Able to get CDL with Sleep Apnea ????

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by jbiggs24, Jul 15, 2009.

  1. jbiggs24

    jbiggs24 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 5, 2009
    Detroit,MI
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    Hi everyone,
    I have been thinking about getting my cdl for a while now and have decided that it is what I want to do but now I am running into people telling me that with the mild case of sleep apnea I have that I will not be able to drive a rig.
    When I talk to driving schools they say it is not a problem but I am wondering if they say that just to get my money from me for schooling.
    Any information regarding this is appreciated.

    Thanks
     
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  3. 112racing

    112racing Road Train Member

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    you can get your licence but you must prove that you are being treated for your medical card the cpap machine must have a card reader so it proves you are using it at least 4 hours a day
     
    Yogi4 Thanks this.
  4. Yogi4

    Yogi4 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 9, 2009
    Carmichaels, Pa
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    Thanks 112, I'm starting training at the end of the month and was worried about that. From what I've been reading at fmcsa.dot.gov is that the driver must be referred to a specialist for treatment. I've been referred and have been treated for sleep apnea. I have the newer digital cpap machine that digitally shows how much you use it and I use it faithfully every night... except for the few days that the power was out. My wife was about to go sleep at our sons house to get away from my snoring!! lol. Do you use a cpap machine 112??
    And thanks jbiggs24 for asking that question.
     
  5. 112racing

    112racing Road Train Member

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    yes i have a resmed escape 2 with heated humidifier and since my study and using the machine i feel like a different person
     
  6. 48Packard

    48Packard Ol' Two-stop Shag!

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    I've been on CPAP since Oct. '07, and the only restriction I have is that my med card is only good for one year at a time.

    Glad it's working out for ya...it's changed my life as well!

    Good luck!
     
  7. truckerdad57

    truckerdad57 Light Load Member

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    Nov 29, 2008
    Batavia, IL
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    The above posts are right on...been on a CPAP and trucking since 2002.

    Getting my CPAP was both the best.. and worst thing to happen.

    BEST.. as I feel so much better.. I probably would be dead now if I had not been tested and gotten treated for sleep apnea.

    WORST - in dealing with idling laws.. need to idle for enough power for my CPAP.. but can't, DOT physicals, getting a new CPAP away from home when I burned out a blower motor.. and trying to convince people that BMI is a REAL stupid way to screen drivers for sleep apnea.

    http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=79422
    http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/June09/061509/061709-07.htm

    Bob Stanton
    (just a truck driver with sleep apnea)
     
    Ike Thanks this.
  8. Markk9

    Markk9 "On your mark"

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    Lehigh Valley, PA
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    Card reader is not mandatory unless it's from the company. I have had C-pap from about 2001. I have never had to show proof I use it, Doctors just ask if I use it.

    I do know for certain that two major training companies, require the card reader, but they do provide the unit.

    Mark
     
    tonyjxn Thanks this.
  9. 112racing

    112racing Road Train Member

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    it will soon be mandated by law i don't live far from you and in pa if you are suspected of having osa by a doctor the doctor is now required by law to notify penndot the doc told me this i don't think as of now they have a system in place to deal with it yet but its comming. i know a guy that works for ryder and when he went to get a new physical card they only gave him a 90 day temp and he had to get a cpap with card reader and prove he was using it 4 hours a day in order to get a 1 year card it may just be company policy right now but it will become a dot law
     
  10. Yogi4

    Yogi4 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 9, 2009
    Carmichaels, Pa
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    I got a cpap about 2 years ago. It's a digital one and I had to call the every month for about 4 or 5 months and give a digital reading to prove I'm using it at least 4 hours a nite. Had to make the call for the insurance company so they are sure they're not wasting their money on it. I just hope it doesn't put a damper on my physical. I need this job!!
     
  11. Markk9

    Markk9 "On your mark"

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    As long as you are using the C-pap you should be ok. The rules are to insure you are using it, not disqualify drivers yet.

    Mark
     
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