Sleep Apnea Test
Topic 3291 | Page 4
We have an article about sleep apnea testing written by the owner of Spirit CDL Training in Northern Illinois called The Sleep Apnea Witch Hunt.
Just like drug testing became its own industry in recent decades, sleep apnea testing is also a big money maker. It's a real problem and getting diagnosed is life-changing for people. The problem is only a very small percentage of people have it and there's no solid way to know who's a good candidate for testing. Being overweight by a certain degree is the only tendency they really have to go on right now. If the test was only a few bucks it would make sense to test everyone. But nothing medical-related is ever a few bucks.
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.
Husky 6' @ 240, and I've snored, when sleeping ALL my life. LOL My mom, used to say, I could wake the dead with it. And I sleep like a rock, even thru some of Calif's hardest earthquakes. That's because I've always ran hard, 16-20 hours a day, and can fall right to sleep, even after drinking coffee 24/7. Lately, since I broke my leg, I wake every 2-3 hours, to pee mostly lol. I sleep on my sides as well, just more comfy. I Just seen someone selling their CPAP machine on craigslist here, for $50
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.
So, according to online calculator it says for my ht/wt I'm obese HAHAHAHA. @ 183 I'd be normal? pfffffft At that weight I'd look like scarecrow without the stuffing! Back when I was 30 (55 soon) I got down to 185 working out like a madman at the gym and home. Bulking up and looked anorexic. Face all sucked in, toothpick looking, popeye arms & legs LOL No Thank You!
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.
Yeah, they would really need a more thorough body composition test to determine obesity properly. Obviously guys with a lot of muscle and very little fat can still fall into the "overweight" realm when only using height/weight statistics.
When I had my DOT physical the DR. Gave me a 2 year med card and Roehl made them downgrade it to a 6 month due to my BMI. Roehl paid for the sleep study and I did it the night before my CDL test. I got the results back yesterday and I passed it, but it was STILL recommended I get a CPAP by the DR. who read the results. Keep in mind this DR. has never examined me and knows nothing of my medical history. I had the test done here in Marshfield and the DR. is in New Jersey! I told Roehl I would take the results to my family DR. and talk to her about the results because frankly, I have no idea what they mean so I have no idea if the recommendation is valid or not. I guess my whole point to this is, even if you pass the test a CPAP machine will still be recommended although it cannot be required.
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.
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.
I got the results back yesterday and I passed it, but it was STILL recommended I get a CPAP by the DR. who read the results
That's just really shady. It's so disappointing that you can't trust anyone anymore. Good luck getting an honest, unbiased recommendation from anyone that really is in your best interest and not the best interest of their pocket book.
[sarcasm] Thank God they run the medical field like a business and doctors get kickbacks on tests and recommendations. That's not disgusting at all! We wouldn't want an honest, helpful diagnoses and treatment (or the lack of unnecessary treatment) getting in the way of making a few extra bucks. Just sad.[/sarcasm]
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
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.
We're told always get a second opinion before any medical procedure, why can't you get a second opinion about needing a CPAP machine? Can you go to another DOT doctor for another opinion? Seems to me insurance companies would encourage this if they have to fork out money for expensive machines.
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.
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.
We're told always get a second opinion before any medical procedure, why can't you get a second opinion about needing a CPAP machine? Can you go to another DOT doctor for another opinion? Seems to me insurance companies would encourage this if they have to fork out money for expensive machines.
I don't have to get one since I passed the test, but I am going to go see my family doctor Tuesday to go over the results with her. The very fact they recommended I get a CPAP machine when I passed the standard makes me realize what a money maker this must be. I cannot interpret the results, so have no idea what they mean. I will have a better understanding after talking to my personal doctor.
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.
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.
I have been using a CPAP machine for a number of years. I have lost weight as well but still have enough of a problem to warrant the CPAP. I use it religiously and it works. I am applying for school this month and will be going for my physical soon. Should I be concerned if I'm under a doctor's care for this (and it is working)?
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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DOT Physical Sleep Apnea
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Believe it or not testing for sleep apnea is not a DOT requirement. When I went for my physical I was given a 3 month card stating I needed a sleep test. There is a great article about it in Land Line magazine May 2014. The rule says that:
A respirator dysfunction can be anything from asthma to cystic fibroses. A smoker could have a respirator dysfunction. I'm not against testing for sleep apnea but I can't afford a sleep test until I start working. Besides I sleep on my side all night long. It's interesting to note that the clinic were I got my physical at is attached to a sleep lab. Didn't notice it until after.
Commercial Motor Vehicle:
A commercial motor vehicle is any vehicle used in commerce to transport passengers or property with either:
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.