Originally Posted by
N9373M
I am also opposed to the big brother approach, but from what MikeF16 describes, in this one case, that person needs to be checked out. One does not adapt to "waking up" every 30-40 seconds, nor do they probably know they are suffering from it or even realize they are "waking up". I use the term "waking up" loosely. During an apnea, the O2 sats drop and the brain fires a message to get more oxygen. The person is not consciously aware of this.
It should not threaten his career, simply get his OSA treated.
I had OSA, did not know it (family doc suspected), had the sleep studies, did the CPAP and finally surgery to correct it. Occasionally, I would dream of being suffocated, and truly wake up gasping for air.
I don't deny that OSA is a serious issue and should be treated on ones own time and at ones own personal decision. I don't accept the FAA and AME diagnosing this and then having guys lose their medical over it. It goes way too far.
And to reiterate I will not be effected (affected?) by this whatsoever. I'm in the normal BMI range. My dad worked for the company that made the bipap and cpap. So I know how serious and widespread an issue it is and how shortsighted using BMI is.