DOT physical card and CPAP compliance

Its not a scam. The DOT is requiring in the next few years to test every driver. So, some companies are getting ahead of the game. I had to go through it with my company, and have it. I got the machine. Etc. Etc. Etc. It is a pain and I hate mine too but if I wanted a job. I had to do it.

 

who knows, I know some machines are expensive and a bpap is normally more expensive than a cpap. I think mine is close to $2k but insurance is making the $200 a month payments to rent it which seems stupid instead of just buying it for me....

a bpap is bi directional air flow so it releases pressure when you exhale, a cpap is a constant flow of pressure. For some people the bpap helps them breath and fall asleep better but I tested on a cpap which had a lot more pressure and I actually woke up more alert. If i knew someone with an extra cpap laying around I would borrow it for a few days to see if it helped any more or less than my current machine. I do know however if I do not use my machine I do feel more tired, I used to fall asleep randomly including dozing while driving. Using the machine I never fall asleep randomly.

 

If an applicant for a truck driver's job is "slim and trim", with a neck size of less than 17", and very little body mass index,(BMI), will a sleep apnea test still be required?

 

To ChiTown: Once you are diagnosed by a licensed Respiratory Therapist with sleep apnea you have to remain compliant or treated to keep driving. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to use a Cpap. Some are treated by weight loss, oral devices, surgery or as simple as being told not to sleep on your back. It sounds like Roehl got their own thing going on but it's probably in their own interest to prevent crashes. It's estimated as many as 28% of drivers have sleep apnea.

You are required to answer the medical form truthfully or it is deemed null and void. Get in an accident and the lawyers will know you worked for Roehl and familiarize themselves with Roehl's sleep apnea program. They can easily find out.

What I would do is go see a different doctor/RT, explain your situation and he might tell you that the Cpap is not necessary for your mild condition and he might recommend something else. Then you are compliant without the machine and 100% legal again. If the second doctor says you need the machine then you need to learn how to use it or when you get up in your 40's you'll have all kinds of health problems. Sleep Apnea starts small and slowly gets worse as you age if left untreated. I would take it seriously.

You can get away with hiding it but you'll have that it your closet if you have a fatality wreck or lawsuit it will come forward. Then they'll say he shouldn't of been driving. GUILTY!!! $500,000 punitive damages! Not only cover your face, CYA.

 

weight isnt always an issue, I have known big and skinny people who have sleep apnea. I have had it for years but never went and got tested until over a year ago, the signs were there but I never knew. Even when I was fit before I got married a few years ago I had some of the symptoms and my ex wife would tell me I would stop breathing and stuff. I re married last year and my present wife made me go get tested since she was always waking me up from gasping etc and she was scared for my life and she studied it and looked into all of it. I also battled trying to lose weight for awhile since I packed on 100 lbs during the prior 2 years, the sleep doctor said if you have sleep apnea its hard to lose weight. Once I finally started getting treated my weight started to fall off without even trying too hard. In the last few months I have lost 44 lbs after using my machine religiously and trying to lose another 60.

Now I do agree losing weight helps since I have seen differences but its not a cure, I still need my machine and right now im taking home time and havent used my machine for the past 2 nights and im feeling the tiredness today so I will be making sure I have it setup for tonight.

There are a few other things you can do to help with apnea, cut out the caffeine before going to bed, Sleep on your sides or have your bed at an incline if you sleep on your back. You can always stuff something under the mattress in the truck to do this. Other more extreme methods of treatment is surgery and stuff where they remove parts of your throat or change your jaw structure etc.

Me I would rather just use the machine


I do agree people should get tested, I do hope however they are doing the right test and not making truckers use a machine who does not need to.

 

I am one of the "skinny" guys at six foot tall and 190 lbs.

 

thats awesome ...love the guys that like to stick it right back in the ####### face that passed this stupid law