Will i have to be on cpap for the rest of my life if i have obstructive sleep apnea?

Depends on the: Cause. Many cases of obstructive sleep apnea are due to obesity. In case you are overweight/obese, losing weight may obviate the need for cpap.

No: There are a number of treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea. If you are not tolerating CPAP or don't like it, discuss it with your sleep doctor.

Potentially: Sleep apnea tends to worsen with age rather than improve. Thus far the best technology we have to treat osa is cpap. There are alternatives such as oral appliances, surgery, and other alternatives which could be discussed with a sleep specialist. Weight loss can help - every 10% loss in weight can lead to a 30% improvement in the severity of your sleep apnea.

Often: Often. Some factors can be controlled. Losing weight helps. Some patients can get by with dental appliances. Others who find CPAP intolerable may benefit from surgical treatment. Make sure you discuss all your options with your sleep doctor.