How is it serving as an 11B who requires a CPAP machine? How does that affects your career?

2020-04-21T03:21:25-04:00

Is there any fellow Infantrymen on here that served or are currently serving that require a CPAP machine? I can’t find much information online when it comes to being AD as a 11B and being on a permanent profile that requires one to have a power source available for CPAP use. I’m curious on how that is like and how that affects your career. Especially my line company, light infantry guys that sleep out in the field with no vehicles or power source available during FTXs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2020 3:34 AM

2020-04-21T03:34:48-04:00

It won't affect your career. You won't die without a CPAP in the field, you'll just be a loud sleeper like you were before. Lots of people in the Army sound like a tractor trailer downshifting while speeding down the Smokey Mountains when they sleep. On the positive (maybe?) side it will usually count toward your VA disability rating when you retire.

Bottom line, unless you can't live (will die) without it, it won't affect your career. Unless someone smothers you in your sleep.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2020 6:13 AM

2020-04-21T06:13:19-04:00

Not Infantry but I have deployed twice with a CPAP with little issue. In 2009 to Afghanistan with the 101st they basically didn't care about it. On my current deployment they made me get a profile for Asthma and my CPAP. I found it odd because previously on active duty if it didn't impact the PT test they didn't care.
I showed a print out of my last 30 days on my CPAP to show that it worked properly, I got a profile and moved out.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Apr 21 at 2020 8:40 AM

2020-04-21T08:40:25-04:00

So is he a PULHES '3' or '4'? If so then he's putting himself at risk and potentially putting others at risk once they have to 9-line him when he goes down. With a '1 or 2' he should be okay.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 21 at 2020 12:11 PM

2020-04-21T12:11:08-04:00

There are varying degrees of Sleep Apnea, your sleep study experts will advise you and your command of it is a deploy ability issue. It very well can be. So, don’t take it for granted, while it may not kill you now, not wearing the CPAP can affect your overall health affecting your mortality. If you are a hard case don’t hide it from your unit, or yourself. I highly recommend you do more research, and speak to your physician.

Response by SPC Scott Currens made May 2 at 2020 8:51 AM

2020-05-02T08:51:19-04:00

In 1998 I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy with Cataplexy, basically meaning I could fall asleep uncontrollably, with sudden loud noises could put me in a sleep like state. This was all after several years of service with zero asleep on duty incidents. I was told at that time if I needed a CPAP I would still be deployable, but if I needed a Bi Pap I would be considered undeployable and be removed from Military service. When it turned out to be Narcolepsy they met boarded me and sent me packing. When I went for my VA evaluation, they said it wasn't Narcolepsy, it was Sleep Apnea which required a BiPap so I was still out of service. Later I was a Government contractor and was trying to go overseas to support the war effort, and was told unless I could aquire a machine that used batteries instead of electricity I would not be allowed to deploy.

Response by SSG Michael Cookson made May 7 at 2020 7:28 PM

2020-05-07T19:28:06-04:00

When I was in and still an 11B I used a CPAP. The PA put a referral for an external battery I can’t remember if I go 1 or 2 but they power your CPAP for deployment and FTX.