After struggling with CPAP treatment, Dr. Michael Mathews opted for surgery to try to correct his severe sleep apnea. He and his teenage son, who had mild sleep apnea, both underwent the procedure—and Dr. Mathews says it has essentially cured his breathing problem, but with a “downside”: persistent numbness in his chin and lower lip. I guess I always should have known that I had sleep apnea. My dad had sleep apnea, and he had gotten a CPAP machine which made a big difference