Question
I am a new driver, and I have sleep apnea treated with a CPAP machine. I have been on this treatment for years, and I have never had any problem with excess sleepiness since I have been on the therapy. I have read some threads on this site about the subject and have found them interesting.
I would assume that technically a new driver is supposed to disclose the condition and get some type of DOT approval. However, I would also assume that many new drivers never bring up the condition and treatment. This is not something that is likely to be discovered in a physical if the condition is being successfully treated. I didn't bring it up, and I have been cleared. The only thing I am a little concerned about is that I am about to begin OTR training, and obviously I will need to use the CPAP machine in the truck sleeper. I can get the necessary adapters to run the CPAP off the truck battery, but I am slightly worried that my trainer could make an issue of my condition, especially if it is something he doesn't understand.
Do you think the use of a CPAP machine is something that a trainer would make an issue of? When you are on your 4-6 weeks of OTR training, do you and the trainer usually sleep in the sleeper bunks or do you get motel rooms?
Can you guys let me know what I might expect?
Answer
Although I have properly indicated that I have been treated for Sleep Apnea,
I had never heard about the testing annually that verifies that the treatment (CPAP) is working effectively.
I am now through my doctor, working to schedule the appropriate test.
Especially since the news lately is proving that if the treatment isn't effective that I will have more worries than passing a DOT physical, like not living much longer due to a stroke, etc.... I look forward to this test. (prior to the expiration of my current DOT Physical later this year).
While I'm waiting on the test to confirm what my doctor and I believe will find that my treatment is effective. Do all the larger companies conduct DOT physicals as part of their orientation.
Bob.
Answer
All companies have to do DOT physicals. I have mild sleep apnea, too mild for surgery and too agrivating in general. I have used a cpap and can't tell that it does any good, it may be that it is too mild to make any difference, but I have had three polysomonography tests that confirm all the specs. I have a 10.2 hypopnea index and no apneas, the pulmonologists tell me normal is 5 on the index and mine is only 10.2 just enough to give some symptoms and not enough to respond to treatment.
I have read a lot about sleep apnea and don't recall how many millions of people go undiagnosed not to mention how many actually have been diagnosed and don't respond to a cpap. Pulmonologist say there is no gray area, you either respond to cpap or you don't. I would be interested on how you and others are doing with this apnea deal and encourage everyone that doesn't know about sleep apnea to do a search on it to see what the symptoms are, people would be surprised to learn why they feel and act like they do....