Like a lot of things in life, knowing what to expect can make you feel settled. We’ve outlined a step by step guide to put you at ease while you embark on CPAP therapy. Our treatment journey is straightforward; we have broken it down simply so you are totally clear on what to expect.
What is the Apnea Health Treatment Journey?
Step 1: After meeting with the respirologist, we will give you a 90-minute appointment with a respiratory therapist (RT) to begin treatment.
Step 2: During the CPAP setup, your RT will present a selection of CPAP devices and encourage you to manipulate and listen to them. In addition, you will test a series of masks in our sleep lab until you are comfortable. When we say we take time with you, we mean it. If you are not satisfied with your mask or your CPAP device, we will try other material until we get it right. Our goal is to help you to sleep better and to improve the quality of your life.
Step 3: Apnea Health will provide ongoing support with scheduled appointments and an open-door policy should you require assistance immediately. If you are experiencing trouble, we encourage you to drop in to your local clinic, and our receptionist will ensure that you are seen by a respiratory therapist (RT). If the RT cannot solve the issue or a change of prescription is required, he or she will consult with the respirologist (sleep doctor) for guidance.
How is OSA Treated?
CPAP is the most effective treatment for OSA. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Thousands of Canadians use it every time they sleep. CPAP consists of a gentle stream of air that is directed through the airway during sleep allowing the airway to remain open and therefore, prevent apnea. This results in a more restful sleep.
Depending on the severity of your OSA, the respirologist may recommend alternative treatments, such as:
What is Apnea Health’s approach to CPAP therapy?
Patient-centered care guides our practices at Apnea Health. From the get-go, your respiratory therapist (RT) will take time to inform and educate you regarding CPAP therapy so that you may be involved in the decision-making. We have found that patients have their own unique preferences and that the best outcomes occur when patients get involved in their treatment.
What is a trial period?
We will rent you a CPAP for a trial period. We understand that this can be a difficult time for you as you are adjusting to sleeping with CPAP. This is a time to resolve possible technical issues, such as, air pressure and mask, as well as emotional issues, such as acceptance. You may have to cope with the reactions of your partner or the perceived reactions. You are encouraged to contact your local Apnea Health clinic as soon as possible to speak with your clinician or to schedule an appointment with him or her.
Do we accept patients from other clinics?
Yes, many of our patients hail from other clinics. Our medical professionals are here to help you on your journey to restful sleep. Please call us to learn about machine verifications, downloads, treatment options, mask fittings or replacement parts.
Who is trained in administering CPAP?
In Quebec, respiratory therapists (RTs) and nurses are qualified to administer CPAP therapy. At Apnea Health, we go a step further by training our team of RTs and nurses in sleep technology, so they are better able to educate and guide the patient to a better night’s sleep.
What are the benefits of CPAP therapy?
One obvious benefit for those who keep their partner or family awake at night is the elimination of snoring. Snoring is simply the sound produced by the vibration of the tissues in the throat. CPAP acts like a stent, keeping the airway open and eliminating the vibration.
Another clear benefit is waking up refreshed and better able to concentrate during the day. CPAP can improve your overall quality of life and relationship with your loved ones and your co-workers.
Other health benefits can include:
At Apnea Health, we are not simply a CPAP provider or a sleep clinic, we are a part of the healthcare community and are honoured to help Montrealers lead better and healthier lives. To that end, we have put together a Care for Life Program that guarantees we will do our utmost to treat your sleep apnea effectively, ensuring you overall health and a good night’s sleep.
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It is the most commonly prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because it is highly effective. CPAP eliminates apnea and snoring.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a device, kept by your bedside, that delivers a flow of pressurized air to keep your airway open. The pressure is delivered through a 2 m tube to a mask which fits over your nose, nostrils or mouth. The purpose of the pressure is to act as a splint to keep your throat open. In Canada and Quebec, due to the climate, we include a heated humidifier to add moisture to the air before you breathe.
What does CPAP therapy do?
CPAP therapy is a positive pressure that is continuously delivered to your airways to keep them as open as possible and to control your apneas.
How long does it take for CPAP therapy to work?
Adaptation to CPAP therapy varies greatly from person to person. It all depends on mask and pressure tolerance. Some people won’t feel the benefits right away because they have a lot of bad sleep to catch up on.
With a well-fitted mask and properly set air pressure, CPAP therapy works quickly so some patients can see improvement within the first few nights.
How does CPAP therapy help with sleep?
CPAP therapy keeps your airway open by gently pushing air through a mask you wear while you sleep.
This keeps your airway open and eliminates pauses in breathing caused by sleep apnea. When you sleep with a CPAP machine, you’ll no longer snore or make choking noises in your sleep
Is CPAP a ventilator?
While CPAPs and ventilators both help a patient breathe, CPAP differs from a hospital ventilator in that you sleep with a mask on and the tubing involved in CPAP therapy is outside your mouth (it does not descend into the throat, as a ventilator would).
What are the negative effects of using a CPAP machine?
There is some discomfort that can occur when using the CPAP:
Does using CPAP weaken lungs?
No, it helps the lungs by increasing oxygen supply during sleep
Should I wear CPAP when napping?
Of course, because as soon as you sleep, apnea is present. By using CPAP, you will have the benefits no matter the time of day
Can I use my CPAP while awake?
Yes it’s a good way to get used to the pressure and having a mask on your face
Will CPAP help me lose weight?
CPAP does not make you lose weight, but getting better sleep will give you the energy to move and eat well.
How will CPAP improve my life?
Is CPAP good for Covid?
It is recommended to use your CPAP even if you have Covid
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Is a CPAP an oxygen device?
No, the CPAP does not provide you with additional oxygen, like a portable oxygen tank would.
Is CPAP considered life support?
CPAP treatment increases the chances of survival for patients with sleep apnea by 39% according to the ALASKA study
Does CPAP increase oxygen levels?
When using CPAP, your airways remain open and allow for efficient breathing and therefore better oxygen levels. By controlling your apnea, CPAP allows you to have a normal oxygen level.
What comes after CPAP?
Sleep apnea does not go away over time, it is a lifelong treatment. If your apnea is related to excess weight, it may improve considerably after weight loss. Also, if the apnea is due to an ENT problem (such as swollen tonsils), surgery may help in this case.
You should also talk to your doctor to see which option is right for you.
There are various types of CPAP machines. Depending on your doctor’s prescription and your individual needs, you will require either one of three of the following devices:
APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) delivers a pressure that continually adjusts breath by breath to give you the lowest pressure needed to keep the airway open and prevent obstructed breathing. It is commonly known as Auto CPAP.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) delivers a constant pressure and this pressure is determined by the sleep doctor. This is the minimum pressure necessary to eliminate obstructive breathing. It is often called “fixed” CPAP because the device is set to one constant pressure.
Bilevel CPAP devices deliver two set pressures: one for when you breathe in (inspiratory pressure) and a second pressure for when you breathe out (expiratory pressure). This type of treatment is used for people who do not tolerate CPAP therapy or who require ventilatory assistance (eg. COPD sufferers).
There are 3 types of masks to suit the patient’s individual needs. It is very important that the mask is comfortable and provides a proper seal for the airflow; the proper air pressure level cannot be established unless the fit is correct. A comfortable mask that fits well will make using CPAP easier.
The nasal mask covers the patient nose. It is the most commonly used mask.
Nasal pillows provide direct nasal delivery and a clear field of vision. This mask is generally recommended for those who feel claustrophobic when sleeping with a nasal mask or full face mask.
A full face mask is the best solution for those patients who breathe through their mouth.
For more information, please read our CPAP Therapy FAQs
After the rental period is over, you have the option to:
Talk to your respiratory therapist for more information. Contact your local clinic.
What do I need to be able to rent a CPAP machine?
Please submit any of the following:
– Prescription from a doctor
– Referral letter from GP or sleep technologist
– Sleep report with data results
If you do not have any of these, please contact us.
When I rent a CPAP machine, does it include CPAP mask?
No. The mask is purchased separately. We wouldn’t want to try a used mask (even if sterilized) and neither would you! You select a CPAP mask with your respiratory therapist.
How can I be certain the mask that I choose will work for me?
Never fear. The mask can be exchanged for another within 30 days without limit. Our goal is to ensure that treatment is working for you!
I would like to start a CPAP rental, but I am not sure what machine to get or which mask is good for me?
It’s not a problem. A respiratory therapist will present you with all the options and you can even try all 3 machines recommended by Canadian sleep doctors.
Will insurance cover the rental fees?
Yes, and in fact, most insurance companies insist that you do a rental if you’re new to CPAP.
I do not need the machine for a whole month, can I do short term rental?
The rental for the equipment is exclusive for 30 days. The minimum number of days that you could have the equipment would be for a week and the maximum is for a month.
Are the rental fees lost when I purchase the CPAP?
No, the rental fees are deducted from the cost of the CPAP.
The goal of our CPAP Rental Package is to ensure that you can tolerate the machine before you buy it. A typical rental period is between 1-3 months. You may also want to try more than one model during your rental. For patients having trouble, we can extend the rental for up to 6 months as long as they are in contact with us on a biweekly basis and meet with our sleep doctors. Flexibility is one of our core values!
Our CPAP Rental Package is an affordable, no-commitment way to try CPAP therapy!
Our clinicians are now online!
Book an appointment with one of our respiratory therapists and begin treatment immediately during this stretch of self-isolation!
We’ll send you a Zoom link 10 minutes before your online appointment with the respiratory therapist, who will help you select the CPAP machine and mask best suited to you. Come and pick up your equipment at the clinic (we offer contactless pickup).
Your respiratory therapist will teach you how to use your device and track your own data, with tips on adjusting your CPAP humidity level, proper cleaning of your machine, and of course, coaching on getting used to your new bedfellow.
You and your respiratory therapist will discuss how the treatment is going by reviewing the data on your CPAP and comparing it with how you feel. We’ll make adjustments to the mask and CPAP pressure as needed.
You needn’t visit the clinic to be tested for sleep apnea
All instruction is provided by online video conferencing
Take advantage of reduced pricing on all our products!
Consult our professionals through TELEMEDICINE
More affordable without compromising on service
Get on the path to more restorative sleep, to better health, and to waking up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day!
Book an appointment from our website or call or drop in to your nearest clinic to have a sleep apnea assessment
We’ll conduct a sleep test in the comfort of your home. We analyze the data and the results will be reviewed by a sleep specialist.
3 weeks later you’ll discuss the results of your sleep test with a sleep specialist and if need be, together we can outline a treatment plan.
