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Everything You need To Know about Sleep Apnea
What is Sleep apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing or has shallow breathing when sleeping. Irregular breathing and snoring result in multiple disruptions to your sleep and abnormal stress responses in the body that lead to many chronic health conditions like:
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Attacks
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Memory Loss
- Anxiety and Depression
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
If you think you have sleep apnea, you probably have identified with 1 or more of these symptoms.
- Loud snoring
- Breathing pauses when asleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Morning headache
- Lack of energy
- Mood changes
How Do I test For Sleep Apnea?
In Saskatchewan there are 2 ways to get tested for Sleep Apnea:
- Your family doctor can refer you to a Saskatchewan based Respirologist, who can refer you to the Sleep Lab to have a Level I PSG, this can take many months and even years.
- Saskatoon CPAP can provide a Home Sleep Test(HST) to identify the presence of Sleep Apnea. If you contact us we can arrange to request testing directly from your family Doctor and have you booked for the Home Sleep Test within a week or two.
(Request Home Sleep Test)
If you would like to discuss testing with your family doctor in person, you can download our request and take one to the appointment. (Link for pdf request)
Home Sleep Tests will be interpreted by a Saskatchewan Sleep Specialist.
I have Sleep Apnea. Now what?
If your home sleep test from Saskatoon CPAP was positive, there is good news!
Sleep Apnea can be easily treated. The most common and highly effective treatment for Sleep Apnea is PAP therapy (more commonly known as CPAP). PAP therapy is a non-invasive treatment that gently blows air into your nose and/or mouth to create a small amount of positive pressure to prevent your airway from collapsing while you sleep. No more Sleep Apnea and no more snoring!
A compliment to a positive Home Sleep Test is an evaluation period on PAP therapy using one of our devices that generates the positive air pressure. This highly engineered flow generator has algorithms that adjust the therapy to your needs (APAP).
Your PAP therapy platform will include: an APAP device, heated humidifier and heated tubing to make your therapy more comfortable. You will also need a CPAP Mask (purchased separately) to use with the above equipment. Saskatoon CPAP Services will facilitate by providing testing outcomes to Saskatchewan Respirologists for interpretation. After evaluation your results will be analyzed to determine the best treatment moving forward.
The Benefits of PAP Therapy:
- Increase in daytime alertness
- Fewer morning headaches
- Increase in energy
- Improved memory
- Less waking at night to go to the bathroom
- Reduced irritabilityIncreased ability to exercise
- Improved overall Quality of life
I need PAP Therapy. What Now?
There are two basic options to continue your PAP therapy:
1. Once you have successfully completed your evaluation period you will need a device to continue your therapy. Saskatoon CPAP sells a range of models to meet your needs. Most patients that purchase PAP machines will choose the Auto PAP devices that automatically adjust to your specific therapy requirements.
Many people find that Extended Health Benefits may reimburse for their PAP therapy equipment. Saskatoon CPAP will be more than happy to supply you with a quote. We suggest you contact your Extended Health Benefits provider to find out about your specific plan coverage. Patients can purchase their PAP devices immediately after their evaluation return appointment so there is no break in treatment.
2. SAIL Respiratory Benefits Program: Saskatchewan residents may be eligible for the SAIL Respiratory Benefits Program. This is a program provided by Saskatchewan Government that will supply the basic flow generator (CPAP) at a subsidized program fee to patients that meet the criteria for SAIL. For those patients that choose to proceed, the Saskatchewan Respirologists will contact the patient once all testing is complete, to book an in-person consultation at which time the Saskatchewan Respirologists can submit for the SAIL CPAP machine. Saskatoon CPAP works alongside Saskatchewan Respirologists to interpret all test results.
Explore Our Sleep Apnea Solutions
CPAP Machines
Investing in a proper CPAP can protect you against health risks and improve your daytime energy, concentration and your physical & emotional health.
CPAP Masks
Explore our CPAP mask categories to get the best fit. Our CPAP Masks include: Minimalist, Freedom, Universal, Ultrasoft & Legacy.
CPAP Accessories
Keep your CPAP machine running optimally. Browse our CPAP accessories including CPAP hoses, CPAP masks, CPAP filters and more.
