What is Sleep Apnea?

 Airway CPAP provides a full range of services to support individuals with sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders. Our services are designed to help patients achieve better sleep, improved comfort, and effective long-term therapy management. We offer:

• CPAP Equipment Setup & Support
  Personalized setup and fitting of CPAP machines, masks, and accessories tailored to individual needs and preferences.
   
• Mask Fitting and Education
  Expert guidance to ensure proper mask selection, sizing, and comfort, with education on how to use and maintain your equipment effectively.
   
• Ongoing Therapy Support
  Regular follow-up, troubleshooting, and adjustments to ensure therapy is working optimally and comfortably over time.
   
• Equipment Replacement and Supplies
  Timely replacement of masks, cushions, filters, tubing, and other CPAP supplies to maintain hygiene and performance.
   
• Loaner Machines
  Temporary CPAP units available if your machine is being repaired or replaced.
   
• Collaboration With Physicians and Clinics
  We work closely with referring sleep physicians, family doctors, and diagnostic clinics to ensure coordinated care.
   
• Patient Education
  Clear, supportive education on sleep apnea, treatment options, and lifestyle tips to help patients succeed in managing their condition.

The most common and effective treatment is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), APAP (Auto-adjusting Positive Airway Pressure), and BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, which keeps the airway open during sleep by delivering a constant flow of air through a mask. Other options may include weight loss, positional therapy, oral appliances, or lifestyle changes depending on the severity and type of sleep apnea. 

Treatment plans vary from person to person. Some people may require long-term CPAP use, while others—especially those who make lifestyle changes such as weight loss—may be able to reduce or modify their therapy. Ongoing follow-up is important to determine the most appropriate long-term approach. 

Sleep apnea rarely resolves without treatment, especially in adults. In some mild cases, lifestyle modifications like weight loss or positional therapy may reduce symptoms, but most individuals benefit from structured management such as CPAP or other medical interventions. 

Yes, children can also develop sleep apnea. It is most commonly caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Symptoms in children may include snoring, restless sleep, behavioral issues, and daytime fatigue. Pediatric sleep apnea requires evaluation by a healthcare provider familiar with treating children. 

No, but a prescription from your respirologist is required if you want to receive government funding.

In Ontario, the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) covers 75% of the cost of a CPAP machine only, but if you have a valid and unexpired prescription from a physician or sleep specialist. This prescription confirms that CPAP therapy is medically necessary and allows the funding to be applied.

Prescriptions for CPAP therapy from a respirologist expire one year from the date of your sleep study or assessment.

This means that the eligibility for government funding through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is only valid within 12 months from the date you completed your sleep test. After that period, a new assessment or updated prescription may be required if you wish to apply for funding support.

If you’re unsure of your assessment date or need help determining whether your prescription is still valid, our team at Airway CPAP is happy to assist.

Under the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) in Ontario, funding for a CPAP machine is available once every 5 years.

This means that after you receive a government-subsidized CPAP machine, you must wait five years from the date of purchase before you are eligible to apply for funding toward a new machine. If your machine breaks or needs replacement before that time, you may still purchase a new one, but you would be responsible for the full, non-funded cost.

If you're unsure of your eligibility or need help checking your purchase history, our team at Airway CPAP can assist you.

For your first purchase, we require that you pay upfront. After payment, we will submit the claim to Green Shield on your behalf. Once coverage is confirmed, future claims may be processed directly, depending on your plan’s setup and history with Green Shield.

Before purchasing, we recommend contacting Green Shield directly to confirm:

• Your plan’s coverage for CPAP machines and supplies
   
• Whether a prescription is required
   
• The percentage of coverage and any limits or annual caps

We do not work directly with Manulife, Sun Life, or other private insurance plans. These providers reimburse the policyholder directly rather than paying the clinic. Additionally, we are unable to contact or verify details with these insurers on your behalf.

If you are covered by one of these providers:

• You will need to pay in full at the time of purchase
   
• We will provide all necessary receipts and documentation for you to submit your claim
   
• Any reimbursement will be sent to you directly from your insurer

For any insurance coverage, it is always best to contact your provider before making a purchase to understand your plan’s specific requirements and benefits.

Yes, you can travel with your regular CPAP machine. It’s important to label your device with your name to avoid confusion. CPAP machines are recognized as medical devices, so you won’t be charged extra when bringing them as carry-on luggage on flights.

We also offer smaller, portable devices like the AirMini, which are convenient for travel. However, please note that these portable machines are considered luxury items and are not covered by government funding programs.

With proper care and maintenance, most CPAP supplies should be replaced every 6 to 9 months as recommended by doctor's to ensure hygiene and optimal performance. This includes mask cushions, pillows, headgear, tubing, and filters. Regular replacement helps prevent wear, leaks, and potential infections. 

 Proper cleaning is essential to maintain hygiene, prevent infections, and extend the life of your CPAP supplies. Follow these steps regularly:

1. Daily Cleaning:
    
   • Mask: Wipe down the mask cushion and frame with a damp cloth or mild soap and water to remove oils and dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners.
      
   • Humidifier Chamber: Empty any remaining water and rinse with warm water. Let it air dry.
      

1. Weekly Cleaning:
    
   • Mask and Headgear: Wash mask parts and headgear in warm, soapy water using a gentle detergent. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry away from direct sunlight.
      
   • Tubing: Soak the tubing in warm, soapy water for about 15-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry completely before use.
      
   • Humidifier Chamber: Wash with warm soapy water, rinse, and air dry. For deeper cleaning, you can occasionally use a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water to disinfect. Rinse well afterward.
      

1. Filters:
    
   • Disposable Filters: Replace monthly or when they appear dirty.
      
   • Reusable Filters: Rinse weekly with water and let air dry completely before reinstalling.
      

1. General Tips:
    
   • Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources when drying components.
      
   • Do not use bleach or strong cleaning agents.
      
   • Regularly inspect parts for wear and replace as needed.
      

If you have questions about cleaning or need product recommendations, our team at Airway CPAP is happy to assist.

 Stopping CPAP therapy can cause sleep apnea symptoms to return and increase health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea. If you experience difficulties using your machine, we encourage you to reach out so we can help troubleshoot. 

 If you no longer require your CPAP machine, it’s important to handle it responsibly:

• Return to Airway CPAP: We accept returns of used machines in good condition for proper cleaning, refurbishment, or recycling. This helps reduce waste and supports others who may need equipment.
   
• Donate: Some organizations accept donated CPAP machines for redistribution to patients in need. Please check local guidelines and programs.
   
• Recycle: If the machine is no longer functional, consider electronic recycling programs to dispose of it safely and environmentally.
   

Please do not share your machine with others, as CPAP devices are personalized medical equipment and require individual fitting and cleaning to ensure safety and effectiveness.

If you have questions about returning or recycling your device, contact us for guidance.

Dry throat is a common side effect of CPAP therapy. It often happens because the air from the machine can dry out your throat and nasal passages, especially if your device doesn’t have a heated humidifier or if the humidity level is too low. Mouth breathing during sleep—sometimes caused by mask fit or sleeping habits—can also contribute to dryness. If you naturally breathe through your mouth, a full-face mask may be required to help prevent dryness. Additionally, higher air pressure settings and dry room air (common in winter or air-conditioned environments) may make symptoms worse.

To reduce dry throat, using a heated humidifier, ensuring a proper mask fit, staying hydrated, and possibly switching to a full-face mask can help. If dryness continues, our team at Airway CPAP can assist with adjustments to improve your comfort.

Dry throat is a common side effect of CPAP therapy and often occurs when the air from the machine dries out your throat and nasal passages. This can happen if your machine’s humidifier is off or set too low, if you breathe through your mouth during sleep, or if the room air is dry. Using a heated humidifier, ensuring a proper mask fit, staying hydrated, and possibly switching to a full-face mask if you breathe through your mouth can help reduce dryness.

On the other hand, moisture buildup (condensation or "rainout") in your CPAP tubing or mask happens when warm, humidified air cools down as it travels through the tubing, causing water droplets to form. Cooler room temperatures, higher humidifier settings, and uninsulated tubing often contribute to this.

To minimize moisture buildup, consider using heated or insulated tubing, lowering humidifier settings, adjusting room temperature, and positioning tubing so condensation drains back into the humidifier chamber rather than your mask.

If you continue to experience dryness or moisture issues, the team at Airway CPAP can provide personalized guidance to improve your comfort and therapy effectiveness.