Checking Progress

[DonRobbie]

I'm getting ready for my first DOT physical since starting CPAP (I started mid-March 2013). I installed sleepyhead for Mac so I could print off my numbers. I'm using a Resmed S9 Autoset, set at 11.0 pressure.

1) Do I need anything for the doc besides proof of compliance?

2) My AHI (especially obstructives) seems to be trending up. For the last year I'm at .25 AHI with Obstructive Apnea Index of .19, For the last month it's 1.25 and 1.01. Is this trend something to worry about? My average EPAP has moved from .68 to 8.0 for the same periods (last year and last 30 days respectively) if that means anything.

[Pugsy]

If they haven't started already with the doctor actually evaluating the therapy results in addition to checking the usage to meet compliance requirements I think they are going to start looking at the actual therapy data very soon and not just how many hours it gets used.
My husband just had his renewal DOT physical and he mentioned that there were 5 guys in there with their cpap machines getting their medical cards renewed.

I don't know if the doctor will know about SleepyHead either. Most won't because it isn't something that came from ResMed. You might need to get ResScan and print those reports or take your machine or SD card with you. I would check to find out how/what they want to do.
They might only take the data off the LCD screen or they might use the SD card and to generate an official report.
Or they might be happy with what you can generate but I would make sure that the AHI is shown because eventually it is going to need to shown if it isn't already.

[Julie]

Apart from your DOT business, have you considered what else is going on, e.g. a little weight gain, possibly leaking mask (or mouth), etc? Even if you pass the test, I would imagine you'd also like to get back to your terrific numbers again (though your present ones are still in a good range).

[jencat824]

My hubby was required to have a compliance form filled out by his sleep Dr. to take to the 'Workers Health' company that does the DOT physicals for his employer. If you are going to a specific center to get your DOT physical it might not be a bad idea to call ahead to see what they require.

They may want the SD card or machine, as Pugsy said, or they might want a compliance form. We live in Indiana, but my hubby works in Kentucky (some extra work required for our KY company to send forms to IN BMV, which has to go via his corporate office in Texas), however your state may have a preferred procedure.

It would seem that since the DOT is federal, requirements would be the same, but as far as I can tell, different states do things just a little differently. A phone call might save some time, especially if they want the compliance form from your sleep doc.

Jen

[DonRobbie]

Apart from your DOT business, have you considered what else is going on, e.g. a little weight gain, possibly leaking mask (or mouth), etc? Even if you pass the test, I would imagine you'd also like to get back to your terrific numbers again (though your present ones are still in a good range).

I've lost 30 pounds in the last 3 months (down to 300). Been working on diet for the last 3-4 months and exercise for the last month and a half. I've tried adjusting the headgear a little tighter. Not too hard to get rid of audible leaks but tough to not wake up in the morning felling like my nostrils were smooshed all night. Not having trouble with leaks I think. It is higher though (Average Leak Rate .96 last 30 days versus .08 last year). ON the other hand my 90% leak rate and % of time above leak threshold are preternaturally steady at 1.20 and 0 respectively for 30 days, 6 months, and 1year.

My work week is split in two with a 14 hr day (15:00-06:00) followed by an 11 hr day (18:00-06:00), then a day off, then a repeat. It's a bit of a struggle to sleep right now because of summer (I work nights and we keep the bedroom blacked out. Window air conditioner lets in a ton of light. Being light when I get home doesn't help either). So I'm "binging" 2-3 nights a week at 10 hrs or so (02:00 to 10-13:00) of pretty solid sleep and the rest of the week getting about 6 hours (08:00-15:00) of "up and down" rest. Next project is probably moving away from the cup of coffee I usually get about 3 AM for the last hour and a half of driving.