Yes. You absolutely need to continue using your machine. 17 is moderate sleep apnea and if left untreated over time will increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Consider a different mask, an oral appliance device now that youre out of the severe range, or the Inspire device if you are looking for alternatives.

In order to provide a useful answer it would be important to know if you are still overweight. If BMI, a measure of weight to height ,is greater than 25 there is still space to lose weight and possibly improve apnea. If you are already there, the answer is weight loss is not going to be a cure. A drug named tirzepatide has been approved by the FDA to assist with weight loss and treating sleep apnea. It is helpful in patients who weigh significantly more than they should. Overall the cure rate for weight loss is 50 to 60%.

Sleep apnea index of 17 is considered moderate slee apnea which needs treatment either by cpap or other options like oral appliances. You may need less pressure than before to control your sleep apnea.