CPAP Question
Topic 21227 | Page 1
Paul, we've got a lot of archived information on this subject. Here's a link to our wiki section concerning Sleep Apnea and truck drivers.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
Paul,
I can only offer my experience with McElroy. I am in school now and was able to arrange a prehire agreement with them. I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea about 12-13 years ago and had been using my original machine since that diagnosis.
Companies will require a compliance report on your CPAP usage. My machine was so old it did not have that capability. In order to meet this requirement, I had to purchase a new machine. I just purchased the Dreamstation by Phillips Respironics and it comes with the ability to sync the data from the CPAP machine to an app on your phone. You can then generate and send the compliance report from the app to the company via email. It needs to be a 60 day report.
Hope this helps
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Prehire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
Let me add that you should check with the manufacturer of your CPAP to see if it records the needed data. The one you are using may already do it. Most that do have some sort of removable storage device like an sd card that stores that data.
You shouldn’t have to undergo any additional evaluations as you are already diagnosed with the condition. All you will need to do is prove to whatever company you wish to work for that you are using your CPAP effectively.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
I just got the same machine as above. Prime requires it to have a modem that transmits to the company. they wont accept machines that put on SD cards.
i actually sleep worse with it. ive been congested since the first night regardless of having the humidifier on high. i placed vicks vapor rub near the intake and that helps a little.
i have never, not once in 40 nights fallen into a deep enough sleep where i dream. i take it off at the minimum hours, and get into a deep sleep or my butt drags.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
I've seen a lot of boo hooing about getting tested and whether or not you have to wear it, etc. etc..
I wear mine every night to get a good nights sleep. If a new recruit went to training, are they going to require him to take the sleep apnea test even if he already has medical records saying he has it and needs to use a CPAP? Then if he shows them the one he uses, does it have to have a printout meter on it so they can insure that he's using it?
I used to fall asleep working on drawings for an architect, then a few minutes later I'd wake up and there'd be about 15 lines of z's on my screen.. That's when I knew I needed to have the test done.
Why not just realize you have it, get the machine, and use it.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.