Frequently Asked Questions                                                     




How do I know if I have obstructive sleep apnea?



You (or your partner) may experience the following symptoms.

Loud, irregular snoring at frequent intervals throughout the night.

Absences in your breathing cycle often associated with a gasping 
or choking noise, as if ‘fighting’ for breath.

Sudden jerking movements at the end of an apnea phase.

Day time fatigue making it difficult to concentrate and a struggle to 
stay awake.

Short-term memory loss, irritability and sometimes depression.

I  think I have obstructive sleep apnea, what should I do next?



Get an appointment with your family doctor who can refer you to a sleep specialist. You can start right away by considering the lifestyle factors - Are you overweight? Are you drinking too much at the wrong times? Do you smoke? If you need to make these lifestyle changes, please start today. But remember, go and see your doctor as you may need CPAP now.

Ask your spouse or another member of the family to record you on audio or videotape, while you are sleeping. If your suspicions are correct, you will hear the highly characteristic sounds accompanied by frequent silences and struggles for breath. Take this recorded evidence with you to your appointment. Your spouse should accompany you if at all possible.



Can I still drive if I suffer obstructive sleep apnea?



When it comes to driving, the primary concern with sleep apnea is the associated tiredness. You should not drive if tired regardless of the cause.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that serves as a "Red Flag" for driving impairment. That is because untreated, obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Tired driving slows your reaction time as it becomes difficult to focus and remain alert. If you are tired, you shouldn’t drive. Think of the safety of others as well as your own.

Ask your doctor or state motor vehicle authority about the laws concerning sleep apnea and driving in your community. If you think that sleep apnea is affecting your driving, you should see your doctor. Obstructive sleep apnea is very treatable and it is most likely that you will retain your license if symptoms are controlled.

In the UK, if you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea you have a legal responsibility to inform the DVLA immediately. This does not always mean loss of license.


Drivers Medical Unit
DVLA
Swansea SA99 1TU
Tel. 0870600 0301



Can I travel with CPAP?



Yes. CPAP machines are extremely portable now. You may need a power converter and adapter to suit the country you are visiting (check with manufacturer if unsure). Some people take a set of spare fuses but this is not necessary with all machines, so again, check with the manufacturer or your sleep lab. Some machines can be used with a battery when a mains socket is not available. An extension power cord is also a good idea, as you cannot be guaranteed suitable socket location at your destination. If you are going on a plane, make sure you take your machine as hand luggage as it is less likely to break and you’ll know exactly where it is. Many suppliers provide a travel bag.

It is wise to get a covering letter from your family doctor or specialist briefly explaining what the machine is and why you need it. This can be shown to security staff at airports.

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