Sleep apnea and high altitude

I have been recently diagnosed with mild sleep apnea (hypopnea). The doc did not recommend sleeping with a CPAP machine, but rather seeing an ENT for possible sinus surgery (already had two surgeries but no improvements) and also seeing a dentist to make a mouthpiece that would keep my airways open while sleeping.

As I was planning an Ama Dablam climb, I am now re-thinking the whole thing as I am afraid that the lower oxygen level at high altitude would make the condition worse. Does anyone know if this would be the case and is there anything that could be done to help the sleep apnea issue? It would be a hard climb to face without proper sleep so I want to make sure that I don't get into trouble up high.

I heard some people take Diamox to "cheat" their brain into believing that the altitude is way lower than it actually is by increasing the oxygen intake.

Thanks in advance for any input/advice.

I take Diamox when going over 13,000 feet. It has prevented the headaches and nausea I used to get at altitude, but it doesn't prevent shortness of breath. I don't know how it will affect your apnea, but it has made climbing/hiking at altitude better (although I have no experience above 14,495 feet!)

Do a little research on Diamox, it isn't "tricking" the brain. It accelerates a particular change in blood chemistry that usually takes a few days to a week to occur naturally. I took it for a climb this winter on the advice of my orthopod (also a climber). Hard to say whether it made a difference because I have no comparison, but we fared well for the first few nights. Once we hit 16,000 feet suffering began in earnest with almost zero real sleep and no appetite. YMMV

For what its worth we were able to do sea level -> 18,500 in 5 days without any serious altitude symptoms, and we both took diamox.

I don't know too much about sleep apnea except that there are different types - one has to do with obstruction and the other has to do with the brain. If its the latter I'd be concerned, but if its the former it doesn't seem really related to altitude.

probably a great question for..... a doctor!

I would consult a mountain doc about this concern; your situation seems more specialized than a forum like this could address.

(The oxygen level is a constant. The various pressures related to altitude increase are what lessen)