Booo! Need modem indefinitely...

Talked to the company provided DME the other day. Apparently they haven't gotten any compliance info since...Feb 2? *snork* they are RIGHT on things...I got to again explain how I bought 2 new machines, swapped the old PR modem for a ResMed...she asked if I also took back the APAP? Umm...HELL no? Bought and paid for, I'm KEEPING it. I also asked just HOW LONG I need to prove compliance via modem. Apparently, as long as I drive for the current employer. *sigh* Even though I have awesome compliance, it still feels too much like mommy is watching to make sure I behave. And they got the equipment change info. I believe they may be incompetent.

So you drive for a living and will have your sleep monitored till you change jobs? Creepy! Once they see compliance they should cut the cord!

I could see this coming because of the added liability of a diagnosed noncompliant driver in not only DOT stops but in accident lawsuits. The companies will want proof to stand behind.
It does feel invasive but that's where we are today.

I'm sorry if you feel like someone is watching--they are!
All they care about is compliance, though, if that's any comfort.

postitnote wrote:So you drive for a living and will have your sleep monitored till you change jobs? Creepy! Once they see compliance they should cut the cord!

as a person who's potentially going to get run over by 80000lbs of truck/trailer driven by someone who's fallen asleep at the wheel because of untreated apnea,

I'm completely behind continuing monitoring.

there's to many people out there who don't think there's anything wrong with them, and as soon as they prove 'compliance' they're going to quit using it and go back to their old nodding ways.

This is why I only get a 1 year DOT medical card, BTW...and really...IF they are going to monitor, should they NOT notice things aren't happening in a shorter time than a MONTH? I bet a lot can happen in a month.

You give them too much credit.

palerider wrote:

postitnote wrote:So you drive for a living and will have your sleep monitored till you change jobs? Creepy! Once they see compliance they should cut the cord!

as a person who's potentially going to get run over by 80000lbs of truck/trailer driven by someone who's fallen asleep at the wheel because of untreated apnea,

I'm completely behind continuing monitoring.

there's to many people out there who don't think there's anything wrong with them, and as soon as they prove 'compliance' they're going to quit using it and go back to their old nodding ways.

They need to worry about the drivers running over their hours of service! Just how can they find out someone has sleep apnea? Do they force people to go for sleep studies? My husband drives OTR and has never had to be tested. Not symptomatic either. Very healthy too and he only gets a 1 year medical card too. He goes to the occupational health place that employers use around here. Same place they send them for drug testing. So how do they know then? What if a driver doesn't say they are tired. If a doctor asks because they look tired they can say they didn't sleep well the night before or something like that. I'm all for treating SA but I also don't like that people's rights seem to be taken from them.

You are now required to go to a DOT approved doctor. They have been instructed to screen for sleep apnea and use the Epworth questionnaire but also neck size and BMI. If you fail these you are required to get a sleep study and show compliance before getting a physical for longer than a few months.
I didn't have problems with sleeping or sleepiness during the day that I knew about. But I'm glad I had to do the study because CPAP has helped so many other health problems that I didn't know were caused by SA.

postitnote wrote: but I also don't like that people's rights seem to be taken from them.

what "rights" would those be, then?

did I miss something in the constitution about the right to increase the danger to others out on the road because it's too onerous to have someone make sure you're taking your medicine?

Tatooed Lady wrote:Talked to the company provided DME the other day. Apparently they haven't gotten any compliance info since...Feb 2? *snork* they are RIGHT on things...I got to again explain how I bought 2 new machines, swapped the old PR modem for a ResMed...she asked if I also took back the APAP? Umm...HELL no? Bought and paid for, I'm KEEPING it. I also asked just HOW LONG I need to prove compliance via modem. Apparently, as long as I drive for the current employer. *sigh* Even though I have awesome compliance, it still feels too much like mommy is watching to make sure I behave. And they got the equipment change info. I believe they may be incompetent.

I think you are right on all counts here. I know it feels demeaning to have them watch so closely over your shoulder. I know you have a great attitude toward using your CPAP, but I suspect there are those out there who would only use the CPAP during annual compliance monitoring periods if they knew they could get away with it. Unfortunately you are caught in the same net of constantly monitored (supposedly) compliance as those who would try to find a way around the system.

If they just checked the data on your SD card when you take an annual or maybe semi annual physical for DOT complience that could make them happy and get around your nanny issue.

What happens when the SD card gets corrupted the night before the exam then? If they need data for year round compliance then the only sure way would be the modem.

JoeWingrove wrote:What happens when the SD card gets corrupted the night before the exam then? If they need data for year round compliance then the only sure way would be the modem.

If the SD card is corrupted, the machine itself has the compliance data on board and can easily be examined.

I agree with Tattoed Ladie: This is creepy---She's doing the right thing, but has to undergo some very serious invasions of her privacy just to maintain her job. The whole idea of modems attached to CPAPs for monitoring compliance bugs me because it is a de facto invasion of privacy.

palerider wrote:

postitnote wrote: but I also don't like that people's rights seem to be taken from them.

what "rights" would those be, then?

did I miss something in the constitution about the right to increase the danger to others out on the road because it's too onerous to have someone make sure you're taking your medicine?

Basic human rights! I'm not talking about constitutional law here. The right to privacy in our own homes. What's next? Why not peak in on our local law enforcement to make sure they aren't drinking till 1am when they have to work the next day. Truckers have more to deal with than just being sleepy. People in cars cause lots of accidents that involve semis. Many truckers are driving nights to their destinations and dealing with drunks on the road. My husband drives through one area that is notorious for accidents on a weekly basis. Please don't assume all the semi accidents you see are caused by drivers who are not compliant with SA.