Prime Inc And Sleep Apnea
Topic 171 | Page 2
Looking at a trucking career, and was talking with a 3MM, mile 30yr vet the other day at work. He said said something about sleep apnea , that I found interesting. Other than the overweight issue, or the BMI already mentioned, I was asking about the DMV med test and he said sleep apnea was an issue for people with necks larger than 17" around. For whatever thats worth.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.DMV:
Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.
Here is a product that will help you sleep without waking yourself up due to snoring. Go to: Puresleep.com I bought their product and my son did also. It has worked for us and so I pass it on to anyone who cares. this is not an ad though and I am not a part of the company and all. Just a testimonial.
-Traffic Jam
My husband and I are currently researching driving and I'm really happy I came upon this topic. It is hard for me to wrap my head around people who have a lot of the co-morbidities of sleep apnea and have such a job worry abou the possibility of not being tested. I have a degree in Respiratory and aside from daytime sleepiness there are a host of other issues that can show up such as atrial-fibrillation which can lead to stroke or hypertension which can be a precursor to heart attack. We know those DOT exams are already pretty strict with that.
it may seem for a moment that $600 is a chunk to lay down for a diagnostic medical test but from my fork in the field I can tell you that is a bargain. Often tests can cost 2k or more if you have a doc who won't do same night cpap application and titration. Plus is it really that much when you think about the lives you may save.
Char.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Hypertension:
Abnormally high blood pressure.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
I was tested at Maverick for this and so was the rest of my group fat or thin about half ended up with the machines including my self. It was a combo of neck size, BMI and your throat opening. Over the limit on these got you a test scheduled
The test with Maverick was some small pads and equipment that you wore (like a watch) while you slept that night and the test results said how you slept that night. My paper work was minus my results so I need to get them sent to me. You do have to take them to your own doctor within a year.
I was moderate they said and most I heard were severe in my group. The smallest guy in our group was 140lbs and said they did check his neck and throat also but he was not required to take the test. They claimed some smaller people also end up getting tested.
I don't sleep as well when I am tired and sure on a better night I would have tested better but it's not that big of a deal to use the machine either. But some quit in the next class saying they were not going to wear it at all. They also check to see if your using the machine, if your not doing it enough you won't have a job with Maverick.
After a year you will have to have your own sleep doctor do a check which might just be a download from the machine to keep your Medical current.
The clinic they use did say now and then a person can get cleared from using the machine which is a therapy for breathing like some therapy's you get better you quit the therapy.
At some point this might be an industry standard to get tested for. Randy
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
This is nothing more than smoke and mirrors, and a ton of BS. Just another way for Prime to shake down drivers for more money. Imagine how many drivers per day they run through their so called "Orientation mill." That is a lot of $$$$$$$.
Let the drivers sleep when they need,and not keep them up all day and expect them to drive all night. Its that simple!
This is nothing more than smoke and mirrors, and a ton of BS. Just another way for Prime to shake down drivers for more money. Imagine how many drivers per day they run through their so called "Orientation mill." That is a lot of $$$$$$$.
Let the drivers sleep when they need,and not keep them up all day and expect them to drive all night. Its that simple!
If you havent been to Prime then you have no basis for your comment. I am currently ay Prime and have been slated for the sleep apnea test due to my weight. I have mo problem with this as i am confident that i will pass but if i dont and i need a cpap then i will get it. The number of students that i have seen falling asleep in class and in front of the computers doi.h cbt's is frightening. Know what they ALL have in common?? They're ALL overweight.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Is that an expense thay they cover up front and you pay it back when you go solo or is that out of pocket? Do you know of you can do the test somewhere else prior to going to Prime? I'm looking at going to Prime training in August. I'm hoping to lose a bunch of weight prior to leaving but need a backup plan just in case. It seems like they are hustling people. That's my fear. Showing up and not being able to afford the study and then get sent home where I already quit my job.
Any one have an answer to the payment question?
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
Is that an expense thay they cover up front and you pay it back when you go solo or is that out of pocket? Do you know of you can do the test somewhere else prior to going to Prime? I'm looking at going to Prime training in August. I'm hoping to lose a bunch of weight prior to leaving but need a backup plan just in case. It seems like they are hustling people. That's my fear. Showing up and not being able to afford the study and then get sent home where I already quit my job.
Any one have an answer to the payment question?
IF you get slated for a sleep study it works like this. You will get a 2 month med card instead of two year. You will NOT take your sleep exam until you finish your training period buy you WILL have to take it and get the results BEFORE you test for your CDL. The test costs $625 to the driver. Prime pays the almost $2400 balance. Yeah,you read that right. A sleep test costs about $3000. Still think Prime is out to screw their drivers then why would they pick up almost 3/4 of the cost of the test?? They WANT Safe drivers, bottom line. If you are shown to have sleep apnea you will be required by Prime to buy a cpap machine. If you pass then you only pay the $625 and again its taken out in small weekly amounts over the course of a year. The cost of both the test AND the machine are taken out in small weekly amounts over the course of a year. Now what will get you slated for a sleep study you ask?? Your BMI. 39 and above, BAM! Sleep study. So if your concerned, start losing weight NOW. My only beef with this is that i think EVERYONE should be required to undergo a sleep study because weight alone is not the only risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. Anyone could have it and not even exhibit the risk factors. Let me assure you, Prime is not "hustling" anyone. They want their drivers alert and safe. Put it this way. If your coming into this industry broke or low on cash then Prime may not be the best company for you. Prime require its drivers to purchase a LOT of equipment. Locks, load locks, tarps,straps,chains,etc...those are ALL on the driver to purchase. Now that being said,when you leave, its yours to keep, but you WILL be required to buy it. And you will NOT be making any income, other than an advance of $200/week while you are a student to eat. You do not earn an income until you pass your CDL and get hired,so just keep that in mind. Prime is a good company but its not the place to start if you need money NOW!!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
Hello my fellow trucking brothers. My cousin works for a sleep company and she told me to get a study BEFORE my dot exam.
If you get your sleep study AFTER your dot exam you will be referred and they let your safety manager know you are getting a test. The DOT doctor won't pass you until you get your study results. (I think you have 30 days to get it done or you can't pass your DOT) Then you have to go back after the test and sometimes repay for the dot exam again. They tried this at a care now office with one of my friends in Oklahoma. If you need a CPAP , they won't pass you until you show compliance on the machine. Sometimes they take you off the road till you are wearing the machine every night.
If you get the sleep study BEFORE your dot exam, you will be able to get your certificate because you already did the test. Also, they won't notify your safety manager because you already started treatment and are able to drive. They only tell the safety manager if you don't pass immediately.
I thought my sleep apnea would keep me from getting hired, but get your sleep study first and get compliant and you won't be flagged. The first mask they gave me drove me nuts, but my cousin's company gave me a new one and it is comfy. i slept 8-11 hours a night before and now i feel better only sleeping 7 with my cpap. Her company can do an approved home sleep test for under $300 and it is DISCREET so you won't be flagged. Her company is near Dallas in Texas. Feel free to ask any questions as i know i was scared and didn't have any buddies who knew. My email is bigtruckin65@gmail.com if you want the sleep test contact for under $300.
Just a Friendly tip: If you come to Prime and enroll in the student training program, you may be required to participate in a sleep apnea study. This wouldn't be so bad except they charge you about $600 to do so and if you don't, you can't move forward in the program and can't obtain your cdl. I'm enrolled in their Prime Student Driver program now and this came up today and cought many people by surprise. It seemed like it was targeted at the very overweight crowd. Other than that, it has been a great experience so far, and if all goes well, I'll be "cleared" and leave with my instructor on Saturday.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
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I was a little worried about this too, but according to the BMI calculator I am at 35. Hopefully I will not have to test. I know I do not have apnea, because I normally sleep soundly and I rarely feel like I need a nap. If I do end up having to test, I should be okay.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
Body Mass Index:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.