Sleep Apnea FAQ

How does Apnea Health differ from other sleep clinics?

Unlike other sleep clinics in the Montreal area, we guarantee that you will meet with a doctor to discuss the results of your sleep test. You needn’t worry about logging into a portal to download your results or waiting for your family doctor to give you the specialist’s recommendation.

You can meet with the specialist in our local sleep clinic. We give you an appointment when you come for your sleep study. It’s that easy.

Do I have to pay to meet with the respirologist (sleep doctor)?

No, the consultation with the respirologist is covered by RAMQ.

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

A sleep test will tell us if have apnea. Although you may present many of the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the only way to know if you have it is to be tested during your sleep. Apnea Health offers a home sleep test which is fast, reliable and affordable. We also offer the in-lab sleep test known as a polysomnography.

What’s the difference between a Home Sleep Test and an In-lab Test?

A home sleep test is recommended where there is a strong likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) WITHOUT other serious cardiac or respiratory problems. An in-lab sleep test (aka polysomnography) is indicated for more complex sleep disorders and for patients who do not present all the signs of OSA.

When will I receive my test results?

You will receive your test results when you meet with the respirologist (sleep doctor) normally after 2-3 weeks.

Do I need a prescription for a sleep test?

Yes, a prescription is required for the home test as well as the lab test. You can request a prescription from your doctor or even your dentist.

Does insurance pay for the sleep test?

Most private health insurance companies cover both the home sleep test and the in-lab sleep test. Apnea Health would be happy to contact your insurance company for you to inquire about coverage.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The pauses in breathing are called apneas and they are occur when tissues in the throat collapse preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs.

How common is sleep apnea?

1 of every 5 adults has at least a mild form of sleep apnea (20%)
1 of every 15 adults has at least moderate sleep apnea (6.6%)
2 to 3% of children are likely to have sleep apnea
Over 1 in 4 (26%) Canadian adults have a high risk of having or developing obstructive sleep apnea.

Do all patients with sleep apnea snore?

No, snoring is one sign that one may have apnea. You can snore and not have apnea, and you can have apnea and not snore.

What’s the difference between mild, moderate and severe sleep apnea?

Respirologists (sleep doctors) decide if your sleep apnea is mild, moderate, or severe by counting how many times you stop breathing per hour. Pauses in breathing are called apneas.

5 to 15 events per hour : Mild sleep apnea
15 to 30 events per hour : Moderate sleep apnea
over 30 events per hour : Severe sleep apnea

In determining your treatment path, respirologists also consider the following by consulting with you post test: