Sleep Apnea Support
We're Here to Help
We understand the complexities of caring for your patients with Sleep Apnea and other respiratory diseases. To assist you, we have created this section, which contains resources for you and your patients.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleepy during the day? We can help you get a good night’s rest.
Not getting a good night’s sleep is common for many people. If you have a tendency to snore, doze off when you are reading, watching TV, sitting inactive, driving, or feel tired throughout the day you may have a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing repeatedly while they are sleeping.
Signs, Symptoms and Risk Factors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Signs & Symptoms
Risk Factors
• Loud and persistent snoring.
• Pauses in breathing while asleep.
• Choking or gasping for air during sleep.
• Restless sleep.
• Frequent visits to the bathroom.
• Early morning headaches.
• Depression or irritability.
• Daytime fatigue.
• Poor concentration.
• Sleepiness during routine activities.
• High blood pressure.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Heart attack & heart disease.
• Stroke.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Driving & work-related accidents.
• Narrowed airway.
• Family history.
• Nasal congestion.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious health issue that can have a negative impact on your lifestyle and can lead to life-threatening conditions. However, there is good news. This condition is easily recognized and can be effectively
treated.
Your Physician will refer you to West Care Sleep Therapy if they suspect that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, for a no cost home Sleep Apnea test.
We will contact you within 48 hours of receiving your referral to book an appointment. Our Therapists will review your sleep & health history and demonstrate the home Sleep Apnea testing device.
You Will receive a
Level 3 Home Study at no cost. All test results are sent to you and your Physician.
If your test results are positive, your Physician may prescribe CPAP Therapy for you.
West Care Sleep Therapy works with you to ensure your therapy is optimized and we report your progress to your Physician throughout your therapy.
Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)
This simple at home test will let your doctor know if you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The home study completed over a one night period while you sleep and returned the following business day. The results will be independently scored by a registered polysomnographic technologist (RSPGT) and interpreted by a Certified Sleep Specialist Physician.
Adjusting to Sleep Therapy
CPAP Trial
Sleeping with a CPAP and mask can take some time to adjust. West Care Sleep Therapy offers a free trial with the latest in CPAP technology and qualified and trained professionals to guide you through your journey of starting CPAP.
While having support from West Care Sleep Therapy Clinics, studies also show that strong family support is particularly important and can help you to achieve positive outcomes. Our goal is to help you adapt successfully to therapy and develop a healthy lifelong habit.
Getting Started
Once you have met with your physician and determined that CPAP is the recommended treatment, please call our clinic to book of your CPAP trial set up. Please note: A prescription is required for the treatment of CPAP therapy.
Initial CPAP Setup
Your sleep therapy clinicians will meet with you in our clinic, review your results and explain CPAP therapy and fit you with a mask. This appointment is 45 minutes long.
We encourage spousal attendance for the initial appointment as studies show that family support leads to better outcomes. Your physician(s) will be notified that you have started CPAP therapy and will be updated accordingly.
Follow-Up
You will be in close contact with your sleep therapy team throughout your trial to ensure your successful adaptation to therapy. We like to connect with our patients in the first 72hrs of starting CPAP to ensure that you are comfortable and make sure that you are feeling positive and supported about therapy.
Your sleep therapy clinician will meet regularly with you to check in on your progress, address any questions you may have and adjust your therapy as needed. Our CPAP equipment also allows us to help you remotely, making it more convenient if you cannot make it into our clinic.
Above and Beyond
West Care Sleep Therapy believes in continued care and supporting our patients on their lifelong commitment to CPAP therapy. We invite all our patients to attend their free annual follow up appointments that can be completed in clinic or virtually. During this appointment we review your CPAP data, inspect your mask, tubing, and CPAP device, and report to your physician.
“I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.” – Joyce Meyer
Once you and your sleep therapy clinician have completed final testing, you will discuss the purchase of your equipment. CPAP machines in BC are not covered by MSP, but most extended health insurance companies will provide coverage. Each extended health company sets their own amounts for coverage, but your sleep care team will apply on your behalf to confirm your coverage.
West Care Sleep Therapy also works with: Ministry of Social Housing and Development, First Nations Health Authority, Veteran’s Affairs, RCMP, and Work Safe BC for funding applications. Our proficient sleep care team will strive to make this process as simple as possible. For patients with no funding assistance, West Care Sleep Therapy also provides an interest free monthly payment plan tailored to your needs.
Don’t forget to check with your extended health benefits as most plans have coverage for annual supplies. West Care Sleep Therapy is always here for you.
If you come across any problems while using your CPAP such as:
CPAP device failures, problems with therapy, reports, or general inquiries, our knowledgeable team is always willing and able to help. West Care Sleep Therapy also provides our patients with: loaner units, medical device quotes, equipment warranty, 5yr replacement CPAP program and medical device recall program.
Annual Evaluations & Follow-Up
West Care Sleep Therapy encourages our patients to follow a Annual Evaluation of their CPAP therapy. During this appointment, your sleep therapy clinician will review your CPAP data and inspect your device and equipment for any visible problems that could be affecting your success with your therapy.
West Care Sleep Therapy will send a compliance report to your physician informing them of your therapy. Technology today makes connecting with our patients easier and more time efficient for those patients who cannot attend an appointment in person, our sleep therapy clinicians are very resourceful in connecting via telephone, email, or virtual meetings.
This is also a good time to check and replace equipment such as: CPAP mask, CPAP tubing, CPAP water chambers, resupply your filter stock and look at new and improved equipment and portable options for traveling.
Patient Testimonial
“Best noiseless comfortable sleep I’ve had since I first started machine treatments for sleep apnea. Thank you! My husband even made a comment on how quiet it was. No bubbling, no pressure (nose usually sore), no loud puffs of wind, no rearranging masks, just a wonderful silent good solid sleep, Bonus - didn’t awake tired. So much appreciated, yessiree I’m doing the Happy Dance. ”
– Donna, West Care Sleep Patient.
5 Year Replacement CPAP Program
West Care Sleep Therapy offers a 5yr replacement CPAP Program. This program is designed to remind our patients when they have reached their equipment’s life expectancy and creating a plan for replacement.
Our replacement CPAP Coordinator works to update our patients on the new advancements in CPAP therapy. They also produce a straightforward process for obtaining health benefit documentation and gaining coverage approval.
The replacement CPAP coordinator ensures that all the fine details are looked after to provide our patients with a feeling of comfort knowing that all the extended health benefits paperwork is completed, and their equipment is ready for use.
If you are unsure if you qualify for a replacement CPAP through your extended health benefits, please call your local clinic and we will be happy to help.
24-Hour On Call Emergency Support
(604) 763-5511
If you suspect you have Sleep Apnea, use our self assessment tool.
