
    CPAP- Sleep Apnea- Gastric Bypass Surgery?
    During the surgery itsself, do they put a CPAP machine on a patient with Sleep Apnea for the duration of the surgery? I ask because I had an outpatient surgery in 2009, and my apnea was undiagnosed. They couldn't keep me breathing and I was tachycardic as a result.

    I recognize sleep apnea to be a common occurance in Bariatric Surgery candidiates. I just wonder if anyone has experience with this.

    Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      As part of your health history prior to any surgery, the anesthesiologist asks you whether you have sleep apnea and then, while asleep, they adjust the pressure of the ventilations to compensate for this which would prevent what happened to you in 2009. They do not put a CPAP machine on you during surgery.

  44. QUESTION:
    Would you recommend the throat surgery for snoring and sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      NO. There are always risks when having surgery. They have a machine out that is supposed to work really well. Find yourself a good doctor and look into it.

  45. QUESTION:
    I am going for surgery in 2 weeks time and i have sleep apnea..?
    i am going for a weight loss surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) in 2 weeks time and i have a mild case of sleep apnea.. i was required to get a cpap mask and use it for 2 weeks prior to my surgery. if i were to skip it (the cpap mask), will it be fatal?

    • ANSWER:
      my dad has sleep apnea and has sergerys a couple times a year on his knee and shoulders hes still u r just scared my dad has a bad case of it to u will be fine trust me

  46. QUESTION:
    Has anyone had throat surgery for sleep apnea?
    Was it worth it, cured, any problems?

    • ANSWER:
      I had the uvula and most of the soft pallet removed - my deviated spetum worked on. The recovery was rough and took about a week before I could eat solids again. Before the surgery my wife and I could not sleep inthe same room together. Now I still snore and we sleep head to foot but its worth it. I only sore loud when i drink or when Im super tired ....

      Problems hmm thats funny - I cant chug a beer any more it foams and comes out my nose. Some times I'll gag on salavia - Not sure why but I did nt do that before the surgery.

  47. QUESTION:
    About a surgery for Sleep Apnea.?
    I have sleep Apnea and my doctor recommended getting a surgery to basically hollow out my throat so i can breathe at night. the surgery is abbreviated UPPP. My friend, whos parents are doctors, does not think i shound get it because of risks and the fact i wld have to re-learn to swallow and that my voice may change? Is any of this reasonable? I dont want to be dependednt on a oxygen machine my whole life.
    im not over weight, im 18 and pretty healthy. I am always tired though, hence my desire to get this fixed. the CPAP just seems like something that would wiegh me down at college next year. My doctor told me surgery would be good for someone my age. but im still nervous. I would also be getting a deviated septum fixed while I am at it to help with the breathing...

    • ANSWER:
      being a respiratory therapist and a patient with sleep apnea. I have looked at all of the options and research. Surgery is really a last resort. It is only 50 percent at best. Surgery only works if they know exactly where the obstruction is. My uncle had the surgery you are considering sure it help for a while but the scar tissue has made his sleep apnea worse than ever and he was a lot older than you when he had it. A cpap machine weighs only a couple of pounds and sits on a night stand. No big deal.

      Another option is a dental device. I have a friend who absolutely could not do cpap. The dental device works for him.

      Whatever you do, you need to be complaint with treatment if you want to make it through college. Untreated OSA has the effect of fatigue, headaches and depression. This is certainly not condusive to learning. Although I had a degree, it was not until I was treated that I could go back to school and get a second and third degree.

      Visit the sleepnet.com website for a ton of infomation and people who have done all of the treatments options.

  48. QUESTION:
    I am gonna need a dental surgery and they can't put me to sleep because I have sleep apnea.?
    Do you think my surgery will hurt too much if I am awake?
    By the looks of the answers I've gotten so far it may not be as bad as what I had imagined. The dental surgeon is gonna give me a consultation before I go in so I am still not fully certain if he'll end up pulling two or three teeth. What I was told to expect is a root canal and that he will have to cut down into the back portion of my gums to get a very odd yet incomplete tooth that was broken some time ago from out of the upper back area of my mouth. All I can say to what I just typed spelling out my own dental situation is WOW.. as I have also half way pre-imagined some pain or stress to the situation before going in.
    Thanks for the answers everyone.

    • ANSWER:
      Due to sleep apnea, you can't be put under general anesthesia, which is the type you're referring too. With a general anesthetic, they have to breath for you and that's the problem. They can do other things, too, though. They can give you what's called conscious sedation or twilight sleep. It's not deep enough for them to put a breathing tube in you, but you do lose consciousness and it's as if you were completely out in that you won't remember a thing. I would ask your dentist if this is an appropriate alternative for you. If not, they can give you nitrous oxide, or what they call laughing gas. You're awake completely but sedated somewhat. You'll still be aware of what they are doing but you won't care. They can couple this with an anesthetic which will numb the area and nerve so that you shouldn't feel much or nothing. If it's a root canal or other procedure where they must disturb the nerve or root, you might feel just a small pinch for a second but it won't bother you too much. Or you can forgo any sedation and just have the anesthetic. If you at least had nitrous oxide along with the anesthetic, the little pinch won't even bother you. I would ask your Dentist what the best thing would be for you if you can't be under a general. Good luck!

  49. QUESTION:
    My son just had surgery for his sleep apnea. Is it normal for him to still snore after?

    • ANSWER:
      How "just' is just? If he has some swelling in his throat, that may be obstructing his airway a bit, causing the snoring. I would assume that after it has gone down you should see a reduction. If it's been a while, then you need to call the surgeon.

  50. QUESTION:
    This question is in regards to Obstructive Sleep Apnea and people who have had surgery to correct it.?
    I have 3 options to choose from and one of them is surgery which is probably what I will opt for as my insurance will pay for it. How long was your surgery? What was your recovery time? We're there certain things you couldn't do during your recovery time such as not being able to eat certain foods for example. Anything you can tell me would be most helpful. Thank you in advance for your time.

    • ANSWER:
      I have a friend who had a surgery for her sleep apnea. She was given a 3 weeks off sick from work to recover from her surgery. The surgery lasted about 2 hours including the time in the recovery room. She can't blow her nose after the surgery. Bleeding was also a problem after but that will actually stop. You have to drink and gargle cold water to help stop the bleeding. My friend have already recovered and does not suffer from sleep apnea after the surgery.


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