Began CPAP Use @ 18:00

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Trucker Kearsey 's Comment
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Tell the wife it is a new form of "kink". The oxygen inceases orgasms while promoting endurance for her needs. ;)

Men don't care what the woman has on her face. He would just turn out the lights.

BK's Comment
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Tell the wife it is a new form of "kink". The oxygen inceases orgasms while promoting endurance for her needs. ;)

Men don't care what the woman has on her face. He would just turn out the lights.

Let's just say that the CPAP mask is probably never gonna be considered a chick magnet. But I learned years ago that chicks aren't magnetic.

Got 4 hours of use in yesterday between 1800 and 2200. Stayed awake during that time so I could do periodic mask fit tests and monitor the machine. Really felt good to get it off my face at 2200, but I found that I can breathe just fine with the mask on. Tonight I will try to get to sleep with it on and see how that goes. During the day today, I hope to get some time to review the sleep apnea info on the TT archives to see what tips I can pick up about getting used to wearing the mask and falling asleep, which is my biggest worry at this point.

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.

Pete E Pothole's Comment
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What I learned to easily get to sleep on those nights where my mind wont stop wandering. I pick a letter from the alphabet, think of every word I can that begins with that letter, if I run out of words I pick a new letter. Been doing that for two years and it works for me. Heard about it on the radio. Good luck Bruce I know you want to drive so you will get it managed and be back on the road shortly.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Grumpy Old Man's Comment
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Progress report: A sneezing fit is not CPAP mask friendly. Almost caused my eyeballs to pop out of their sockets. Very dangerous.

Coughing is pretty rough also

Get the MyAir app and sign up on the website. Resmed.com/myAir

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.

Grumpy Old Man's Comment
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Falling asleep won’t be an issue when you are driving, I wouldn’t think. Staying asleep maybe, but I am so tired I fall asleep quickly, and even if I wake up I go right back to sleep. Melatonin (10 mg) will help if you really need it.

I find that routing the hose over my head allows me to toss and turn without getting tangled.

PSS also sent me a heated hose to help with dry mouth.

I have had an issue twice with the machine rebooting constantly. Eventually I get it to work but I worry it is going to die on the road.

TWIC:

Transportation Worker Identification Credential

Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.

Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Jeremy's Comment
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BK's Comment
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Thanks, Jeremy, that is hilarious!

I've been pleasantly surprised by my progress so far. My worry was that I wouldn't be able to get to sleep wearing the mask. So far, no problem. Been able to get my 4 hours in before I wake up to use the bathroom. Then I turn it off for the rest of the night. I might be able to live with this thing after all until I can get myself out of the risk group, I hope.

Rick S.'s Comment
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Thanks, Jeremy, that is hilarious!

I've been pleasantly surprised by my progress so far. My worry was that I wouldn't be able to get to sleep wearing the mask. So far, no problem. Been able to get my 4 hours in before I wake up to use the bathroom. Then I turn it off for the rest of the night. I might be able to live with this thing after all until I can get myself out of the risk group, I hope.

A couple of things to note here.

The "guidelines" used for testing (BMI/Neck Circumference) were the ones in FMCSA's "proposed rule", but never actually became a rule - because they were deemed "voodoo science", due to the fact that a large percentage of people who do not fit that criteria still have OSA. Inotherwords, you can be a pencil neck skinny person - and still have OSA. Though the risks DO increase with obesity.

So - you may drop a bunch of weight and STILL HAVE OSA, to the testing degree where you will continue to be required to use a CPAP.

So yes - DO lose weight - it is healthier for you in the long-term, heart disease, blood pressure & diabetes-wise (I went from 5'5"/270 to 200 and my HA1C dropped from 5.8 to 5.1). But don't get all freaked out if you lose enough to fall UNDER the (proven arbitrary) guidelines and still have OSA bad enough to require a CPAP.

People who ACTUALLY SUFFER FROM OSA, receive huge health benefits from properly using a CPAP , regardless of the hassles of doing so. It's not merely a matter of "getting into compliance", but improving your overall health.

But consider the possibility that, even after getting out of the "risk group", you may still be diagnosed with OSA - and use the experience with a CPAP to improve your health.

Just sayin...

Rick

CSA:

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)

The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle

FMCSA:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.

What Does The FMCSA Do?

  • Commercial Drivers' Licenses
  • Data and Analysis
  • Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
  • Research and Technology
  • Safety Assistance
  • Support and Information Sharing

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.

Fm:

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.
BK's Comment
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Rick, I totally understand what you say. I know I'll have to get to the point where I feel comfortable with another sleep study. If I have to use the CPAP machine permanently, I will and I'm sure soon I'll be accustomed to it.

One question I have: If and when I have another sleep study, can I get one done independently from the company program?

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.

PackRat's Comment
member avatar

Rick, I totally understand what you say. I know I'll have to get to the point where I feel comfortable with another sleep study. If I have to use the CPAP machine permanently, I will and I'm sure soon I'll be accustomed to it.

One question I have: If and when I have another sleep study, can I get one done independently from the company program?

Sure you can, but the real question is whether your company will recognize the results, and/or pay for it.

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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