Cpap data retreival

I fought it from every angle I could. The way the FMCSA put the onus on the approved DOT certifying examiners shifted all the liability on to them.

A lot of doctors/clinics, etc, who used to do DOT physicals dropped out of the game once the FMSCA created that certification registry. My own physician was one of them who told me it wasn't worth it (for him) to jump through the hoops in order to receive a certification to do the physicals anymore.

I wouldn't be surprised if they have or will develop a national clearinghouse registry just like the one they're about ready to go live with for Alcohol and Drug reporting, for sleep apnea.

In other words, you go in for a physical and the certifying physician says you need a sleep apnea test, you refuse (decide to shop for someone who won't require it) and your name and CDL # is sent into the clearinghouse for refusing to take the test.

 

I use " Dreammapper "software. Before my DOT physical, I plug SIM card into my PC, launch Dreammapper, and print the past 30 day usage report. Pretty simple to use and my Doc says it works for him.

 

What's funny about the whole thing is you could technically go 11 mos without using it. Then the last 30 days before your next DOT physical use it 70% of the time 4 hrs a night, print the report and take it to examainer as it seems they're really only looking for previous 30 day compliance.

 

That is technically true, but not my scene. I use is all the time and really do need it.

 

My sleep study last year showed I have MILD apnea, 9.4 AHI. According to the previous "guidelines" issued by the FMCSA before they removed them altogether, that score wouldn't have even required CPAP.

However, because these certifiers are now scared sheat-less about getting sued by the slip and fall lawyers, they required I go on the mask if want to continue making a living as a commercial driver.

 

I've come to believe that those who really need the cpap definately know they have a problem. I knew for years before I finally did something about it. I started well before my CDL days. I disagree with being told I have to comply...I comply because of my health.

 

To add insult to the matter, back when I first started driving (speaking to a recruiter), I was discussing my cpap usage. They wanted to know the make and model number of my cpap machine. I told them. The recruiter said my machine is not listed on their approved device list. Go figure. Machine was 3 years old and issued through the VA. Was told I had to get a different machine because they couldn't confirm mine would work with their inverters. Needless to say, I told them no and moved on.

 

I agree. I never had any symptoms that were clear markers of sleep apnea.

 

I have a Dream station. There is an app for your phone you can use, but mine has a cellular modem. I just drive down the street a block and ask for a 30 day and 1 year report and they print em. No charge.

 

I use the MyAir app on my smart phone, it has a Report function where you can email a report to yourself showing how many days you have used it, and how many were over 4 hours.