If you are a truck driver or anyone having to report CPAP usage to the DOT for your Medical Card Renewal, then this is a must read. We have a ton of experience with truck drivers, pilots, train engineers, boat pilots and more. From that experience we have learned a lot that we can now pass along to you.
What will you need to report from the CPAP?
For almost all truck drivers that have had to start CPAP Therapy you will need to provide compliance reporting to your DOT doctor every time you renew your medical card. It basically will be a report that your CPAP creates to show how much you are using the CPAP. There is no way to cheat this, so it is important to understand what compliance is. We have a
GREAT blog on CPAP compliance and a video going over those details if you want more on that subject. The biggest concern in your CPAP selection will be how does your CPAP produce this report for you.

How do you get a Compliance Report from your CPAP?
This may be the single most important topic for a truck driver to consider on the selection of your CPAP. Over the years we have dealt with so many truck drivers needing compliance reports that we have seen every scenario. It can be very easy to get the compliance report from your new CPAP or it can be almost impossible, and all of that will depend on the model you chose. Let’s break those options down.

CPAP connection options:
Almost all CPAPs have some sort of recording option built into them. So, while almost all of them record your usage they do not report them in the same way. There are basically 4 ways to get the data from your CPAP. Once you understand the options below, I would recommend reading our
top Auto CPAP picks blog here. This will explain which models have these features.
1) Manual CPAP upload by cord to computer:
There are very few models left that will upload in this fashion. However, they do exist, and you should be sure that you understand if your CPAP is one of them. For these models you would have to take the entire CPAP to a Sleep doctor or CPAP supplier. Then you would have to hope that they have the kindness AND ability to provide you with a report from the device. Most of the CPAPs that operate in this way are
Travel CPAPs. This type is not a good option for truck drivers.
2) Manual CPAP upload via SD card to computer program:
This type of upload is not a great option, but it isn’t impossible. If you have a CPAP that requires upload by SD card you will have a SD card in the CPAP that stores your CPAP usage data. That SD card can be uploaded at your doctor’s office, your CPAP providers office, or in some cases you can do it on your own at home via your home computer. Some models that allow you to do it on your own would be the
iBreeze or
Luna 2 CPAPs. They are good options but will require a computer with internet connection and SD card reader. If you are not good with computers, then this option is not a good one for you.
3) Bluetooth CPAP upload to cloud software:
Some CPAP options have built in Bluetooth connection that you can link to an app on your phone. You will need some basic understanding of operating your smartphone to use this option. Additionally, you will need to make sure that you maintain that connection on a regular basis. As long as you have a good CPAP supplier (like us here at CPAPmyway) you should not have any issue calling them up to get the report when you need it on this type of CPAP. It will upload your data to the cloud from your smartphone and your supplier should be able to see it and to provide you the reports you need. One option that is also great for staying on the road is the
AirMini Travel CPAP. These types of CPAPs are good for users that do not have good or consistent cellular connections.
4) Cellular CPAP upload to cloud software:
This is by far the easiest option for obtaining a CPAP usage report. As long as you have purchased it from a good CPAP supplier. On these models the CPAP automatically connects itself to the cellular network and uploads the data for you. This means that you do not have to do anything other than call your provider for the report when you need it. Some nice CPAP models that include the Cell modems are the
AirSense 11 CPAP,
the Luna G3 CPAP, and the
DreamStation 2 CPAP. These all will upload the data automatically and allow your CPAP supplier to pull your reports. If you order them from us here at CPAPmyway we will provide those reports as often as you need for free.