Posted on Apr 21, 2020
SSG Platoon Sergeant
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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.
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Responses: 6
SFC Retention Operations Nco
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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.
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1SG Dennis Hicks
1SG Dennis Hicks
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Accidentally smother them in their sleep :)
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SSG Michael Cookson
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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.
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SPC Scott Currens
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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.
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