Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about sleep health, oxygen, or respiratory-related illnesses? We have answers!
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Quality sleep plays a very important role in your happiness, health and wellness. Unfortunately, for an increasing number of people, a good night’s sleep does not come so easily. A bad night’s sleep may be caused by simple lifestyle factors, some of which can be easily altered for a more restful sleep. Try these sleep tips and record the tips you used in a sleep journal (notebook), including when you go to sleep, when you wake up and the quality of your sleep.
If you’ve suffered from poor sleep for years, or you’ve tried the tips below and your sleep issues continue, you should seek help immediately. Ongoing sleep problems may indicate a more serious condition that requires treatment from a doctor.
Sleep tips:
- Maintain a regular bedtime and wake time schedule, including weekends.
- Establish a relaxing bedtime routine such as listening to peaceful music, relaxation exercises or reading a book.
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and a little cooler.
- Get rid of the TV and computer; only use your bedroom for sleeping.
- Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow.
- Finish eating at least two to three hours before your regular bedtime.
- Exercise regularly; it is best to complete your workout at least a few hours before bedtime.
- Try to shorten or eliminate your naps; any naps should be less than 30 minutes and happen before 2:00 p.m.
- Avoid all forms of caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea, soda, chocolate) six to eight hours before bedtime.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and nicotine close to bedtime.
- Check with your doctor before using over-the-counter medications that may help you fall asleep, since they may cause side effects.
Sleep on your side
Some people suffer from sleep apnea ONLY when lying on their back. Placing pillows behind your back or attaching tennis balls to the back of your pajamas can help you stay on your side throughout the night.
Special aids, like the SlumberbumpTM (available from Careica Health), are specially designed to make sure you sleep on your side.
Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills
These substances relax the muscles in your throat, causing the pauses in your breathing (apneas) to be longer and more severe. Prescription medications for anxiety, headaches and other common problems can also affect your breathing and the quality of your sleep. Talk to your doctor if you use any of these medications and have sleep apnea.
Prevent or minimize nasal congestion
Medications or nasal dilator devices (e.g. Breathe RightŸ nasal strips) used to treat nasal congestion or stuffiness can help reduce your snoring and may help sleep apnea slightly.
Lose weight if you are overweight
Sleep apnea is worse if you are overweight, therefore an approach to healthy weight management should always be a part of your treatment plan. Target a 5 to 10% weight loss in 6 months at an average of 0.5 to 1 kg (1 to 2 lbs) per week. Weight loss of greater than 1 kg (2 lbs) per week is considered excessive and is not recommended.
Influenza (flu) and other serious respiratory illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Put your used tissue in the waste basket
- If you donât have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands
- You may be asked to put on a facemask to protect others
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub
Oxygen is a natural part of the air we breathe, but it makes up less than a 1/4 of the gases we call air. The cells within the tissues of our bodies use both the oxygen we breathe, and the food we eat to create energy. Our bloodstream collects the necessary oxygen from our lungs and transports it to the tissues of our body.
Oxygen is harmless in air but, when concentrated under pressure, it poses dangers if misused.
If you have chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), some areas in your lungs are damaged.
These damaged areas act as blockages, which prevent oxygen from moving into your bloodstream. You are unable to capture enough oxygen during a breath for your body to thrive. You likely experience difficulties breathing, sleeping and performing daily activities.
Oxygen therapy, both home and portable oxygen, increases the amount of oxygen available to your bloodstream in each breath. The increased oxygen concentration makes it easier for your lungs to transfer enough oxygen to your bloodstream to supply your body.
With oxygen therapy, you can breathe more comfortably, so you can enjoy your daily activities.
Definitely not. Drug addictions create a biochemical change; oxygen does not cause a biochemical change, so it cannot be addictive.
If you use home oxygen, you suffer from a physical barrier in your lungs. This barrier reduces the flow of oxygen gas from the lungs into your bloodstream. Home oxygen therapy simply increases the amount of oxygen in each breath compared to other gases.
Oxygen therapy patients typically need increasing amounts of oxygen over time, because their lung disease worsens. If you need additional oxygen, it is because of the progression of your condition, not because you are addicted to oxygen.
Unfortunately, if your lung disease has caused enough lung damage to require the need for oxygen, you will likely need it for the rest of your life.
However, some lung conditions are treatable with the use of medication or by curing an infection. In those cases, patients may not need oxygen after their treatment is complete.
Your oxygen prescription tells you when to use your oxygen. Some patients must use oxygen all the time, while others do not. It is important to follow the prescription instructions given to you by your doctor.
Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your oxygen therapy.
Suddenly stopping oxygen may cause complications to your condition. Without enough oxygen, your symptoms may worsen and you may find it impossible to do even simple tasks.
When your doctor tells you that you require oxygen at home, let them know you want Careica Health to provide your oxygen. Your doctor will send Careica your oxygen prescription.
After Careica receives your oxygen prescription from your doctor, our office will contact you to set up a convenient time for our first home visit.
A friendly client service coordinator (CSC) from our Careica Health team will contact you to review your oxygen requirements. The CSC will answer any questions you may have and schedule an appointment for Careica Health to visit your home to install your equipment.
Oxygen is a medication, so many provincial programs and private health insurance companies may cover the cost of oxygen for home use.
Our Careica Health team is committed to helping you determine your eligibility for these, or other programs that may help cover the cost of oxygen.
During the set-up, you will meet your friendly Careica Health home oxygen professional for the first time. This home oxygen professional is assigned to you and will follow up with you after the set-up and schedule regular visits to monitor your oxygen therapy and your oxygen equipment.
This first appointment takes 1 – 2 hours. We encourage family members to be at home during installation so they can also learn about home oxygen therapy and how to offer you support.
During this visit, Careica delivers your oxygen equipment, sets it up, and makes sure it provides the correct amount of oxygen (as prescribed by your doctor). Once it is set up, your home oxygen professional shows you how to care for your equipment and teaches you how to set your own flowrate. We want to make sure you are comfortable using your new home oxygen equipment before we leave.
We will review the following:
- how to use oxygen safely
- how to operate and clean your equipment
- how to leave your home while on oxygen
- when to use our 24-hour toll-free number for assistance; 1 (855) 672-6262
A few days after the set-up, your assigned Careica Health home oxygen professional will call to make sure you are doing well on your therapy and with your equipment. They can also answer any questions you or your family may have.
During the first appointment, your assigned Careica Health home oxygen professional will bring the equipment you need. The oxygen equipment set up in your home will depend on your oxygen prescription and may include some or all of the following items:
- Continuous Oxygen Supply
Manitoba and Saskatchewan clients:- Home Oxygen Concentrator
- Back-up Oxygen / Emergency Cylinder
Alberta clients:
- Home Oxygen Concentrator
- Portable Oxygen Concentrator
- Disposable Supplies
- 4 to 6-month supply of nasal prongs (nasal cannula)
- Oxygen tubing
- Portable oxygen
- Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)
- Portable Oxygen Cylinder
- Oxygen Conserving Device (OCD)
Oxygen concentrators, our most commonly used source of home oxygen, are electrically-powered and use room air to produce oxygen. These machines will last for many years, but over time they will need maintenance and repair.
Your Careica Health home oxygen professional will regularly check your machine, service it and replace parts when needed.
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD is not one disease; it consists of several respiratory diseases. The most common forms of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is characterized by progressive shortness of breath, chronic cough, and mucous production.
The following symptoms could indicate a flare-up in your COPD:
- increased and unexpected shortness of breath
- yellow, green or brown mucus (phlegm)
- mucus changes (more, thicker or stickier)
- chest pain
- fever
- swollen ankles
- inability to sleep lying down
- headaches in the morning
- dizziness or confusion
- difficulty sleeping
- blue lips or fingers
- increased and unexpected shortness of breath
- feeling sick: fatigued, nauseous
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), commonly known as sleep apnea, is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or have shallow breaths while you sleep. These pauses in your breathing are called âapneasâ and they prevent air from getting to your lungs, which reduces the oxygen to your body.
This lack of oxygen causes many of the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as morning headaches and high blood pressure. However, these apneas also disrupt your sleep, which is why sleep apnea sufferers are so tired during the day. Often, the bed partner notices these symptoms first. Most sufferers don’t know they have a problem and because everybody reacts differently to sleep apnea, it is often an overlooked condition.
Sleep apnea develops over many years; you may have sleep apnea and not know it.
Most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:
- snoring
- always feeling tired or sleepy during the day
- waking without feeling refreshed and rejuvenated
- low sex drive
- frequent night-time bathroom visits
- lack of concentration & reduced memory
- irritability
- mood swings & depression
- morning headaches & sore throats
- high blood pressure
- pauses in breathing during sleep
- gasping or choking during sleep
- large neck size and/or obesity
Sleep apnea runs in families, which means the causes of sleep apnea often begin with how our bodies are built.
Some of the physical reasons people suffer from sleep apnea includes a small upper airway or some other airway blockage during sleep. Such blockages may be caused by airway tissues, which are too large or relax too much when you sleep (e.g. tonsils or a soft palate) or your bone structure may change the shape of your throat (e.g. a recessed chin). As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass, so many of these conditions get worse with time and may cause breathing problems as we sleep.
Most cases of sleep apnea remain undiagnosed, so sufferers needlessly endure symptoms night after night. Often they suffer for nearly a decade before being diagnosed.
Sleep apnea affects men, women, some children and it may run in families. Studies indicate that 9% of middle-age women and 24% of middle-aged men suffer from sleep apnea. However, these rates are much higher for people that are overweight and those diagnosed with high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Other factors that increase your risk of sleep apnea include:
- natural jaw position
- deviated septum
- enlarged tonsils
- family history of sleep apnea
Think about what sleep apnea does; it decreases airflow into the lungs at night and lowers blood oxygen levels. This is the same effect that suffocation has on your body. With sleep apnea, it happens very slowly and goes unnoticed by the sufferer at night.
Long-term suffering of sleep apnea causes stress-related problems, most commonly hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension is a very serious condition and increases the risk of:
- heart attacks
- coronary artery disease
- abnormal heart rates
- stroke
Also, there is strong evidence that people with untreated sleep apnea have a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes.
Sleep apnea sufferers should also be concerned with increased daytime sleepiness. This problem doesnât simply cause irritability; it may also lead to depression, sexual difficulties, and learning and memory problems.
More importantly, sleepiness means lack of concentration and the likelihood of sufferers falling asleep during the day. This impacts their quality of life and work, but also significantly increases the risk of industrial and automotive accidents.
Although your genetics may make it more likely for you to get sleep apnea, several things make sleep apnea worse in some people.
Obesity:
Being overweight is one of the largest risk factors for sleep apnea. Although all family members may share the genetic risk of sleep apnea, overweight people are much more likely to suffer from it.
Alcohol or Sedative Use:
Both chemicals cause muscle relaxation resulting in the narrowing and collapse of the muscles around the throat at night.
Smoking:
Smokers are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, because smoking irritates the upper airway and causes inflammation.
Hormone Imbalance:
Low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) increases the risk for sleep apnea. Hypothyroidism shares many symptoms of sleep apnea, and is similarly under-diagnosed. Symptoms include daytime sleepiness and fatigue, weight gain, nighttime snoring, and depression.
Other Medical Conditions:
Other medical conditions such as nasal congestion and seasonal allergies can block airflow through the upper airway, which increases the risk for developing sleep apnea.
Other Medications:
Although sleep apnea can result in high blood pressure (hypertension), some anti-hypertensive drugs can cause sleep apnea. Similarly, several other drug families have been linked to disrupted sleep, which increases the risk for sleep apnea (e.g. long-acting benzodiazepines, beta-blockers and theophylline).
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition, like diabetes, that can be effectively managed but typically not cured. While there is evidence to suggest that surgical intervention or significant weight loss may provide success in certain cases; it rarely does for the average sleep apnea sufferer. Of all treatment options, CPAP is recognized internationally for being the gold standard (proven to be the most effective) sleep apnea treatment.
Snoring occurs when a relaxation of the airway causes a constricted/vibratory sound as air passes. Some snoring can be classified as Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). Even when itâs free of apnea events (where your breathing stops and starts again), UARS can contribute to daytime sleepiness and oxygen desaturations (oxygen levels falling from your healthy baseline).
Snoring can be more serious than just an annoying sound. 68% of snorers have sleep apnea events, which means their snoring leads to a complete or partial airway obstruction, lasting 10 seconds or more.
An obstruction is concerning because it sets off a cascade of events in our body to open the airway back up. These events, when repeated throughout the course of the night and years, contribute or lead to serious medical conditions.
There are many different treatments that may help you stop snoring. However, the treatment recommendations will differ depending on your unique needs. The first step is to ensure your snoring is not a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.
The following symptoms could indicate you are experiencing a flare-up in your asthma. Recognizing these symptoms will help you treat flare-ups, keeping you out of the hospital:
- cough more than 3 days per week
- wheeze more than 3 days per week
- chest tightness more than 3 days per week
- shortness of breath more than 3 days per week
- mucus more than 3 days per week
- night awakenings more than once a week
- having to stop exercise or activities due to breathing problems such as shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness or wheezing (continuous, coarse, whistling sound produced in the respiratory airways during breathing)
- use of reliever medication (e.g. Salbutamol) more than 3 days per week
To help you manage your asthma on a daily basis, you will develop an action plan in consultation with your family doctor and a Careica Health respiratory professional.
This written plan reviews what symptoms to watch for, what your symptoms mean, explains how to adjust your medication based on your symptoms and when to call your doctor or 911.
The Canadian Asthma Association has developed national guidelines outlining the fewest number of symptoms you should experience.
These guidelines state you should not:
- cough, wheeze or experience chest tightness, shortness of breath or mucus more than 3 days a week
- awaken at night more than once per week
- use your reliever medication more than 3 days per week
- need to stop exercising or doing activities you enjoy because of your asthma
Careica Health will help you control asthma by teaching you:
- about the disease
- how to recognize triggers
- how to avoid triggers
- how your medications work
- when to use your medications
- how to recognize symptoms of a flare-up
- when to seek help
Many patients have lived with their symptoms so long they accept them as normal. Careica Health will help you understand good asthma control (according to national guidelines) and help you achieve improved asthma control through the use and development of a management or action plan.
Oxygen concentrators extract oxygen from the air around you, then compress and purify it before delivering concentrated oxygen directly to you. They are reliable, easy to use, require little maintenance and are manufactured with built-in alarms to warn you when servicing may be required.
A back-up oxygen supply is crucial in the event of a power outage or if technical problems arise with your concentrator.
The most common oxygen back-up system is an oxygen cylinder with an oxygen regulator. This cylinder should be stored in a convenient location in case of an emergency and should not be moved.
Careica Health will check your back-up oxygen supply at every scheduled service appointment.
Oxygen regulators set your prescribed oxygen flow from oxygen cylinders.
Careica Health carries several oxygen regulators for you to choose from; they are all durable, lightweight and are equipped with easy-to-read gauges.
Home oxygen concentrators are not portable; they need a power supply to operate. However, a variety of portable oxygen systems will allow you to leave your home and still use oxygen.
Portable oxygen systems are made up of smaller oxygen cylinders or compact, battery-operated oxygen concentrators. These portable oxygen devices can be used when driving a car or traveling in an airplane.
The most common accessories and disposable supplies are:
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Oxygen tubing:
The tubes that run from your oxygen equipment to your nasal prongs.
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Nasal prongs:
Also called nasal cannula, it fits inside your nostrils to deliver the oxygen and connects to oxygen tubing.
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Oxygen mask:
This mask connects to your oxygen supply and is placed over your mouth and nose. Masks are used when the lungs require a higher concentration of oxygen than the nasal prongs can deliver. They are also used when people are not able to use nasal prongs.
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Connectors:
These devices secure the connection between pieces of tubing.
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Concentrator filters:
These filters extend the life of your home oxygen concentrator.
Convenient, easy to use and affordable, portable oxygen products are designed to enhance an active lifestyle.
They provide you with the ability to leave home for a few hours, days, or weeks. Portable oxygen systems are made up of portable oxygen cylinders or compact, battery-operated portable oxygen concentrators.
Careica Health has portable oxygen equipment available for purchase or rent.
In Alberta, some clients may be provided with a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) if they qualify with the Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program.
If you answer âyesâ to any of these questions, you could benefit from portable oxygen:
- Do I need oxygen continuously?
- Do I need oxygen while exercising?
- Do I need to leave my home for routine errands (e.g. shopping, banking, medical appointments)?
- Do I take vacations or travel to visit family?
How often you leave your home, the length of your trip and how you travel (e.g. car, airplane) will determine which portable oxygen system you need.
Our Careica Health home oxygen professionals will review the features and benefits of each product; answer any questions you may have and recommend a system that best suits your health and lifestyle needs.
Yes. Portable oxygen systems provide the opportunity to leave home for a few hours, days or weeks.
Yes, you may drive if your doctor approves it. Make sure your portable oxygen equipment is secured inside your vehicle. This will prevent it from moving in the event of a collision or accident.
Each province has different agencies and guidelines for funding portable oxygen costs. Speak with your private health insurance provider or contact Careica Health at 1 (855) 672-6262 to ask about your eligibility for portable oxygen coverage.
Yes, Careica Health has a Rental Program for portable oxygen equipment. Renting can be a convenient option when a specific piece of equipment is only required for a set amount of time.
Contact Careica Health Oxygen for further details at 1 (855) 672-6262.
Taking your puffers as prescribed by your doctor should help you feel better and experience fewer symptoms.
There are two main types of medications that are often used together to control your symptoms: preventer medications and reliever medications.
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Preventer / controller medication:
Take your preventer medicine every day, even if you have no symptoms. These medications decrease swelling in your airways and make sure they stay clear of mucus.
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Reliever medication:
Take your reliever medication only when you need it: during a flare-up, if your breathing gets bad and before exercise (if you experience induced respiratory symptoms or if you unexpectedly experience symptoms during exercise).
Having prescriptions for more than one puffer is normal for people with lung disease. Each puffer performs a specific and different action on your lungs. Your doctor determined you need the actions of each one of these inhalers to treat your lung disorder. When used correctly, these medications provide you with the best treatment to control your disease.
Contact Careica Health for help developing your action plan, so you will learn when to use these medications and how each of them works.
It is a simple overnight sleep test done in the comfort and privacy of your own home, instead of sleeping overnight in a sleep clinic. A portable sleep recorder collects data about your sleep, which can give you answers about the cause of your restless sleep.
Careica Health provides two sleep study options:
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For those living within one-hour driving distance of a Careica Health office:
When a sleep study appointment is set, you will come into your local Careica Health office where one of our Careica Health members will provide you with a portable sleep recorder, explain how it works, ensure you are comfortable using it and answer any questions you may have.
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For those living in towns / cities, in Saskatchewan or Manitoba, without a local Careica Health office:
Careica Health offers a remote sleep study where the sleep recording equipment is couriered directly to you and instructions are provided online.
That night before going to sleep, youâll set it up as instructed. The next morning, youâll unhook and return the portable recorder to Careica Health.
For your sleep study, you will borrow one of our portable sleep recorders for one night. The sleep recorder will provide Careica Health with valuable information about your night’s sleep. The sleep recorder measures your breathing pattern, what your oxygen levels and heart rate were, if you were snoring and what position you slept in.
After you return the recorder, our Careica Health doctors (experts in sleep disordered breathing) will interpret the data to determine if you have sleep apnea. You will then meet with a Careica Health sleep expert, who will explain your sleep study results and answer any questions you might have.
If your results indicate sleep apnea, your sleep expert will also recommend and discuss treatment options.
The sleep recorder is a portable device that measures information about your night’s sleep from sensors that are attached to your body. It is a small device that does not involve masks. Most of our clients report that it is relatively comfortable and they don’t experience much, if any, disruption to their sleep.
Microphone:
The microphone measures your snoring and how much time you spend sleeping on your back or on your side and stomach. The microphone does not record audio, such as conversations or sleep talking.
Nasal Cannula:
The nasal cannula are tiny plastic tubes that fit into your nostrils and the tubing is secured behind your ears and under your chin. It measures the airflow you generate with each breath.
Effort Belt:
The effort belt is placed around your chest. When correctly fastened, the belt should be snug, but not uncomfortable. The belt measures how much your chest expands and contracts with each breath.
Finger Probe:
The finger probe is taped to your index finger and measures the percentage of oxygen in your blood and records your heart rate.
Careica Health uses two models of sleep study recorders:
- Remmers Sleep Recorder
- ResMed ApneaLink Air
There are two ways to request a sleep study with Careica Health:
- Contact Careica directly. Our Careica team can contact your doctor on your behalf to obtain the required paperwork. Once received, we will contact you to set your sleep study appointment. To get started:
- Talk to your doctor and ask for a referral to Careica Health.
Once the recorder is returned, one of our Careica Health sleep doctors, with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea, reviews the data from your sleep study.
While everyone experiences small breathing disruptions during sleep, someone with sleep apnea may have as many as one hundred of these events each hour. The number of apneas you have per hour of sleep determines how severe your sleep apnea is. If the sleep study test is inconclusive for sleep apnea, the doctor will refer you to another professional who can help diagnose your sleeping disorder.
As soon as our Careica Health doctor reviews the results of your at-home sleep study, an interpretation and diagnosis can be made. The diagnosis can be made within days of your sleep study. You will learn the results of the sleep study and diagnosis at your appointment. Waiting times to discuss your results varies between locations.
Call Careica Health for more information at 1 (877) 250-5622.
Spirometry is the most common of the pulmonary function tests, measuring lung function, specifically the amount and/or speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. It is recommended for these patient groups:
- patients with undiagnosed respiratory symptoms
- patients with asthma
- smokers and former smokers, 40 years of age and older
- patients with diagnosed lung disease to:
- determine their baseline lung function (lung capacity, health of the airways) and monitor changes in lung function over time
- evaluate their lungsâ response to inhaled medications and determine which medications are most effective in treating their lung disease
- follow-up on changes made to their inhaled medications
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (smokers or ex-smokers 40 years of age and older)
- COPD patients who have:
- persistent cough and sputum production
- frequent respiratory tract infections
- progressive activity-related shortness of breath
- Children under 3 years of age
- People who have:
- recently suffered a heart attack (MI or myocardial infarction)
- a collapsed lung (known as a pneumothorax)
- recently had eye surgery (cataract)
- recently had a head injury or stroke
- recently undergone abdominal or thoracic (chest) surgery
- a blood clot(s) in their lungs (known as pulmonary emboli)
- hemoptysis of unknown origin (excessive nose bleeds)
- an active communicable disease (Tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis B)
- presence of an acute illness or symptoms (i.e. nausea, vomiting)
- thoracic, abdominal or cerebral aneurysms
- unstable cardiovascular status (angina, blood pressure)
- All respiratory clients attending Careica Health’s one-on-one Respiratory Wellness Centre Educational Clinics in Brandon, Manitoba.
- Clients with breathing problems, mainly shortness of breath and chest congestion.
- Clients who suffer from identified conditions and diseases.
- Clients who think they need home oxygen.
- Home oxygen clients who feel their oxygen therapy is not as effective as it used to be
- Oxygen clients requesting an oxygen conserving device (OCD) for their portable oxygen cylinder or a portable oxygen concentrator (POC).
- In these cases, the respiratory assessment includes a 6-minute walking test on room air and then at least one walk test with oxygen to determine your ability to use such equipment and the oxygen flow rate you will need during exercise.
Careica Health also performs respiratory assessments for clients in these programs:
- First Nations Inuit Health (NIHB)
- Unemployment Insurance
- Income Protection
- Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL)
- Workers Compensation Board
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
Note: In Alberta, VAC clients must meet the same eligibility criteria set by Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL).
An in-home respiratory assessment, performed by a Careica Health Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Registered Nurse (RN), helps us determine if you can use an oxygen conserving device, a portable oxygen concentrator, or portable oxygen cylinders. If your assessment shows you can successfully use the portable oxygen system, the RRT or RN will contact your doctor for a prescription.
In Manitoba, there is a fee for an in-home respiratory assessment. Contact Careica Health Oxygen for more information at 1 (855) 672-6262.
Portable oxygen cylinders are small tanks that contain a specific amount of compressed oxygen that empties as you use it.
- Larger cylinders contain more oxygen and last for longer periods of time
- Smaller cylinders must be changed more frequently, but are easier to carry
Since all portable oxygen cylinders require frequent changes, you must plan ahead when traveling to make sure you bring sufficient replacement cylinders for your trip.
You can use portable oxygen cylinders if you have a prescription for oxygen from your doctor. Careica Health can help you choose a suitable cylinder size.
A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) works like your home oxygen concentrator by extracting oxygen from room air, but it fits in a space about the size of a small suitcase.
POCs make long-term travel easy and convenient and are approved for use onboard many commercial aircraft. POCs come with rechargeable batteries and two different power cords, so they can be plugged into a regular electrical outlet or a car’s auxiliary outlet.
An oxygen conserving device (OCD) attaches to all portable oxygen cylinders, delivering oxygen only when you breathe in, therefore conserving the amount of oxygen you use. With an OCD you can travel longer and use either smaller or fewer portable cylinders.
Specifically, for portable equipment, you may need the following accessories:
- Cylinder cart: Chrome-plated carts to transport larger portable oxygen cylinders. They are lightweight, adjustable, and easy-to-handle.
- Cylinder bag: Made for small cylinders, these bags are made of durable nylon and are available in over-the-shoulder, backpack and handheld styles.
Calgary and Saskatchewan Clients
Call Careica Health Oxygen to arrange a date and time for home delivery: 1 (855) 672-6262.
Manitoba Clients
Careica provides oxygen services throughout Manitoba. We offer two ways to replace your portable oxygen cylinders:
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Call Careica Health Oxygen to arrange a date and time for home delivery:
1 (855) 672-6262.
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Visit a Careica Health Oxygen Depot
Careica has several oxygen depots throughout the province of Manitoba. To replace your portable cylinders you will require a Client Depot Card. Call Careica Health Oxygen to request a Client Deport Card: 1 (855) 672-6262.
There are a wide variety of options for treating snoring and/or sleep apnea. Based on your sleep study results, Careica Health’s sleep specialists will recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Possible treatments include:
- CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy that uses air pressure to keep your airway open and provide uninterrupted sleep
- Auto CPAP (APAP): automatically adjusts airway pressure throughout the night
- An oral appliance device that stabilizes your jaw so that soft tissues in your upper airway do not collapse
- Positional therapy to find the sleep position that reduces your symptoms
- Counselling on sleep habits and lifestyle changes (e.g. improved sleep habits, weight loss)
- Surgery
The treatment recommended for you will be based on your sleep study results, your lifestyle, medical history and your own preferences.
Treatment can begin soon after your follow-up appointment. This means you can start feeling better within days, quickly rediscovering the benefits of a good nightâs sleep!
For sufferers diagnosed with sleep apnea and given a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) prescription, Careica Health offers a 30-day CPAP trial therapy assessment.
Fortunately, once sleep apnea is treated the benefits are life-altering. Treatment will reduce or eliminate your snoring, allowing both you and your bed partner to sleep better. Treatment has also shown to improve conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and other cardiac and metabolic syndromes.
Your treatment may also reduce common sleep apnea symptoms such as:
- snoring
- always feeling tired or sleepy during the day
- waking without feeling refreshed and rejuvenated
- low sex drive
- frequent night-time bathroom visits
- lack of concentration & reduced memory
- irritability mood swings & depression
- morning headaches & sore throats
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; pronounced see-PAP) therapy is the most common treatment for sleep apnea and is the first treatment most doctors recommend.
CPAP is a simple mechanical aid, which helps to keep your airway open at night when you sleep. CPAP prevents your airway from closing through the application of air pressure. Pressure is created by air blowing through the nose, or nose and mouth, into the upper airway. This gentle pressure, applied continuously throughout the night, allows for normal breathing and for you to get the deep sleep you require for restful and restorative sleep.
Both CPAP and Bi-Level therapy are forms of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. CPAP therapy delivers one level of pressure when you inhale and exhale. Bi-Level therapy delivers two levels of pressure set to coincide with your inhaled and exhaled breaths. Generally, the inhalation pressure is set higher than the exhalation pressure. Bi-Level therapy can be recommended for sleep apnea clients that have difficulty with CPAP therapy.
A CPAP blower or CPAP pump generates the flow of air. This machine generates a high flow of air, but at a low pressure. Today CPAP machines are small (shoe-box size or smaller), quiet and extremely reliable.
The most common method for applying the pressure to the airway is with a soft mask shaped to fit over the nose and seal against the face. A comfortably fitting mask is the most important part of your CPAP therapy. A comfortable mask ensures effective treatment.
If you have trouble adapting to your first mask, there are many shapes and styles to choose from. Other devices are sometimes used, including direct seal nasal masks which seal inside the nostrils or full-face masks which fit over the mouth and nose.
Your Careica Health sleep clinician will ensure you are fitted with the best mask for your face to ensure effective CPAP treatment.
When air pressure is applied to the nose, the uvula and soft palate partially block off the mouth. Some air may escape from the mouth, called a âmouth leak,â which can be uncomfortable for a CPAP user. Most CPAP users learn to sleep with their mouth closed, even if they have been mouth breathers and snorers.
Unfortunately, larger mouth leaks will cause the CPAP pressure in your airway to drop. This drop in pressure may allow your airway to collapse and apneas to reoccur. However, various devices, such as chinstraps, may gently hold your mouth closed.
Careica Health will provide you an âOxygen in Useâ sign that should be displayed where it can be seen easily from outside your home. Careica Health will help you find an appropriate location to display your sign. You should also notify:
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Your local fire department
Oxygen rapidly accelerates a fire and flammables burn more easily and more violently in the presence of oxygen. The fire department must be made aware of your oxygen use, so they are prepared to respond appropriately to a fire emergency in your home.
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Your building manager
If your home has a building manager (e.g. apartment, townhouse, condo), let them know about your oxygen use. This helps ensure they follow correct emergency procedures in case of a fire drill, actual fire, or during communications with the electric company or fire department.
No Open Flame
No Electrical Adapters
No Smoking
Always remember:
- Always keep oxygen away from open flames (e.g. candles, fireplaces, gas stoves)
- Do not smoke in a room where oxygen is being used
- Do not allow anyone else to smoke in a room where oxygen is being used
- Never use any oil or grease on the oxygen regulator or the oxygen cylinders
- Keep your hands, nose and clothes free of oil and grease
- Do not use petroleum-based skin products around your nose and mouth (e.g. VicksÂź, VaselineÂź)
- Never use extension cords or electrical adaptors with your oxygen concentrator; plug it directly into a wall outlet
- Never plug another major appliance into the same electrical outlet as your oxygen concentrator
Never use open flames in the house if you use oxygen and do not allow anyone else to smoke in a room where oxygen is being used.
Oxygen will not burn by itself, but when a flame or any smoldering material (e.g. cigarette) is exposed to high oxygen levels, the fire will flare suddenly and burn violently.
Smoking and oxygen do not mix. Oxygen rapidly accelerates a fire, so smoking near your equipment or while using your oxygen increases your risk of serious injury.
Smoking is also a fire hazard. If a fire starts in your home from careless smoking, oxygen will allow the fire to spread more quickly and it will be more difficult to extinguish.
The Careica Respiratory Wellness Centre is based in Brandon, Manitoba and is a facility that delivers The Community Respiratory Program. This program provides education and support for children and adults diagnosed with respiratory disease. Our goal is to help these individuals manage their disease with fewer hospital admissions, visits to their doctor and absences from school or work.
In 1999, Careica joined the Prairie Mountain Health Region (formerly known as the Brandon and Assiniboine Regional Health Authorities) to develop a Community Respiratory Program for patients living in these communities. Careica’s exceptional care through this highly successful program has already helped thousands of respiratory patients live more active, healthy lives, experiencing improved overall health and quality of life.
Manitoba doctors, healthcare providers or patients themselves can refer adults and children of the Prairie Mountain Health Region to our centreâs Community Respiratory Program if the person meets one or more of the following criteria:
Has been diagnosed with:
- asthma
- COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis)
- pulmonary fibrosis
- occupational lung disease
Requires screening for:
- chest tightness
- cough
- shortness of breath
- mucus production
- wheezing
CPAP instantly treats sleep apneas. Some people notice immediate improvement in daytime symptoms, such as sleepiness. Others find it takes time to get used to CPAP and gain maximum benefit.
Your Careica Health sleep clinician closely monitors your progress to ensure you are comfortable and beginning to feel better.
Unfortunately, CPAP does not cure sleep apnea. When in use, it simply controls your symptoms by keeping your airway open while you sleep.
If you stop using CPAP your airway will once again close and you will experience apneas. For most people with sleep apnea, CPAP is a life-long treatment. Weight loss can improve your overall health and may decrease the number of apneas during sleep. The pressure needed to keep your airway open may also decrease, but it is rare to completely stop CPAP treatment.
Your clinician regularly assesses your progress. If your weight changes, your CPAP pressure will be adjusted to ensure effective treatment.
Almost as soon as you stop using your CPAP, apneas will reoccur. So, whenever you sleep (even an afternoon nap) you should use CPAP. This means eight hours a night, seven days a week.
In the beginning, you may have trouble adjusting to CPAP and will be unable to use it all night. This is normal and shouldnât discourage you. Stay positive, over time you will increase your amount of time using your CPAP each night. Recent studies show that the more you use your CPAP, the more benefit you experience.
The bottom line is, CPAP doesnât work if it isnât used.
Although a night or two without CPAP should not cause a major problem, some symptoms, such as daytime sleepiness may return. If you canât use your CPAP equipment, take care the following day when driving or operating machinery.
Your Careica Health sleep clinician routinely checks your CPAP machine for as long as you use it. Inside the machine is an electronic card that collects information about usage, apnea resolve and mask fit. The card also tells us what pressures were needed to keep your apneas controlled.
This information, along with sleepiness scores and quality of life surveys, give your clinician the information they need to help you achieve the best sleep possible and get you back on the road to health.
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, please call your Careica Health sleep clinician as your CPAP therapy may need to be adjusted or your mask replaced:
- Snoring during sleep
- Increasing sleepiness during the day
- Waking up at night
- Waking up with a very dry mouth
- Waking up with a headache
- Waking up without feeling refreshed
- Tenderness where your mask or interface touches your face
The key to successful CPAP therapy is a good mask fit. Your mask needs to be comfortable. Follow these tips:
- Secure your headgear, but do not make it too tight.
- Check if you need a new or different mask when you find yourself adjusting your headgear to minimize leaks.
- Replace your mask every six (6) months to a year (6-months is recommended by manufacturers).
- Do not have your mask cushion crushing against your face; leaks may increase if your mask is too tight. The cushion should be resting on your face, allowing air to fill the cushion and make a seal.
Careica Health has a large variety of mask sizes and styles available. Please contact us if your mask is causing discomfort or leaking regularly – we will find the right mask for you.
Generally, masks and tubing should be replaced every year, however this will vary based on your skin type, daily usage and mask fit.
Replace your mask or tubing if you experience or notice any of the following:
- regular pressure leaks
- tightening your headgear/mask to avoid leaks
- cracking or hardening of your mask’s cushion or silicone
- cracking of your mask’s hard, clear shell
- broken attachments
- pressure sores or redness at the bridge of your nose, upper lip or cheek that does not go away after removing your mask for 10 minutes
CPAP safely treats sleep apnea, but occasionally causes side effects.
CPAP users sometimes complain of cold, dry, painful or stuffy noses. Other side effects from CPAP are associated with the mask rubbing on the nose or a poorly fitting mask causing air to blow into the eyes.
Tips to prevent some of these side effects:
- Use a heated humidifier, which warms and humidifies the air blowing into your nose.
- Purchase some inexpensive over-the-counter nasal washes to help prevent nasal irritation and congestion.
- Change the size or style of your mask.
The following accessories can contribute to the effectiveness of and comfort with your CPAP machine (available from Careica Health):
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Sleep pillows:
Specialized pillows that positions your head and body to make your CPAP machine more effective.
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Heated humidifiers:
Warms and humidifies the air blowing into your nose.
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Headgear:
Ensures your mask is sealed against your face throughout the night.
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Tube warmers:
Warms the pressurized air from the CPAP machine.
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Nasal rinse:
Inexpensive over-the-counter nasal washes to help prevent nasal irritation and congestion.
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Hose stands:
Elevates your CPAP hose to help keep it tangle-free during the night.
Oxygen is a medication and must be prescribed by your doctor. Doctors use several tests to determine if you need home oxygen and if so, how much oxygen.
- Chest X-rays determine the condition of your lungs and if you have lung disease.
- Blood tests determine how well your lungs are working and they confirm how much oxygen your blood transports to your body.
- Exercise tests determine how well your body uses the oxygen it receives.
- Respiratory assessments determine the flowrate required to maintain adequate oxygen levels at rest and during exercise.
In Manitoba and Saskatchewan:
Based on these tests, your doctor will write a prescription for home oxygen therapy stating two things:
- a specific flowrate of oxygen, usually measured in litres per minute (lpm)
- how many hours per day you must use oxygen (requirements often depend upon activity level), so your doctor may also order a higher oxygen flowrate to use when you are active
In Alberta:
Based on these tests, your physician will write a goal for a blood oxygen level (oxygen saturation) to be maintained. Your Careica Health Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) will perform a respiratory assessment to determine the flowrate needed to maintain this oxygen saturation at rest and during activity.
Oxygen flow rate refers to the amount of oxygen gas being delivered to your body, and is usually measured in litres per minute (lpm).
Do not change your oxygen flowrate without first talking to your doctor. Some respiratory conditions worsen when you use higher or lower flowrates.
If your doctor gives you a new oxygen prescription, contact Careica Health so our records are up-to-date and we can provide you with the best possible service.
Never change your oxygen flowrate unless prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may worsen if you use either too much or too little oxygen.
Shortness of breath is not always because of too little oxygen. Such symptoms may be due to a flare-up in your lung condition caused by a cold or chest infection.
If you are experiencing shortness of breath:
Sit in a comfortable position, stay calm and try to control your breathing. Pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing will both help. (link) These breathing exercises reduce the trapped air in your lungs, which allows you to breathe in more fresh air.
CPAP therapy works best when you use it every nightâespecially when traveling so you can wake up energized for your fun-filled days and nights! Traveling should never limit your CPAP use. Use a portable power supply with your CPAP to ensure uninterrupted use during your vacation or when unexpected power outages occur at home.
Empty all the water from your chamber before packing your CPAP equipment inside your carrying bag. This prevents water damage to your machineâs internal components.
Always take your CPAP machine on an airplane as carry-on baggage. This prevents damage or loss in the event your checked baggage is mishandled or misplaced. Your CPAP machine is a medical device, so the limit of one carry-on bag and one personal bag (e.g. purse or briefcase) per traveler may not include your CPAP machine. Make sure to check with your airline prior to your flight.
Most airlines allow the use of the in-flight power supply to operate your CPAP machine. However, be sure to contact your airline ahead of time for the rules and regulations regarding in-flight CPAP use.
Yes, but here are a few helpful hints:
- Make sure the cigarette lighter socket works.
- In a motorhome, check if the outlet is connected to a separate battery or if it uses the coach or engine battery; use of your CPAP machine may drain your engine battery and prevent you from starting the motor if the outlet connects to the engine battery.
- Review and understand how to operate your inverter.
- Check your CPAP machine’s operations manual to find out if your humidifier will work on 12 volt power.
Yes. Here is a list of some travel essentials that are available at all Careica Health locations. Your Careica Health therapist will teach you how to use them.
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Fuses:
Your CPAP machine uses a variety of fuses (e.g. 110, 220 and 12 volt). Make sure you have replacements.
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CPAP Wipes:
Alcohol-free wipes make cleaning of your mask and machine easy and convenient.
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Portable Power Supplies:
Portable power supplies ensure uninterrupted use of your CPAP when conventional power supplies are not available. We recommend a rechargeable battery, power inverter, battery adapter cable and battery charger.
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Universal Plug Adapters:
If traveling outside Canada or the U.S., research your destination to find out if your CPAP machine plug is compatible with the local electrical outlets. If not, you will need to purchase a set of universal plug adapters to ensure your machine will work with the electrical outlets at your hotel or resort.
Note: Once plugged in using the power adapter, all of Careica Health’s CPAP machines adjust automatically to the power supply. No manual adjustments are necessary.
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Extension Cord:
Electrical outlets at your destination may not be conveniently located, so you should carry an extension cord.
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Copy of Your CPAP Prescription:
Some airlines may ask for documents verifying your need for CPAP. Ask your Careica Health sleep clinician for a copy of your CPAP prescription or a letter stating you are a sleep apnea client on CPAP therapy.
Yes, CPAP machines are now available in smaller, more compact sizes ideal for travel and the active CPAP clientâs lifestyle. Careica Health offers travel-sized CPAP machines for purchase for your next vacation.
Call Careica Health for more information at 1 (877) 250-5622.
People who use oxygen have an increased risk of falling, due to tripping over their tubing. To prevent falls, keep the tube of your oxygen supply away from feet and furniture.
Careica Health recommends the following tips to decrease your risk of tripping:
- Place bright colored tape at 12-inch intervals along the tubing. The bright, contrasting color will alert you to the location of the tube on your floor as you move throughout your home.
- If you use a walker, crutch(es), or cane to walk, loop the tube around your ring finger. This will keep the tubing away from your feet. By holding it, you will be more aware of it as you go about your home activities.
- If you do not use a device to help you walk, hold the tubing in your non-dominant hand.
- When turning to sit on furniture, toilet or tub seat, move the tube from your side to directly in front of you. You will be better able to see it as you turn, so the tube does not get tangled on anything.
We recommend a water-based nasal cream or gel to lubricate your lips and nose. Do NOT use VicksÂź or VaselineÂź, instead we recommend using SecarisÂź. A room humidifier also helps; increasing the humidity level in your home and reduce dryness.
Using cotton wrap or gauze pads between the tubing and your skin can reduce irritation.
Careica Health can supply you with a commercial product that prevents these symptoms. There may be a charge for this item, depending on the provincial funding available.
Use a saline nasal spray to clear your nasal passages.
You can also try using a water-based nasal cream or gel to lubricate your nose, or increase the humidity in the house with a room humidifier.
Using an oxygen mask is only recommended at certain oxygen flowrates. Contact Careica Health at 1(855) 672-6262 to determine if you are a candidate for a mask. If you cannot use a nasal cannula or a mask, other oxygen delivery devices are available. Careica Health will recommend the best device for you.
Oral appliance therapy effectively treats snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. Oral appliances are also a secondary treatment choice for sleep apnea patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP.
An oral appliance fits partially or completely in your mouth. These appliances look like orthodontic retainers or athletic mouth guards. Two types of oral appliances are available:
- over the counter oral appliances, which are simple, easy to fit, and affordable
- customized oral appliances, made by dentists, based on mouth/teeth impressions (currently available at Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, and, Edmonton Careica Health locations)
Dentists with training in oral appliance therapy can design, construct, and fit these special appliances to meet their patientâs individual needs. The dentist will guide your selection of an appliance, which both fits your lifestyle and best treats your sleep apnea and snoring. Follow-up with the dentist is important to ensure your appliance is comfortable and effectively treating your condition.
When you sleep, the appliance holds your jaw and soft throat tissues in a position that allows for easier breathing.
Some appliances move your jaw forward slightly to increase the amount of airway space. Others stabilize your jaw and prevent it from falling back towards your throat.
For people without teeth, appliances can be used to shift your tongue forward while you sleep, which also increases airway space.
Oral appliances are small, lightweight and easy to carry. They are convenient for people who travel or like to go camping.
Many oral appliances are commercially available. However, the US Food and Drug Administration have accepted only a few for the treatment of sleep apnea. Many dentists make their own appliances, few of which have been tested for effectiveness. The dentist that works with Careica Health Calgary only uses appliances with a proven track record of treating snoring or sleep apnea.
Another at-home sleep study is the only way to be sure your appliance is resolving your sleep apnea and snoring. The dentist will recommend re-testing after your snoring stops and your symptoms decline.
Life on oxygen doesn’t mean you must stop going on your daily walks, out for errands, visiting friends or planning that next big vacation. Traveling with oxygen is very common.
First you must contact your doctor to ask if you are well enough to travel. If you can travel, Careica Health will help you with the oxygen equipment and information needed for your trip.
When making any travel reservation (e.g. bus, airline, tours), be sure to contact each transport company and notify them of your oxygen use so they can accommodate your travel needs.
Yes. When leaving Canada, make sure you have the following documentation:
- Current oxygen prescription from your doctor
- Proof of âpoint of originâ for your equipment (e.g. letter from Careica Health, rental or sales invoice)
For Your Oxygen Needs
- Careica Health’s phone number: 1 (855) 672-6262
- A copy of your prescription and treatment plan in case of flare-ups
Other Traveling Necessities
- your provincial Personal Healthcare Number
- your doctorâs name and office phone number
- emergency contactâs name and phone number (e.g. family, friend)
- letter from your doctor about your condition, to any healthcare professional (e.g. doctor, nurse, etc.) you may need to see while traveling
- list of your allergies, vaccinations and current medications
- prescription for antibiotics and/or prednisone, if prescribed
- name of a doctor at your destination; make sure this doctor receives current medical information from your Canadian doctor before you travel
- copy of your Health Directive (ensure your family is aware of your wishes)
- extra medication, in case you are delayed returning home
- The contact information of businesses at your destination that can supply you with more oxygen, additional supplies, prescription refills, wheelchairs, etc., if necessary.
- The triggers that aggravate your symptoms (e.g. air conditioning).
- Ask your doctor about temporary changes to your medications to guard against these triggers.
- Consider keeping a similar routine to the one you have at home, to keep you feeling well during your trip.
- When making any travel reservation (e.g. bus, airline, tours), be sure to contact each transport company and notify them of your oxygen use so they can accommodate your travel needs.
- Make all travel plans in advance.
- Prepare for typical problems.
- Plan rest stops, snack breaks, stretches and short walks.
- Plan to travel at cooler times of the day or year.
- Follow your home routine as much as possible (e.g. nap times).
The following factors increase your chance of responding favorably to an oral appliance:
- normal body weight, BMI less than 30 (not considered obese)
- older than 18 and younger than 65
- healthy teeth
- patients who have failed throat surgery
- patients who have mild sleep apnea
The dentist examines your teeth and mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for a custom oral appliance. The dentist looks at:
- position of your jaw
- jaw stiffness and tenderness
- evidence of teeth grinding (bruxism)
- number of teeth you have
- condition of your teeth and gums
- presence of extensive restorations (e.g. crowns, bridges, implants, veneers)
- size of your tongue and other tissues in the back of your throat
While many successful oral appliance users do not fall within these guidelines, the more criteria a patient meets, the more successful oral therapy should be.
After the dentist inserts your oral appliance, you need to return several times during the first few months for dental exams and adjustments. Once your appliance is properly positioned and your dentist is happy with the treatment outcome, an annual visit is recommended. During the follow-up visits, the dentist will ask how you are feeling and answer your questions.
The dentist is experienced with many different appliances. He or she will guide you through the process of selecting an appliance, which both fits your lifestyle and best treats your sleep apnea and snoring.
Every appliance is different, so it is likely you will find a comfortable one to effectively treat your condition. All appliances allow you to breathe through your mouth if your nose is stuffy. The best appliance for you depends on the shape of your mouth and if you have allergies to certain substances such as metal or plastic.
Everybody responds differently to his or her oral appliance, therefore adjustment periods vary from person to person. You must be patient and listen to your body.
Some people adjust very quickly to the appliance and can wear it all night after the first week. Others may have to gradually increase the hours of use each night over several weeks. This means the effectiveness of your appliance will be limited during this adjustment period.
The lifespan of an appliance depends on its design. They will last anywhere from six months to three years. Some require more repairs than others, some must be sent back to the laboratory to be repaired, while others can be repaired in the office. Grinding your teeth dramatically shortens your applianceâs lifespan.
Your sleep clinician or dentist will first ensure that your appliance fits well and is comfortable. The more you wear your appliance, the greater the benefits are likely to be.
If you use your appliance all night, every night and still do not feel better, the appliance may need further adjustments. If you cannot wear the appliance, a different appliance may be suggested or you may be referred to the Careica Health doctor to discuss other treatment options.
The Careica Health team continually works to find the best possible treatment so you get a good nightâs sleep and feel better.
Short-term side effects are common and include excess salivation, dry mouth, tooth pain and jaw pain. These symptoms easily correct with time or by adjusting the appliance.
Long-term side effects are less common. Studies report that with as many as half of the cases, oral appliances change teeth positions and sometimes, jaw positions. Careica Health will recommend daily bite exercises to minimize these complications. Remember, the positive effects of oral appliance therapy probably outweigh the possible side effects of the appliance.
Unfortunately, most insurance programs donât cover the cost of your sleep study, however many will cover some or all the costs associated with sleep apnea treatment. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your level of coverage.
Low income patients may qualify for Careica Health financial assistance program. Call Careica Health for more information at  1 (877) 250-5622.
Your Careica Health clinician will review the costs of CPAP therapy with you. CPAP costs vary, depending on the type of machine and style of mask you use.
Most extended healthcare insurance providers cover a percentage of CPAP costs. If allowed by your plan’s provider, Careica Health will contact them to get details on your CPAP coverage. If you speak to your insurance company yourself, we recommend reading Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company.
If you do not have extended healthcare insurance, Careica Health has affordable payment options and financial assistance programs for low income families.
Oral appliances vary in cost depending on style, design and whether they are used to treat sleep apnea or snoring. Careica Health will talk to you about the costs for the appliance recommended for you.
Oral appliance therapy is considered medical, not dental treatment. Many extended healthcare insurance companies cover much of the cost. If allowed by your plan’s provider, Careica Health will contact them to get details on your oral appliance coverage. If you speak to your insurance company yourself, we recommend reading Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company.
COPD Hotline | 1 (866) 717-COPD (2673)
This free, confidential helpline is offered by the Lung Association and staffed by healthcare professionals with special training in COPD.
Respiratory Disease Education & Rehab Programs
Manitoba
- Careica Health’s Community Respiratory Program (Brandon, MB)
(204) 725-3207 - Seven Oaks General Hospital Wellness Institute
(204) 632-3900 - Misericordia’s “Health Care for Lungs” program
(204) 788-8023 - Riverview Health Centre’s “Huff and Puff Club”
(204) 478-6161 - Brandon Regional Health Authority
(204) 578-4203
Saskatchewan
- Saskatoon Pulmonary Rehab Program
(306) 655-2480 - Wascana Rehabilitation Centre: COPD Rehabilitation Program
(306) 766-5124
(Physician referral required) - Saskatoon LiveWell COPD Program
(306) 655-LIVE (5483)
(referral can come from any healthcare professional) - Regina LiveWell COPD Program
(306) 766-6332
Calgary & Area
- Calgary COPD & Asthma Program (CCAP)
(403) 220-8742
COPD Hotline | 1 (866) 717-COPD (2673)
This free, confidential helpline is offered by the Lung Association and staffed by healthcare professionals with special training in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Respiratory Disease Education & Rehab Programs
- Â Careica Health’s Community Respiratory Program (Brandon, MB)
(204) 725-3207 - Â Seven Oaks General Hospital Wellness Institute
(204) 632-3900 - Misericordia’s “Health Care for Lungs” program
(204) 788-8023 - Riverview Health Centre’s “Huff and Puff Club”
(204) 478-6161 - Brandon Regional Health Authority
(204) 578-4203
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