We can treat
Sleep Apnea with CPAP
Family 1st Medical provides (Level III) Sleep Testing to help determine if you may have sleep disordered breathing, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
What Our CPAP clients say:
“I recently purchased my new CPAP machine and mask here. I was thoroughly impressed with the service I received! Holly is pleasant to deal with and far more knowledgeable than other people I have spoken with in the past regarding this equipment. The price of the equipment was less than other companies I had spoken with. Going forward, Family 1st has my business.”
Bedford client
“My father did business with Family 1st Medical for many years and was always treated with respect, helpfulness, and good customer service. Thank you to the staff for going above and beyond.”
New Minas client
CPAP Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Do you suffer from snoring, daytime sleepiness, headaches and chronic fatigue? If so, it might be time to ask your family physician about Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
OSA is a serious disorder that causes you to stop breathing for periods of time while you sleep, but thanks to systems like CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), BiPAP or Auto Adjusting units, OSA is treatable.
Signs & Symptoms
If you or a family member notice that you display any of these symptoms, please contact Family 1st for an assessment:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring followed by silent pauses
- Poor concentration or memory loss
- Morning headache
- Gasping or choking during sleep
How is OSA Diagnosed (Sleep Testing)
Family 1st Medical uses trusted, Level III diagnostic sleep testing equipment to help determine if you may have OSA. A small, easy to use unit records information about your sleeping position, oxygen level and the flow of air in your airways as you sleep in the comfort of your own bed. The results are independently reviewed by a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), interpreted by an independent Sleep Specialist and then sent to your doctor for review and referral where necessary.
Family 1st Medical employs licensed medical professionals so you can be confident in the service you receive. Our staff will support you every step of the way – from finding the right CPAP or BiPAP system to following up with you on the use and maintenance of your equipment.
Our sleep tests are complementary (some conditions apply) and if you require help with your insurance – our administrative team is here.
To book an appointment call 1-800-565-2021 and ask to be connected to our office nearest you. Appointments are available at all 6 Family 1st locations and at our Shelburne Satellite Clinic, Inverness Sleep Clinic, Port Hawkesbury Sleep Clinic and Chéticamp Sleep Clinic. Call or send us an email at customerservice@family1st.ca
Can OSA be Treated?
Yes, OSA can be treated! The most common and effective treatment of OSA is with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) which provides a flow of air through a special mask to keep your airway open during sleep.
If it is determined that you may have OSA, Family 1st is also able to provide a CPAP Titration (sometimes referred to as an Auto-CPAP Trial) to determine if you would benefit from CPAP or BiPAP Therapy. We require a referral from your physician for the titration.
How to Cope
If you have been diagnosed with OSA the most important thing you can do is to follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor. There is no cure for OSA however there are things you can do to lessen the severity of your symptoms, such as quit smoking, cut back on alcohol consumption and lose weight. Getting adequate sleep is also essential to maintaining your health.
Equipment
There are many choices when selecting the CPAP mask and unit that are right for you. At Family 1st, our CPAP Clinicians will help you find the CPAP system that suits your needs so you can get the quality sleep you have been missing.
We carry products from quality manufacturers including Respironics, ResMed and Fisher & Paykel.
How We Treat Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Family 1st Medical’s Respiratory Staff follow up with clients on the use and maintenance of their prescribed equipment.
- Patients are reassessed after using the machine and a follow-up report is sent to their physician.
- We are proud to offer CPAP Clinics in Inverness, Port Hawkesbury, and Cheticamp.
- If you can’t travel, Family 1st may have a solution for you – call the office nearest you to find out more.
If you would like more information or would like to book an appointment call 1-800-565-2021 or email customerservice@family1st.ca
All appointments must be booked prior to arrival at one of our offices.
Portable Equipment
Are you looking for a small, portable CPAP machine to use while travelling?
Ask us about the AirMini.
Call the Family 1st Medical office nearest you or 1-800-565-2021 to be connected. One of our licensed medical professionals would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Which Style of CPAP or BiPAP Mask is Right For You?
If you’re not sure which style of CPAP mask will work best for you Family 1st Medical has a solution!
Family 1st offers a CPAP mask trial program. Our experienced clinicians will help you find a few possible options to try, so you can figure out which style is best.
For more information, call 1-800-565-2021 and ask to be connected to the Family 1st Medical location nearest you.
Is Your CPAP or BiPAP Mask Fitting Properly?
Our staff can help you make sure you’re getting the best results from your CPAP therapy by ensuring your mask is properly fit and is in good working order.
Most manufacturers recommend that you change your mask every three to six months. Many insurance plans cover two masks per year however you should check with your individual insurance plan to determine your exact coverage.
For more information, please call 1-800-565-2021 and ask to be connected to our location nearest you. Our CPAP Clinicians are happy to answer any questions you may have.
What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when the airway becomes blocked.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
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- Daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring followed by silent pauses
- Poor concentration or memory loss
- Morning headache
- Gasping or choking during sleep
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to consider having a sleep test.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed? Family 1st Medical provides (Level III) sleep testing (also called a sleep study) to help determine if you have OSA. A small, easy-to-use unit records information about your sleeping position, oxygen level and the flow of air in your airways as you sleep in the comfort of your own bed. Testing is typically completed after one night.
Do I need a prescription for a sleep test? No prescription is required to have a sleep test. If the results determine you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a prescription will then be required to begin CPAP therapy.
How much does a sleep test cost? Sleep tests at Family 1st Medical are complimentary (some conditions apply).
How is my sleep test interpreted? Family 1st Medical sleep tests are independently scored by a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), interpreted by an independent Sleep Specialist and then sent to your Primary Care Practitioner for review and referral where necessary. Our patients appreciate the peace of mind that comes from our sleep tests being carefully examined by experienced professionals, ensuring accurate results.
How is my sleep test interpreted? Family 1st Medical sleep tests are independently scored by a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), interpreted by an independent Sleep Specialist and then sent to your Primary Care Practitioner for review and referral where necessary. Our patients appreciate the peace of mind that comes from our sleep tests being carefully examined by experienced professionals, ensuring accurate results.
If I’m diagnosed with sleep apnea, what’s the next step? If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea and your Primary Care Practitioner has prescribed CPAP, you can make an appointment with one of Family 1st’s CPAP clinicians who will help you find the CPAP system that best suits your needs so you can get the quality sleep you’ve been missing. You will have the opportunity to have a CPAP trial to ensure the machine and mask are providing optimal results before purchasing any equipment.
How do I know what CPAP mask I need? There are several types of masks, including nasal, full-face, and nasal pillows. The right one depends on your comfort and sleep position. Our team will help you find the best fit so you can get the best results from your CPAP therapy.
Is CPAP Therapy difficult? There is a short adjustment period, but most people adapt quickly. CPAP machines are quiet and easy to use. Proper mask fitting and ongoing support from our team make a big difference.
Will my CPAP machine and supplies be covered by my insurance? Many private insurance plans cover 70% or more of the cost associated with purchasing CPAP equipment. Coverage varies, so we recommend checking with your provider. We can assist with preparing the necessary documents required for pre-approval.
How often should my mask and supplies be replaced? Most manufacturers recommend that you replace your CPAP mask every 3-6 months. Many insurance plans cover two masks per year. You should check with your individual insurance plan to determine your exact coverage. Your Headgear and frame should be replaced every 3-6 months, and filters should be changed monthly. Check your hose monthly for wear and replace it if necessary. Have your machine and humidifier checked by our clinicians yearly to ensure they are in good working order.
Can I purchase my CPAP machine and masks online? While it’s possible to purchase CPAP equipment online, the expertise of trained professionals plays a vital role in ensuring you receive the right equipment and effective therapy. Working with a local healthcare clinician who understands your individual needs is more important than many people realize.
At Family 1st, you have the opportunity to complete a CPAP trial before committing to a purchase, helping you feel confident that the therapy will work for you. Our team is available to answer your questions, guide you through your treatment options, and provide ongoing support as your therapy progresses. You’re never left without help when you need it.
CPAP masks are not one-size-fits-all. Proper fit and comfort are essential for successful therapy. A poorly fitting mask can lead to air leaks, skin irritation, dry eyes or mouth, and reduced effectiveness. When purchasing online, you miss the opportunity to try different mask styles and find the one that delivers the best results for you.
What happens if sleep apnea goes untreated?
Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of:
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- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Accidents due to fatigue
Treating sleep apnea protects your heart, brain and overall health. Without it, the strain on your body continues every night, which can lead to serious problems.
Do you provide ongoing support for CPAP therapy? Yes, Family 1st offers ongoing support for our CPAP clients. From equipment setup, troubleshooting, follow-ups, and compliance monitoring, our clinicians are here to ensure you get the best results from your CPAP therapy.
Choosing the right CPAP provider is about more than just getting a machine. It’s about protecting your health, getting better sleep, and giving you real peace of mind. At Family 1st, your journey doesn’t stop once you have your equipment. Our dedicated team of respiratory professionals is here for you, long-term. Whether you have questions, need help troubleshooting, or require adjustments, we’re always ready to help.
I have additional questions. Who can I contact? Call Family 1st Medical at 1-800-565-2021, and one of our CPAP clinicians would be happy to answer any questions you may have.