Sleep-Apnea..AUTO-Related to your license

fatchuk · ST MARYS, ONTARIO

Sleep-Apnea..AUTO-Related to your license

slim · DUNDAS, ONT

Sleep-Apnea..

Gwillyville Kid · BRADFORD, ONT

I do. Been using it for about 6 years. I have Never slept better.
My CPAP is about as loud as an aquarium. I Recently had a chance to use a brand new machine for 2 weeks. It was silent. My "mask" is about the size of a roll of Lifesavers candy. Fits up to my nose, 2 elastic straps over my head.
I sleep much better than before I began using it.
I recommend it to anyone snoring or with obstructive sleeping.
Keep in mind if you are diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea and don't seek treatment, you could have your Driver's License suspended.
Best sleep of your life. The Government pays about 75%, you or your insurance company pays the balance. It's worth it.

the Kid

DaveM · ONTARIO

10 years on a machine. Full mask works better for me.

hemi43 · ONTARIO

DaveM wrote:
10 years on a machine. Full mask works better for me.

Makes you look better too !! Just sayin' biggrin biggrin

fatchuk · ST MARYS, ONTARIO

So I just found out..I was diagnosed in 04 and ignored it as I did not want to use that machine..I am now dealing with the ministry..10 years later new Dr reported that I am not being treated..what upsets me is not one health professional has ever told me it had anything to do with my license..in 50 years of driving I have not had one traffic ticket in the last 35 years or accident, I do have a machine now so far for me it sucks but I am trying to deal with it..first night on it last night I feel like a prehistoric monster and I think I just laid awake all night feel like a bag of dinasour dung to-day... I have have not had any notification of my license yet..hoping that now that I am in compliance I will be O.K...

BARRIE, ONTARIO

how does this affect your driver licence ??..77.

el toro · LONDON, ONT

I've been on the machine for 2yrs6mo. and I haven't slept this good ever. It took a little getting used to but now as soon as I put it on 2-3 min I'm out for 6-7hrs and that's all I need before I woke up tired everyday. I use the same mask as Kid. Slim I don't have mine for work but I've got a buddy that does, at first he was pissed but after half a dozen trips to Macallen Tx. he started sleeping better on the road, now he has an extra machine for home. Canadians should pick up parts in the States though about 1/3 the cost.

427CARL · CLINTON, ONT

Glad your having good experiences I went for the test caused panic attacks Doctor recommended sex before bed That seems to work !!

slim · DUNDAS, ONT

Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with the government subsidizing these things for those that are willing to work it out and use it . I know more then a few people with these collecting dust in the corner. just funny seems just about anyone that goes for the test has it , Same goes for A D D and the list goes on . If someone has driven safely for the last 50 or so year including 10 years with a diagnosis without this thing only proves that their railroading the public. Sure they may feel better and live longer but thats not the point . What next!!! will you have to show up at the MTO with a picture of you and your Doctor with his finger up your butt to renew your license.

2inchestoolow · CLARINGTON, ONTARIO

I was diagnosed about a year ago with sleep apnea, I used to wake up as tired as I was when I went to bed, tired all day with low energy...this had been going on for a number of years (and I am only 36) and I had to figure out why. My wife pushed me to go get checked out because I was stopping breathing for long periods of time and it worried her.
It was difficult to get used to, thank-god I am already married with kids otherwise I could see this being a real downer LOL. Now I don't like sleeping without it.

My mask is small, and fits over just my nose, the machine is new and makes virtually no sound.

You will get used to it, hang in there. If your apnea is as bad as mine, it WILL make a big difference.

spinner43 · NEW DUNDEE, ONT

I can put my hand up as well, was diagnosed 6 years ago when I stopped breathing and woke up in ER. Have used it ever since even when traveling out of the country. I take the retest every 2 years and have had it adjusted after the last test. I had my license suspended for 3 months when it first happened until the doctor finished his testes then reinstated it. I had not had my license for 50 years but after 30 years and being an AZ it was upsetting. No problems since but there more people than you would think have the problem or should be treated.

Gazoo · BADEN, ONT

hemi43 wrote:
DaveM wrote:
10 years on a machine. Full mask works better for me.
Makes you look better too !! Just sayin'

Dave, RUN!

Gazoo · BADEN, ONT

427CARL wrote:
Glad your having good experiences I went for the test caused panic attacks Doctor recommended sex before bed That seems to work !!

How much for a Viagra? biggrin

Gazoo · BADEN, ONT

All kidding aside, I was diagnosed also. My wife got very stressed with me stopping breathing while I sleep, that she would sleep very little herself, as she would be monitoring my breathing... I have yet to get the device, but I most certainly will get one.
I only sleep on average, maybe 5 hours a day, and that's not an uninterrupted sleep. The lack of sleep is catching up on me, and I'm feeling it.

DaveM · ONTARIO

It is also hard on your heart. Trying to make up for the reduced oxygen level in your blood during apnea events, your heart rate increases. So at a time when your heart should be slowed down taking it easy, it can working harder than when you are awake. Years and years this can/will take it's toll.

My first test showed 35 events in a 2 hour period. That was the longest period of uninterrupted sleep. Moderate OSD events are 15 to 30 seconds. I had 14 minutes is that 2 hour period that I was not breathing, and my heart rate was increased. Eye opener.

Your doctor can notify the ministry of ANY medical condition that he thinks may impair your ability to drive. It would have to be pretty severe OSD causing major fatigue issues for a doctor to report it.

fatchuk · ST MARYS, ONTARIO

Physicians' Duty to Report Patients

In Ontario the law requires that physicians report patients who, in the opinion of the physician, may be unfit to drive for medical reasons. The mandatory reporting requirement for physicians is found in Section 203 of the Highway Traffic Act. The requirement states:

Every legally qualified medical practitioner shall report to the Registrar the name, address and clinical condition of every person sixteen years of age or over attending upon a medical practitioner for medical services, who, in the opinion of such medical practitioner is suffering from a condition that may make it dangerous for such person to operate a motor vehicle.
No action shall be brought against a qualified medical practitioner for complying with this section.
The report referred to in subsection (1) is privileged for the information of the Registrar only and shall not be open for public inspection, and such report is inadmissible in evidence for any purpose in any trial except to prove compliance with subsection (1). R.S.O. 1980, c. 198, s.. 203.

Similar provisions are in place for optometrists to report visual conditions (s. 204).

This legislation has been in place since 1968 and was enacted at the request of the medical community. The request was made due to the medical community's concerns about their inability to persuade unfit patients to stop driving.

Every legally qualified medical practitioner shall report to the Registrar (of Motor Vehicles) . . . every person 16 years of age . . . . who, in the opinion of the medical practitioner, is suffering from a condition that may make it dangerous for the person to operate a motor vehicle.” Although Section 203(2) protects me from litigation, this still does not help me in assessing driving risk. Despite this statutory duty to report, I am not the “license police” but a patient advocate. My job is to better treat him to reduce the risk. Having done the best I can, and with the patient fully aware of the requirements of law, I notify the Ministry of Transportation that Mr. Z has OSA, is under treatment, and that as long as he is compliant with therapy, he is not at risk for driving.

Read More: http://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/ajrccm.165.6.2107112#.Uno_tDuEgdU

Frustrating to me is if this is the LAW why did my previous Dr (now retired) never tell me..(old school DR ?) Nobody from the sleep clinic nor my New family Dr did..Till I got a copy of the Letter they sent to the ministry..Had they just done this and informed me if I didn't comply they have to report me..I should get a lawyer and sue them for not informing me I was risking my life and others if it was so important..But as usual the little guy gets his a$$ in a sling because they didn't do their due diligence..and explain it to me..no wonder people do not want to tell their Dr anything about any issue that could or may affect their license OR insurance ..We all know any excuse is good enough for the Insurance to jack our rates up..

Somebody mentioned about having one but they can't even tell if your using it or not..Well I have a new machine just acquired It on Monday ..and they can and do and will monitor you it has a computer program and and SD card that has to be submitted that has all the information on it when you used, and how long you used ,and sticking it under your pillow with it running will not work..I have to submit my Sd card after thirty days..gthey have not suspended my license as of yet but I do have to submit the card to show compliance..I have had non of the symptons anymore as I was working 16 hrs a day back then running my auto repair business all day and running my tow-truck on call at night I was out all night on many nights and Like Gazoo said I was having terrible sleep habit's, stopping breathing in my sleep, snoring, sweating bad during the night, I do not recall ever falling asleep during the day, just too damn busy..I have not had any of these issues for the last 5 years or more ..no matter once diagnosed your are on the list for life...anyway many of us see the tag line..." I want to die like my grandfather ..peacefully in my sleep not like all his passengers screaming in the back seat" and don't realise how many people it does happen to..So far I hate the damn thing but I sure don't want to be responsible to hurt or kill anybody if I fell asleep driving nor would I want it to happen to anyone in my family ..Sleep apnea also is a cause of high blood pressure, stokes, heart attacks, and several other health issues..So I guess if I want to be around to drive and enjoy my rod ,my grand children , sunny days, road trips, swap-meets and for sure the E.L.T.A. bash and most of all alive to enjoy the rest of my life with my great, gorgeous and wonderful wife and best friend ..I am going to give it my best shot..but I still hate that in 2013 it is such an invasive archaic piece of **** to control this medical condition and I hate that Drs are such a$$holes that they sneak behind your back to report you rather than just look you in the eye and tell you the truth or have you sign a form that they have in fact made you aware of their responsibility to make you aware of this medical condition.. Just sayn..

Cat in the Hat · BRANTFORD, ONT

I also stopped breathing while I slept

I went to the Dr for all kinds of tests...........

Turns out it was my first x wife holding a pillow over my face while I was sleeping

hemi43 · ONTARIO

RE: Sleep-Apnea..AUTO-Related to your license

58Chev · ETOBICOKE, ONT

Jeez Chuk,
Does my signature bug you that much? smile smile

My wife was relegated to use a CPAP machine and it saw one or two nights of use. Been sitting in the closet for the past 5-6 yrs.

I gotta get her to read through some of these posts and maybe she will change her mind.

fatchuk · ST MARYS, ONTARIO

Well Frank I guess if you want her to leave you early or have a stoke, heart attack, or worse and she has the symptoms that it is used to treat ..what can I say..I have used it for two nights..first night I never slept all night , last night I slept pretty good. mask sucks and it's a bitch trying to kiss the old girl good-night, the dog won't even climb in bed with me with this vacuum cleaner hose and mask on..and yes I hate it but ...BUT..I still think all I gotta do is look around and see what so many other people have , gotta say I am lucky that in the dark of my bedroom I can put this piece of chit on my face and it will add several years to my life to keep my heart healthy and like your tag line I won't die like your grandfather and I won't be risking other peoples life's ..That is the part that scared the bejeepers out of me "that I could be risking other peoples lives and my own family if they were with me..I have never had tiredness when driving but it is one of the symptoms of sleep-apnea..anyway I am going to try to learn to live with it so I will have to try a few different masks till I find the right one My bitch was that the medical profession did not inform me....THEY DID NOT TELL ME IT HAD ANYTHING TO DO MY DRIVING OR MY LICENSE...till they just up and reported me for not having a cpap..

new machine with SD for monitoring patient and reporting to ministry at their request...

hemi43 · ONTARIO

Wow !! A machine that records if/when you're using it, so it can be used against you by reporting it to the Government. That right there people scares me a whole lot more than Apnea itself !!

fatchuk · ST MARYS, ONTARIO

yep more emphasis on the reporting capability than the quality of the mask that's for sure..masks suck and cost around $260.00 each ..worth about $50.00 but when they are in your shorts whatcha gonna do...Big brother is alive and in your bedroom..!!!! who'd-a-thunk...now they can tell if I get through the night for a "P" it will measure the time I remove the mask to "P" ... Next we will have to install Web cams above the door to your bedroom for monitoring us!!!!!!!!!..Yikes...

poncho62 · ADMINISTRATOR

Didnt realize so many people are afflicted with this.....About 10 years ago, I had a lot of trouble sleeping, thought maybe I might have it. Turns out once I stopped working shift work, I sleep like a baby.......

fatchuk · ST MARYS, ONTARIO

What ! you wear diapers and sleep with a soother...yikes biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

shorts · PICKERING, ONT

Did i hear some one say shorts I to where the mask and LOVE IT great sleeps now in the old days I was waking up each hour now I sleep 7 to 8 hours get the small nose mask works for me.

hemi43 · ONTARIO

shorts wrote:
Did i hear some one say shorts I to where the mask and LOVE IT great sleeps now in the old days I was waking up each hour now I sleep 7 to 8 hours get the small nose mask works for me.

Translation;

Did i hear someone say "Shorts" ?? I too, wear the mask, and "LOVE IT"! Great sleeps now!

In the old days I was waking up each hour, but now I sleep 7 to 8 hours. Get the small nose mask! It works for me .

Sorry Mark, had to do it.. smile smile

johnod · SOUTHERN ONTARIO

I fail to see the connection between this and driving.
It's been a long time since I studied for a driving exam, but I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to be asleep while driving.

Cat in the Hat · BRANTFORD, ONT

If you have a commercial DL they could pull your license because you are at risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

Unless you have the Machine

-- Edited by Grumpsbodyworks on Thursday 5th of December 2013 01:34:21 PM

Seeker1056 · DOURO, ONT

anyone got a machine they are not using - I will take it :)

dualquadpete · BLACKSTOCK, ONT

Buddy of mine in my car club has this, Doc. said after test he'd pull his dr.lic. if he didn't get on 'the program' Apparantly, he woke up 90 to 100 times thru the test night, & he had said that he was just as tired when he woke up in morning as he was when he went to sleep!!! Since the machine, he feels great, & his wife says the heavy snoring has gone & she sleeps better too!!!!!

GhostPost · ONTARIO

sleep what the hell is that

hemi43 · ONTARIO

GhostPost wrote:
sleep what the hell is that

It's what the wife does when you walk into the bedroom naked !!

GhostPost · ONTARIO

Touché

janies dirty 37 · SOUTH RIVER, ONT

hemi43 wrote:

GhostPost wrote:
sleep what the hell is that
It's what the wife does when you walk into the bedroom naked !!

You mean when she is done laughing confuse

Cat in the Hat · BRANTFORD, ONT

Touch eh ?

427CARL · CLINTON, ONT

I think the machines are a scam A shot of rum and a sleeping pill does the job

2inchestoolow · CLARINGTON, ONTARIO

Drinking alcohol makes my apnea FAR worse....thank god for my machine! LOL

Canadian Poncho · PEI

I have it really bad. I'm not having a lot of luck with the machine. When I wear just the nose mask I tend to breath out of my mouth. When I wear the full mask it leaks unless I lie on my back. I also have a dental appliance that works. It forces your lower jaw out slightly thus opening the airways. It was big bucks ($2300) however after 2 years of wearing it I'm starting to get TMJ (clicking jaw) so I may have to start using the machine again.

fatchuk · ST MARYS, ONTARIO

Well after I refused to get one or get the prescription filled after the sleep clinic dr advised me to get one I just kept dragging my feet about it till I got a letter from the witch Dr from the sleep clinic that she reported me to the Ministry and they took my driving priviledges away ..I had no choice...I had tried those mouth pieces and they were just crap for me.. and my wife just kept a broom stick beside the bed to poke me with and even slept in the spare room many nights because of my snoring and constant jerking awake and choking from stoping breathing through the night she was afraid I was not going to wake up and she couldn't take it ..So I finaly had to deal with it..I had one about 9 or 10 years ago and I used it about 5 maybe 6 times and never again ..The one I have now is light years ahead of that old piece of crap..This one is auto start..Just automatically starts when I put thee mask on..Shuts off when I take it off..I was having trouble at first ..I had a full mask and felt a bit confined first couple nights then tried a nose mask ,mouth kept falling open ( part of my promlem in life keeping my mouth shut) tried a chin strap..eventualy went back to face mask and for the last 5 weeks I have been on it..I just got my license reinstated yesterday..I have to admit..I sleep way way better..feel pretty damn good in the morning for a fat old man..feel like I had a good nights rest..my wife moved back into bed with me she said she sleeps better than she has in 25 years..and if I don't wear it I can move to the spare room ..So I have come to realise it is much better for my health and I really do feel a lot better much more energy during the day and less appitite ..I actually would not be with out it now..I feel very lucky that I had a life threatning disease that I can just wear a little device at night to correct it , don't have to go out in the public nor does anybody stare at me ..like I have some contagious disease..but this crazy little machine has improved my overall health and I wish I would gotten used to using this stupid thing years ago..So if you have sleep-apnea if your waking up feeling like you would just like for it be Sat so you can sleep later but still but still feel like a bag of grumps bodyworks..falling asleep in your chair at night,fall asleep at stop lights, all I can say is put your pride behind you and get one ..You will feel much better, yep it's wierd but you can if you want to find a way to get comfortable with it ..I sleep on my stomach ,my side , and I find ways to make it comfortable to deal with..so you can too...It has for sure make my life better and my wifes..I think my dog even likes it he has started to sleep on my bed and don't care that I look like a hospital patient monster at night it's quiet and he gets a good nights sleep..every bodys happy around here ..It's a wonderful life... biggrin biggrin biggrin

SadSack · New Member

I'm new here.

Sleep clinic report says I have severe sleep apnea and the nasty sleep doctor says he's under an obligation to report me to MTO for his own liability despite the fact that I've started treatment as advised.

I don't know what has become of the medical profession. They're more interested in saving their backs than helping the patient. He's putting me under extreme stress that I'm unable to sleep well despite using the CPAP.

I know ten people who have apnea and have not asked doctor's help because of the fear of being reported and they probably never will. It seems that if you seek medical help, you're more than likely to be penalized by the system.

SadSack · New Member

dualquadpete wrote:
Buddy of mine in my car club has this, Doc. said after test he'd pull his dr.lic. if he didn't get on 'the program' Apparantly, he woke up 90 to 100 times thru the test night, & he had said that he was just as tired when he woke up in morning as he was when he went to sleep!!! Since the machine, he feels great, & his wife says the heavy snoring has gone & she sleeps better too!!!!!

So, did the doc report him? I'm curious since my nasty sleep doctor says he'll report me despite the fact that I'm following his treatmen.

dualquadpete · BLACKSTOCK, ONT

NO but said if he didn't get the machine[ after being tested positive] and "get with the program" he'd have his lic. suspended!!! That was enough to get him on it!!!

Ground Pounder · Senior Member

First off: Just Really curious how many of the posters on this thread are or were Smokers/welders/Bodymen or confined tradesman.?
Second ...Look at things this way with an open mind...[Y]our license as in not yours It's [t]heirs
You made an application for such.
Application in law means to beg.
You see you begged them too do something that was already "LAWFUL"
So they could now dictate too you their rules...An you all fell for it!
The issues are though that you were not told these things there fore full disclosure [section 24]was not met with in the contract an at such point said contract also becomes Null and Void.
Also what ever is written against the constitution is of no force nor effect.
You will also notice you were asked to sign inside a box? A signature inside a box is not part an parcel of any said contract outside of said box.
It's already Void think outside the box..Huh!

Ok so back to the Question? How many of the posters on this thread used too smoke or still does...?

Also too add to the question how many folks run/ran their cars race/toys/hotrods/snowmobiles /everyday drivers in a repair garage/hobby garage etc. during winter months or summer with in-Adequate ventilation.

i mention the latter part of the question because i use to watch a guy with a race car run it inside his shop an when you walked by youcould not even see him for the exhaust in the air never mind the smell...
I am very surprised that the guy is still alive.

Thanks all the best.

-- Edited by Ground Pounder on Tuesday 3rd of January 2017 11:50:55 AM

-- Edited by Ground Pounder on Tuesday 3rd of January 2017 06:38:52 PM

Seeker1056 · DOURO, ONT

well - I fought having one for years - hated the noisy cumbersome thing.
Fast forward to a year ago and having some severe issues with fatigue, and sudden vertigo.
Did all the testing again - and now have a new machine, and a really small nasal mask that fits just under your nose with one small strap.
It is almost dead quiet and no issues with my mouth hanging open like with the old machine. Cant explain the difference

What I can say is for the first time in 20+ years I sleep more than 3-5 hours at a time, and wake up refreshed in the morning - or at least as refreshed as someone my age can be.
The other nice thing is that I am no longer up three times a nite to pee - which apparently is really bad for your kidneys and bladder (ASK ME HOW I KNOW) - never mind your heart and such.

I hate it, but I love it, and would never go back to not using it.

My family is ecstatic as my snoring was literally louder than a 747 under full take off - and now there is zero snoring.

as to Dr's and reporting -they have no choice - they can go to jail for not reporting what the government believes is a possible danger to society.

AND - if your insurance company ever got wind that any accident you were in could be attributed in any way, like slower reflexes due to fatigue - at fault or not - and you were not doing your treatment - you most likely have no insurance - nor will you likely ever get regular insurance again. That means a facility policy in the thousands of dollars per year premiums

Backfire · Member

I just recently got diagnosed myself. I'm also in the "severe" category.
My results based on a 6 1/2 hr. sleep lab.
I slept 5 1/2 hrs.(sounds good eh?).
Out of those 5 1/2 hours, I woke up 55 times and quit breathing 88 times for up to 49.7 seconds and got 0 % deep sleep.
When you stop breathing your lungs are empty so it's nothing like holding your breath.
No oxygen is getting to your blood and that's what's dangerous.

The Dr. has no option to report it to the MTO. Also where I had to get my CPAP machine, they made me sign a form to release my info to the government (privacy act.).
Although I was told by the sleep lab. specialist that I was a "high risk" at driving and at work for an accident.
For some reason, the ministry of transport and auto insurance has issues with you driving. But yet the ministry of labour and short term/long term disability insurance from work are not viable options (I operate large automated equipment and rotating shifts).

I've been on the CPAP since August myself and unlike Seeker, I just can't get used to the damn thing.
I've tried 5-6 different masks and I find the nose mask works best.
The noise from the blowing air coming out of the vent and the hose itself are a real bitch to get used to.
I have my CPAP set at 13.4 if that means anything to you. The initial machine they put you on is an APAP, it has a variable amount of pressure it ranges from 3.1 to 9.1.

And my unit is WIFI, so "they" can monitor or check if I've been using it.

Pounder, to answer your question I was a smoker. I quit over 8 years ago. I believe that the symptoms of Sleep Apnea are more prevalent in over weight or heavy set people. Which is not my case.

MyTFine · SAULT STE MARIE, ONT

Just thought I would add my 2 cents. I have been on a Bipap machine for 20 years now was diagnosed when I was 30 and a heck of a lot thinner. I sometimes disagree about the weight part of it my apnea was severe and my machine is set at 17 inhale and 10 when I exhale. At that pressure it took a long time to get use to it but all I can say is keep trying. I woke up many nights at the start with the mask on the floor and then eventually it was still on when I woke up. It is a great way of life once your used to it. I only went without it in once for a weekend when I forgot it at home. It was a weekend from hell. You don't know how much it helps until you go with out it after many years. I am currently on my 4th new machine and the technology has really changed in 20 years mind you I like my original big brick from way back. The rate I was going I would have probably beat my dad who died at 46 from heart issues but I keep on chugging along with my little machine. Last sleep lab was routine and everything was good just had to have it so I could get my latest machine. I use a mask that goes over my nose and almost works like a hovercraft so it moves with you and prevents air leaks at high pressures. Sitting at 17 I can make money at the beach blowing up air mattresses.
Good luck and keep trying.
Pete

Petebil · ONTARIO

The only time the Doctor will notify MTO is only if you refuse treatment. If you get diagnosed, insist on an APAP machine NOT CPAP.

Backfire · Member

Petebil wrote:
The only time the Doctor will notify MTO is only if you refuse treatment. If you get diagnosed, insist on an APAP machine NOT CPAP.

Mild to moderate cases or not reported unless you refuse treatment maybe. Severe cases are reported no matter what.

Do you have Sleep Apnea Petebil ?

Why would an APAP be better and not a CPAP ?

As I've asked that question to the Dr. and the lab technician as well as the place where I was "fitted" with my CPAP machine.

All told me that the APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) I got temporarily was only used to survey my breathing requirements.

These pressures would then be set in what became my permanent unit, the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure).

My understanding is that in my case of severe the APAP is NOT good, as it ramps up the pressure when it detects it's needed and due to the frequency of my stopping breathing I would still experience short periods of lack of oxygen by the time the unit would ramp up to the required pressure.

Therefore the CPAP is better in my case.

Mild to moderate cases, I can see where the APAP would be better. The APAP is a lot easier to get used to, as you don't have the high pressure pumped into you as you are trying to fall asleep.

Petebil · ONTARIO

Backfire wrote:
Petebil wrote:
The only time the Doctor will notify MTO is only if you refuse treatment. If you get diagnosed, insist on an APAP machine NOT CPAP.

Do you have Sleep Apnea Petebil ?
Why would an APAP be better and not a CPAP ?

Yes i do.

I had a CPAP machine for a few months and hated it because the constant pressure would blow the mask off my face unless I had it so tight it was painful. My pressure was around 11. I then went to an APAP machine, and it was a world of a difference better because the pressure is around 5 unless I need it. I've had the same machine now for a few years but could never get used to the full face mask. I never thought I could get used to just the nasal mask, but about 6 months ago I tried it and after a couple nights I wondered why I never tried it before. Things are comfortable now and I get good sleep. When I first got diagnosed with apnea, the first thing I asked my doctor was the reporting to MTO, and that's when he told me that only in rare occurrences when a patient refuses treatment he is forced to report it. Another thing he told me is that if everyone was tested for apnea, everyone would have it to some degree. As far as someone with Apnea, I really don't see why they would be a higher risk on the roads. I have never heard of a car accident that was caused by it.