[jjsheridan5]

In extreme cases, a tracheotomy may be required.

I have never heard of this. As far as my research goes, the *only* surgical approach which really works is Maxillo Mandibular Advancement surgery (this is the surgery performed on then-Cleveland Indians 1st baseman Mike Napoli). Originally part of the so-called "Stanford Protocol" (the gold standard of surgical approaches to apnea), it has since become the gold-standard on its own, since the UPPP surgery (part of the Stanford Protocol) was found to be problematic, and unnecessary in any case). But a "tracheotomy"? I have never heard of this. Do you mean a UPPP? In which case, studies have been pretty definitive that even if there is a benefit, it is generally minor, and, unfortunately, goes away over time.

[unlearner]

Just read that on a summary from a sleep specialist dealing with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The only person I know who had to have a tracheotomy for this condition also had other major health issues due to a birth defect.

Ordinarily an obstructive apnea results in reduced airflow at night because during REM sleep our bodies breathe without conscious effort. When awake, or asleep but not in REM, our brains have more direct control over breathing.

So I’m not sure which cases are so extreme that a tracheotomy is required, but I have seen doctor notes that say this is sometimes necessary.

There are a small percentage of patients for whom sleep apnea can be corrected by surgery (not a tracheotomy), but most cases can not be remedied by surgery. On the other hand, most of these patients can reduce or greatly eliminate the symptoms of sleep apnea by losing weight.