Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

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.  Apnée Santé offers a home sleep test which is fast, reliable and affordable.  We also offer the in-lab sleep test known as a polysomnography.

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.

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

A prescription is required for either a home sleep test or an in-lab test.  We recommend that you also ask for a referral to see a respirologist (sleep doctor).  This is covered by RAMQ.  All our patients benefit from meeting with a sleep doctor to discuss test results and follow up.

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

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.

• 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.

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.

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:

• How sleepy you feel
• How low your oxygen level dips
• How long your oxygen level stays below 90%
• Other medical conditions you may have, such as heart disease

Private health insurance typically covers 80-100% of CPAP therapy.  CPAP therapy in Quebec is not covered by public health (RAMQ).   Quebecers receiving welfare benefits are eligible for CPAP therapy.  Apnee Sante will help you submit all the necessary forms to your insurance company or to Centre Locale de l’Emploi (welfare agency).

The newer devices are very quiet, so it is rare to encounter noise problems.  If you have an old CPAP model, please consult your health insurance company as you may be eligible for a new CPAP.  Generally, health insurance policies allow coverage of one CPAP unit every five years and one mask every year.

Most patients will require a period of adjusting to the presence of the CPAP mask on the face and the feel of the air pressure delivered by the CPAP unit. The time of this adjustment is variable – anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and in rare cases, some patients take several months to adjust to CPAP.  Apnee Sante offers a flexible trial period to help you adapt to CPAP therapy.

It varies from person to person, some feel immediate improvements, others take a while longer. Your sleep apnea severity also plays a role in this.

Yes, it’s a good idea to try to continue your CPAP therapy.  If you continue CPAP therapy, you may be able to keep your sleep apnea symptoms in check, giving you more energy to fight the cold.

Here are a few helpful tips:

• Elevate your head
• Ensure you are using a heated humidifier
• Use nasal decongestant
• If you have a full face mask, use it so you can breathe from your moth

Customs agents and airline personnel are familiar with CPAP devices.  Always carry your CPAP with you on the airplane; do not place it in checked baggage. It is recommended to keep a copy of your prescription in your CPAP’s transport bag.

Nasal congestion can be caused by different factors such as allergies, a cold, a flu or even a dry environment. It is recommended to increase the humidity setting on the humidifier of your CPAP in order to clear out your nose. It is normal to frequently change the humidifier setting until you find your comfort level. If the congestion is due to severe allergies, please see your doctor as they may be able to prescribe a steroid based nasal vaporizer. Another option for those with chronic sinus and nasal issues would be a nasal irrigator. This flushes out the sinuses with a salt solution, helping to reduce inflammation, moisturise the passages and clear blockages and congestion.

Please see our complete cleaning resource section. CPAP Cleaning Instructions Page

Simply adjusting the headgear may solve the problem. However, you may also be opening your mouth during your sleep.  In this case, you may require a full-face mask or a chin strap, which can help keep your mouth closed. Leakage can also be the result of a mask that needs replacement.  When a mask becomes old, it no longer holds a proper seal.

It would be a good idea to wear the mask for a couple of days before hand.  You can try your CPAP (with mask) in an elevated position or standing up.  Next step would be to lie down while staying awake; do not fall asleep until you are perfectly comfortable.  Once you feel at ease with your mask you can start sleeping with it and you will have beaten your claustrophobia.

In order to maintain the proper hygiene of your equipment, please refer to the following recommendation. Also, most private insurance cover the accessories of your CPAP on a yearly basis.

Heated CPAP tubing contains copper coils that are gently heated to conduct a constant temperature throughout the length of the hose. This enhances the comfort of the therapy and reduces or eliminates rainout (the accumulation of water in a CPAP tube due to warm moist air cooling and condensing on its way from your CPAP machine to your CPAP mask).

This is due to the difference in temperature between the room and inside your tube, which causes condensation and water build up in tube.  If you sleep with a window open causing it to be cold in your room, you may need a cover for your tube or a heated tube.  Speak to your respiratory therapist at Apnee Sante.

• Nasal stuffiness, congestion, or dryness
• Dry mouth
• Mask air leaks
• Sore, dry or red eyes
• Skin irritation from the mask and/or air
• Sensation of too much air in the chest
• Sensation of abdominal bloating, cramping or gas
• Persistent sleepiness despite regular use of CPAP
• Feeling claustrophobic with the mask
• Waking up having taken the mask off

These problems should be addressed with our respiratory therapist who can help alleviate any issues/discomfort

Weight is an important factor in obstructive sleep apnea. There’s no guarantee weight loss, in itself, is going to clear up sleep apnea; however, a large weight decrease may affect your required CPAP pressure. The best thing to do is to advise us of a weight gain/loss of 20lbs or more.

Plan on using your CPAP each night and consider using it while you nap as well. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is not cured by CPAP.  CPAP treatment only provides relief of symptoms. Each time you sleep without your CPAP, your OSA is untreated. You should take your machine with you when you travel too.

If you stop using CPAP, your sleep apnea symptoms may come back. The CPAP treatment only works when you use it. Cessation of the treatment can also pose risks to your health such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular diseases.