The test

Well, it can work either way.

It's important you understand sleep apnea and what it is.

Broad stroking it, it's mainly cause by being over weight, and having a narrow back palate/throat. It's a lot more complicated but these are the two most common causes.


Folks that lose weight or have a surgery done to remove portions of the back of the throat (tonsils, trimming cartilage, ect) stand a good chance of no longer suffering from apnea.
Vice versa, gaining weight can cause sleep apnea in folks that have never had to deal with it prior to the gain.

In short, if you're not testing positive for awakening events now, and keep your weight down- it's unlikely you're going to have issues.


Just bear in mind the symptoms, and if you start to feel any; it might be time to consult a physician.

 

I thought that everyone that took the test failed!

 

The only way to pass the test is if you have a condition which will be called Sleep Apnea type B. That condition will require you to take a new pill which is very expensive but you can't survive without it. It won't cure the condition but will better help you manage it. Plus, you need the new and improved machine to monitor your breathing. That is rented but Obamacare will pay for it at little of no cost to you. And you will get to park your truck in special spots with signs indicating that you need our pity. Of course, you will die the exact day you would have died without the test but so many people will have made so much money off you that it is all worth it.

 

Well if FMCSA have their way, and any kind of law regarding OSA is a long way off, then you will probably be tested every time you renew your med card.
There is no law on the books but that isn't stopping some companies taking a high handed approach and mandating this test.
i think there's a lot of hysteria being created about this condition, so we will just have to wait and see. I still don't know why the trucking industry has been singled out to do this test when it's obvious that 4-wheelers are just as prone to this condition, as well as the rest of the population.

 

That's right ... it's called a racket. My wife was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 5 years ago with her previous employer. She changed jobs took the sleep test again and was told she never had sleep apnea in the first place. Both these employers were hospitals and she is an MT working in hematology and has been for 29 years ... it's a racket!!!

 

I had to take the sleep apnea test do to being over weight. I showed no signs of having sleep apnea and was told by the company i worked for at that time the test is good for 5 years.