CPAP Compliance and DOT Physical

Yep.

 

That would be a BIPAP, we're talking about a CPAP, constant pressure machine...

 

If you ask the doctor how to be in compliance, he/she will answer all of your questions. My doctor was the one who told me to let it run if I didn't complete my sleep cycle to be in compliance. Don't depend on what truck drivers tell you, they have inaccurate answers for just about every topic known to man. Just ask the doctor...

 

I recently started CPAP and am having a hard time. My problem is in exhaling. I tried the "Cover the nose only" type, no good. "Full Mask type...no good, "Nasal Pillow" type...better, but I still cant seem to keep it on 4 hours. I dont take it off consciously, as I must do it while sleeping. Now, Im suppose to have 70% (4 hours per night) usage. I do want to use it, as when I go to sleep, it is one and doesn't bother me, but I do know there are times I feel like I cant exhale. That must be when I take it off! I hear good things from many that use it. Im just not sure what to do to make it better. I have talked to ResMed and they do make adjustments, but it doesn't seem to help long! Anyone relate?

 

STOP thinking about sleep like a bank.

Let me tell you this. WHATEVER sleep a human gets as long it's REM and back properly (There are specific cycles a human requires, 4 hours is a BARE minimum) is gone when the human wakes up and toxins and wear plus tear accumulate in body over a period of the day until sleep is required.

Failure to sleep hurts you and eventually helps to kill you.

Im sorry to say that if your husband is sleeping hardly at all or very badly it's a early grave for him eventually. Much less unemployment.

Trucking is not going to be suitable or safe in a few days time if he cannot get a night's or day's sleep. You gots to have your wits, mind and nerves about you properly sharp and awake on the road. Or someone or several someones stand to die.

 

I hate to be the one raining on the parade here, but it's certainly a disability and will take about a year to process with SSdI approval (First two is usually declined when you file) and then two years before the Medicare kicks in. At that point you go to DHS to have the State cover the Medicare premiums or you pay it each month.

 

Keep using the cpap, yes it does take time to get used too. The more you use it the sooner you adjust. I had the same problem when first started using one. Feels like trying to breathe in a 60 mile per hour wind, but your body will adjust and you'll not have that issue anymore. Also ask the Dr. If they will set the machine to ramp up to full pressure rather than full pressure immediately.
Good luck.

 

When I get up my CPAP shows how many hours I slept. It does not
show that part of the night was on say wed and the rest on thu. As far
as I know the requirement is for a total of 4 hrs at least 70% of the
nights.
How is your fiance logging his nights? It sounds to me that his
company is not giving him a sufficient break to sleep. Sounds like
he is the second driver on a grocery route or something similar to
that. The first driver logs driving time while second driver logs as
sleeper berth but is expected to get up and help unload the product.

If this is the case you are right to be worried about his health.
Humans need to get sleep. They can skip a night or two but
eventually need to catch up again.

Not sure what the penalty will be if he is found to be
non-compliant at the time of his physical. My experience
is there is not much tolerance for actual non-compliance.
Good luck with this issue.