Sleep Apnea And The DOT Physical
Topic 15509 | Page 1
Hello Dennis, and welcome to the forum!
There are a lot of drivers out here using C-PAP machines, it is very common. Brett used to say that the whole industry runs on coffee and Blood Pressure Medication, so there's no problem there. I'm 56 myself, and enjoying a great career. I started my first commercial driving job at the age of 53, and the same day that I got hired the company hired another fella who was 73! So, hopefully those facts will mitigate some of your concerns about being able to get a job as a truck driver.
You feel free to jump in here with all your questions and concerns - there will always be someone willing to give you a straightforward answer.
Here's some reading material for you that should help you get some understanding about how to get the ball rolling in this business. The last link is to our free training course that will have you acing your state's tests for your commercial permit.
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road Training Program
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
If you have a documented history of OSA and are still recommended to use the machine - you are going to have to continue using it.
They KEY HERE - is that you NEED A MACHINE THAT LOGS USAGE. You need to be able to show the medical examiner/company that you are using the machine every night, the required minimum number of hours (which I believe is 4 hours).
BP meds are OK also - so long as your BP is UNDER the minimum requirements (140/90).
You will only get a ONE YEAR CARD - as these conditions require you to be monitored more closely.
But there are plenty of drivers that use a CPAP and are on BP meds.
In fact - for most "training companies" if your BMI and/or neck circumference exceed a certain threshold - they require a sleep study. So you're already ahead of the game, having a CPAP machine.
Again - make sure it is one that COMPLIES WITH MONITORING REQUIREMENTS, and make sure you have used it as required for at least 30 days PRIOR TO showing up for orientation/physical...
Rick
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.
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.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
My compnay required users to bring their records and prove at least 30 days of usage with their data card. The machine they use in the truck however have a modem in them and report the findings back to the sleep people to prove you are using it. Therefore you may have to buy another machine. My company would take it from your pay in installments of $25 to $50 per week so you would have no upfront costs.
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Im just beginning to dig for answers about truck driving and this is my first post. I had both weight loss surgery and sleep apnea surgery. After a big weight-loss i was told i still needed blood pressure meds- though half as much and still needed to use a breathing machine. However, I'm also able to sleep well without the machine if Im not lying flat I've discovered. My question: Can I still get a clearance to drive if I us a machine...anybody gonna want to hire me? I'm 56 with no experience driving a rig. Any suggestions from someone in the know will be appreciated. Thanks, Dennis
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.