These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Jorge, age 54: I have been using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat my sleep apnea for over a year. Since I travel a lot, CPAP isn't very convenient for me. Taking my CPAP machine on business trips is too much trouble for me. I talked with my doctor, and we agreed that surgery might be a good option to treat my sleep apnea.

Dara, age 42: CPAP is doing wonders for my sleep apnea. It really isn't that much of a bother for me to use. I also read that surgery may only help about half of the time. I am not willing to risk the complications from surgery, so I am going to continue with CPAP.

Cal, age 45: I have been using CPAP. I am tired of being attached to a machine at night while I sleep. My nose is always dry, and I have been having terrible nightmares. My sleep is not improving. I am willing to have surgery to treat my sleep apnea if it can help.

Gordon, age 50: Since I have been using CPAP, my sleep apnea symptoms have disappeared. My wife can't believe the change in my attitude during the day. We talked about my having surgery to treat my sleep apnea so I wouldn't have to use CPAP anymore. My doctor said that even if I have the surgery, I still might have to use CPAP. The risks and cost of the surgery and the possibility that I might still have to be on CPAP are not worth stopping CPAP.