Sleep Apnea Question
Topic 19490 | Page 1
Also, I forgot to mention that I work at a rest area and seeing these trucks go by every day and hearing the drivers talk about the money they make is why I'd like to get into trucking.
Very unlikely you can "skate" by. They will ask if you have it, plus your BMI will require the sleep study.
- Getting Started With The DOT Physical
- DOT Blood Pressure Requirements
- DOT Drug and Alcohol Policies & Testing
- DOT Eye & Vision Exam Requirements
- DOT Hearing Requirements
- DOT Physical - Driver Exemptions
- Hair Follicle vs. Urinalysis Drug Testing: Breakdown By Company
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Guidelines & Advice
- Sleep Apnea , Truck Drivers, & BMI Calculator
- Sleep Apnea Information & BMI Calculator
- Forum Topics Tagged "Sleep Apnea"
- Article: The Sleep Apnea Witch Hunt
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.
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.
What if I tell them I don't and I lose a bunch of weight? I know a guy who drives for a major company and has it and didn't tell them about it and he still gets 2 year cards.
I know your pain man. 330 here and I have sleep apnea real bad. Here is what I will tell you. Prime will pay the cost upfront and charge you only 25% of the total cost in $80 a week payments. Now that the financial stuff is out if the way. You may be able to cope with sleep apnea, but the hours and job requirements will put a toll on your body. If your not fully rested the following things can result: 1. Worst of all falling asleep at the wheel. When your bodies tired it can only go so long before it needs to shut down. 2. Your going to be more fatigued so you may not be as alert when you drive or you may skip on things to save time. These things could result in tickets, putting your truck in the shop or worse. 3. Loss of money, your not going to be 100%. So your going to shut down earlier, may not feel ready to go when you need to. I have the machine yes it is not ideal, but I am so glad I feel light years different now that I'm on it. I suggest you just dive in and do it. It's better for you.
Other options may be surgery to open the airway.
Good luck
What if I tell them I don't and I lose a bunch of weight? I know a guy who drives for a major company and has it and didn't tell them about it and he still gets 2 year cards.
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.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
What it really comes down to is - if you HAVE been diagnosed with OSA - and you DENY IT on a DOT Medical Form, you are LYING on a Federal Form.
If you are that overweight - you WILL BE TESTED for OSA. If you were "borderline" on BMI (I think most companies use 35 now as the "magic number"), sometimes you can slide by.
At 400lbs - you are far from "borderline". If you are found to have OSA (which you already know you have), you will be REQUIRED to use a machine that allows the company to VERIFY COMPLIANCE. Don't/Can't - no driving for you.
That was one of the things I was wondering at "Mid America Truck Show" a couple of months ago. Looking at these guys - how in the HELL do they pass a DOT Physical?
Aside from all the other potential health complications that come with being 200lbs overweight (BP, Diabetes, etc.) - OSA can be a KILLER. My best/oldest friend, ended up having to be fitted with a PACEMAKER because his OSA was so bad, his heart was stopping. And he's only 30lbs overweight.
But back to trucking.
You probably want to consider shaking some poundage, and getting your health in order - before you attempt to get into a trucking job.
Rick
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.
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.
Rick speaks truth here. Denny you need to sharpen your pencil and get cracking about what it's really gonna take, 'cause truckers aren't making "tons of money". But as a rest area worker, I can certainly sympathize with your desire to move up. Set some realistic goals, like losing weight, using your cpap , get honest talk from truckets (like here) and check back in with us here later. You're not in a position right now to hit the road.
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.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
I have sleep apnea but am not currently treating it. I tried the machine but I just couldn't do it. Anyways, I know somewhere I can go get a physical and a 2 year card and then go to school. What companies would let me skate on the sleep apnea thing if I already have a 2 year card? I am also 400 lbs. I am going to try to lose 200 pounds in a year and then maybe it will go away or something?
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.