[CPAP] Im a cdl driver they said i have to have at least 4 hours of machine and 70%

[denarmy]

Does those 4 hours have to be all at one time or can I stop and start again 2 or 3 hours later does any one know ????

[OpalRose]

Four hours total in one night.  Our machine days run noon to noon. As long as it totals 4, it can be split up.

It’s understandable when new at this, you may not be able to sleep more than a couple hours at a time. For some, it takes longer to adapt.

Not sure if Compliance rules for drivers are the same as what Medicare requires, but this is what you need to strive for:

The usage minimum is defined by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as using CPAP at least 4 hours nightly for 70 percent of the time. Over a week's time, minimum usage equals about 5 nights out of 7, using it for at least 4 hours every night.

This usually has to be accomplished within the first 90 days of therapy, with a Face to Face meeting with your doctor after the first 30 day period, but before the 90 day period is up.

[HalfAsleep]

Does those 4 hours have to be all at one time or can I stop and start again 2 or 3 hours later does any one know ????

This sounds like the standard insurance compliance requirement. I'm under those rules, too, and I hardly drive.

My understanding is that the compliance requirement can be met in whatever way. HOWEVER. I wouldn't recommend doing that to your body. A 4-hour stretch is not enough, even. Your body needs sleep. Let the CPAP take care of you, so you feel rested. You will be a safer driver, too: this is good for the rest of us.

Learn from this board how to put the pieces in place so your CPAP treatment is successful. You might start by reading "Success Stories" pinned at the top.

[trish6hundred]

Hi denarmy,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more answers to your question.
Good luck with CPAP therapy and getting used to it.

[SarcasticDave94]

Former CDL and current ASV guy: best I'm aware is that compliance is same as Medicare that we're familiar with. I am checking to be sure, but I think this is correct.

Here's one of our own threads:

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-CPAP-Compliance-in-relation-to-DOT



Dave B.

[speed3914]

Does those 4 hours have to be all at one time or can I stop and start again 2 or 3 hours later does any one know ????

Honestly if you find the right mask, 3-4 hours doesn't come into to play.  Try some different ones out and ask for feedback here.  I hated mine the first couple of days, and was directed to a new mask type and nasal cushion size.  Then it was like Nirvana.  Wouldn't trade it for anything....If you actually need this, find the correct mask and enjoy the results.  The mild inconvenience of the mask and hose is far outweighed by the benefits.   Never have I felt so rested in years!

[KSMatthew]

Does those 4 hours have to be all at one time or can I stop and start again 2 or 3 hours later does any one know ????

DOT wants 70% of your nights to be >=4 hrs of usage.  If you stop and start, you'll get there as long as you end up with >4 hrs that night.  So 2 hrs, then a break, then another 2 hrs the same night will be OK.  2 hrs one night and 6 hrs the next will only count night #2.  Your CPAP recording will be what's used, they *might* not look too closely at HOW those hours were accumulated, just that they ARE.



FAA (my requirements) are >75% at >6 hrs for a 12 month period, every year.  They accept a SleepyHead report.

[Ockrocket]

In NSW, Australia the RMS require a minimum 4 hours use in a 24 hour period, and a minimum 80% compliance.

[Sleep2Snore]

Just out of interest, here in the UK you have to use your machine for 5 hours and be below 5 Ahi before they will give you your driving licence and allow you to drive.
This is supposed to be the rule anyway, however, I have heard of this being bent by both doctors and the DVLA who controls driving licences over here.
If you are not compliant here you do not get a licence back after they suspend it when notified by you Sleep Doctor.
Some doctors bend the rules and do not notify the DVLA until you are compliant, however, you have to get it to work first time round.
For some this is very difficult to do, getting used to CPAP and become compliant in the first month or two before you go back to see the Sleep Doctor.  Most doctors realise that the dangerous driver is the driver that still has not been diagnosed.  So some bend the rules until they see you next, then they tell you you have to inform the DVLA.

Is there any restrictions on driving over there or is it just an insurance compliance thing so as you can keep using the equipment?

Answers on a post card please.

If there is, how would the law there affect visiting drivers?
Mind you this might generate a whole load of answers with different states and laws!

[MitchS]

My DOT examiner was looking for usage of at least 4 hrs on 70% of the last 30 days. I don't think you will have to worry about split nights. My DME prints a report for me at no charge. I just have to take my sd card to them. They also forward a copy of the report and my statement that cpap treatment is helping with my sleep apnea to my insurance company as proof of compliance, saving me a step in proving compliance each year.