CPAP and my poor ears, is there an alternative?

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by a.paul, Dec 2, 2022.

  1. a.paul

    a.paul Light Load Member

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    Aug 8, 2021
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    If I’m in the wrong place I’m sorry.

    Since my stupid physical decided I needed a cpap I’ve been trying to deal with it but I hate it.

    In the past couple of months I’ve had drainage from my ears. I’ve got small canals and have to be careful of wax so I figured it was no big deal. Suddenly in the past 2-3 weeks they’re really bad and then started plugging. Went to the doc and he said it was in the middle ear…probably from the cpap.
    Sleep doc turned the pressure down. Still plugged and not clearing up.
    Respitory tech at the device company says it happens and usually the only cure is to quit the machine.

    Anyone dealt with this and found a solution? If I medically have to stop the machine how does that affect my med card?

    Everyone is passing the buck and I’m concerned and in a little pain and so kinda cranky lol

    thanks
     
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  3. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    You could call this guy, he helps people with more complex sleep apnea stuff. You can always watch his videos to see if you think he can help.

     
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  4. a.paul

    a.paul Light Load Member

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    Aug 8, 2021
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    huh. Never heard of him.
    lol...I’ll spend hours watching trucking, equipment, farming and bass and guitar vids...but never even thought of youtube for cpap.

    thank you—
     
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  5. Hyweighman

    Hyweighman Medium Load Member

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    Could you just use cpap machine for 31days before dot physical?. I believe you only need to show 30 days .
     
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  7. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    I bet, having your tongue unintentionally move is a bit strange to get used to.

    I simply stop breathing (no obstruction), so a machine is my only choice. Luckily, I love using it.
     
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  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    go see an Otolaryngologist.
     
  10. OhioScott

    OhioScott Bobtail Member

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    Jul 16, 2022
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    Well I don't know much about your inner ear issue but I've been using a CPAP for over 20 years. I assume that if your company pushed for a CPAP machine then they may want compliance reports. If you can't put up with a CPAP machine then I only know of a few options. You could have it surgically corrected (which just does not sound like fun), you could have a Watchman device implanted (which sounds better but it still involves surgery) or there's a new device called "The Beacon". Apparently it's a custom made oral device (kind of like a football players teeth guard) and it keeps your lower jaw extended forward thereby preventing collapse of the airway. It might be in pretrials and I just recently signed up as a participant at University Hospital in Ohio. If push comes to shove then I personally would gravitate toward the Watchman device but I feel the Beacon would be the best choice but I don't think it's out yet (so you would have to deal with the ear issue for an indefinite period).

    I just had a thought on this: I use a "Smart CPAP" machine which runs at a low pressure (for me it's a 4) and increases the pressure up to 12 to overcome an apnea event, then drops back to 4. If you don't have a Smart CPAP then that might minimize your discomfort.
     
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