Have you ever been nudged by your bed partner because you had pauses in breathing? Ever been kicked to the couch because of your loud snoring? Or awoke feeling tired? You could be one of the millions of Canadians who are suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (“OSA”).

OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea and is characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial obstructions of the upper airway during sleep. This condition is linked to an increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, obesity, and diabetes.

The good news is that you can easily be tested for this in the comfort of your own home. A Home Sleep Apnea Test, also known as a Level-3 HSAT, is an easy way to determine if you are having trouble sleeping. A Home Sleep Apnea Test tracks your breathing, oxygen levels, and breathing effort when worn.

Here are the facts that you need to know:

1. It’s convenient.

This test is done in the comfort of your own home and is simple to use. To view our instructional video to see what is required of a Level 3 Home Sleep Apnea Test, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iet92nkII68. 

2. It’s a small commitment.

The Home Sleep Apnea Test is typically used for one night, In rare cases you may need to repeat the test if there is not enough data recorded.

3. It uses sensors to detect your breathing, heart rate, and oxygenation.

The Home Sleep Apnea Test uses sensors that attach to your body. These sensors include a small finger probe that is used to measure oxygen levels. A nasal cannula that will be inserted into your nostrils and secured around your ears to determine the flow of your breathing and identify pauses in airflow. An effort belt is worn around your chest to measure the rise and fall as you breathe. Depending on the type of sleep recorder, you may also have a sensor that is placed on your throat to pick up snoring frequencies, to help determine the level of obstruction.

4. It does not monitor your quality of sleep, only your breathing parameters.

A Level 3 – Home Sleep Apnea Test can not analyze how long you are in light or deep sleep. The test only monitors your breathing parameters like pauses in breathing, or how much effort it takes to breathe while you sleep.

5. Your doctor must prescribe it.

Your primary care physician must order a Home Sleep Apnea Test by sending a referral to a CPSA accredited sleep medicine diagnostics provider like Aveiro Sleep and Sleep Medix.

You can print off and bring in the referral form, or send a copy of our referral form to your primary care physician.

6. You might have other sleep issues.

After the Home Sleep Apnea Test is done your results will be reviewed by a CPSA approved interpreting physician, and we will send the results to your referring primary care physician.

The Level 3 – Home Sleep Apnea Test is effective for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea only. It is not appropriate for the diagnosis of other sleep disorders. If you are still having persistent sleep issues, your doctor may recommend further testing. Individuals with certain heart, breathing, or neuromuscular problems may not be candidates for a Home Sleep Apnea Test.

If your sleep apnea test results are negative and you do not require CPAP therapy, Aveiro Sleep / Sleep Medix wants to help you continue your sleep health journey. Our multidisciplinary approach includes partnerships with sleep specialists, board-certified sleep dentists and support services. 

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

It may be appropriate for you to complete a Home Sleep Apnea Test  if you have been told you snore, and/or have pauses in breathing, you are sleepy during the day, and/or overweight or obese. Make sure you tell your primary care physician that you want to be sleep tested.

It is important to talk with your primary care physician about your regular medication as they may make recommendations about how you use your medications leading up to and during the Home Sleep Apnea Test.

Safety Measures during COVID-19

Through Aveiro Sleep and Sleep Medix, the Home Sleep Apnea Test is available to patients with no physical interaction. Instructions are provided by our Registered Respiratory Therapists and Certified Sleep Technologists through virtual care, phone, and email appointments. Home Sleep Apnea Test instructional videos are also available.

Tips for a Successful Test

It is important on the day of your Home Sleep Apnea test to try and follow your regular routine as much as possible. Avoid napping during the day and eliminate use of caffeine after lunch.

You can go to sleep at your regular bedtime. When you are ready to sleep, that is when you will attach the sensors as instructed by your Registered Respiratory Therapist, or Certified Sleep Technologist. You will be asked to record the time you start the test, and when you wake up. When you wake up in the morning, you can remove all the sensors, but be sure to throw away the nasal cannula that was provided to reduce the risk of spreading germs. The test is now completed and can be dropped back off to our location or mailed back with the return slip that was sent with the test.

Results and Next Steps

Our CPSA approved physicians will score and interpret the information collected from the Home Sleep Apnea Test. A member of our sleep team will contact you to discuss the results, and a copy will be sent to your referring physician. If the results are unclear, you may have to repeat the test. The most common cause of this is because the test did not record enough data for the physician to make a proper diagnosis.

If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, your results will describe your severity as mild, moderate, or sever. Your physician will then discuss treatment options. The most recognized and effective treatment for OSA is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. CPAP devices provide a non-invasive and non-surgical approach to OSA therapy. Aveiro Sleep / Sleep Medix will remain active in your continued treatment and provide education about lifestyle and sleeping habit changes that assist you to succeed with your OSA therapy.

Aveiro Sleep provides Home Sleep Apnea Testing, CPAP therapy and support services catered to obstructive sleep apnea. Our local clinics allow us to test, treat, and support thousands of Albertans close to their homes.

Call now to speak to a Patient Success Coordinator 1-855-852-2989 or contact us through our online form.

You made a smart and important decision involving your health the day that you decided to move forward and initiate PAP therapy for your sleep apnea. You have invested time and money when purchasing and acclimating to this device and supplies. Why not get the most out of that investment?

Without proper cleaning and maintenance, your PAP machine and supplies can grow harmful bacteria, and with COVID-19 amongst us it is important to be as healthy as we can be. Daily cleaning of your supplies is important to maintaining the longevity of your investment, but also to help keep your airway open while you sleep by maintaining a proper seal between your face and the mask. If your cushion losses the proper seal, airflow will start to push out the sides, and you no longer have a proper seal to maintain your open airway. This could lead to you stopping breathing, and defeat of the purpose of using the mask and device.

A vital part of maintaining the integrity of your seal is by cleaning it daily. You should wash the cushion in warm, soapy water using a mild dishwashing detergent (such as Purdoux soap) and allow to air dry, you can also use a PAP mask wipe (Purdoux PAP wipe) that is quick and convenient, you can find these in our online store. The soap, and/or PAP wipes acts as a grease cutter to wash away oils from your skin left on the mask. This can go a long way to extend the lifetime of your cushion and ensure an adequate mask seal.

Routine cleaning and replacement of your PAP supplies will keep you healthy in a time like this. You should replace the distilled water in your heated humidifier chamber daily. Do not allow this water to sit for extended periods of time, as bacteria love a warm, wet place to grow. If you are ill, daily cleaning of all your supplies is a good practice until your symptoms are gone.

Here is a guide to helping you understand the cleaning and maintenance of your PAP equipment.

Daily

• Wipe mask interface with Purdox PAP wipes or wash with mild dish soap (such as Purdoux soap)

Weekly Cleaning

• Water Chamber:
  • Fill sink with warm water and mil soap and submerge chamber for 15 minutes.
  • Rinse and allow to air dry

• Hose:
  • Disconnect tubing from PAP machine
  • Gently wash in solution of warm water and mild soap
  • Submerge hose for 15 minutes; do not submerge electric connector
  • Rinse hose and hang to dry (on towel rack or shower rod)

• Mask:
  • Submerge mask completely in warm soapy water for 15 minutes
  • Keep Velcro straps attached to headgear when cleaning, this will help the Velcro stay “sticky”
  • Rinse mask and allow to air dry

• Filters:
  • Respironics: Rinse the filter with the dark blue frame with warm water only and let air dry completely
  • ResMed: Flick the dust from the filter once a week

It’s time to replace your mask, cushion, headgear and other supplies when you can no longer maintain a good seal despite regular cleaning and proper mask fit and placement. Regular replacement of all of your disposable supplies is an important part of keeping you healthy and the equipment working properly.

Recommended Supplies Replacement Schedule

You have made a valuable investment in your present and future health. Do the most you can to get the most out of your investment.

Recommended Products

Purdoux Soap 

Specifically designed for CPAP masks and equipment, Purdoux soap does  not contain bleach, alcohol, conditioners, lotions, moisturizers, or latex. It helps make cleaning easier by removing body oils from silicone surfaces and preserves the mask’s softness and elasticity. Simply wash and rinse. It’s safe and non-toxic to use, leaving no harmful residue or odor.

Purdoux Mask Wipes

Wipes are an excellent compliment to your CPAP cleaning regimen. Its important to use wipes that do not have harsh chemicals and are gentle for silicon surfaces. Purdoux CPAP Wipes effectively remove dirt, grease, oils and other organic residue from your masks and equipment, keeping them clean and fresh. They’re made with 100% pure cotton for high absorbency, and great cleaning, without harmful chemicals or residue.

The Lumin 

Taking it an extra level with cleaning CPAP equipment, The Lumin is a convenient way to sanitize everything from CPAP masks to personal items including keys, wallets, toothbrushes, etc. Simply open the drawer, insert your items, and press the start button. In a 5-minute cycle, the UV light is 99.9% effective in disinfecting viruses and bacteria. Safe and ozone-free, this device is an excellent addition in any home.

Please visit our Promotions page to see our SPECIAL OFFER on these cleaning products and The Lumin! Click here.

Aveiro Sleep provides Home Sleep Apnea Testing, CPAP therapy and support services catered to obstructive sleep apnea. Our local clinics allow us to test, treat, and support thousands of Albertans close to their homes.

Call now to speak to a Patient Success Coordinator 1-855-852-2989 or contact us through our online form.

If you are using CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) therapy to treat your sleep apnea, it is critical to understand the importance of cleaning and know when it is time to replace your CPAP mask.

Your CPAP mask starts out germ-free, however over time you will introduce bacteria that will grow out of control if not cleaned. Moreover, a heated humidifier and tubing creates a warm, moist environment – perfect for fungus, yeast and mold. Transferring viruses to the surface of your CPAP mask and then wearing the mask, makes for an easy way to become vulnerable to illness. 

Obtaining a good seal between the CPAP mask interface and your skin is important to help you get the benefits of continuous airflow. Although daily cleaning is necessary, the best way to assure a good seal is to change your supplies on a regular basis. Disposable supplies lose their ability to be cleaned, resulting in bacteria build-up, stiffness of flexible silicon mask seals, and clogged filters. New tubing, filters and humidifier chambers also keep your therapy in top notch condition, while reducing the potential for bacteria growth.

What the Research Says

A 2009 study at Harvard University, by Dr. Alex Horowitz, Dr. Sandra Horowitz and Dr. Chinhak Chun showed that over time, CPAP masks, even when cleaned and taken care of regularly, contain high amounts of bacteria colonies and fungus.

The study looked at CPAP masks, hoses and humidifiers and concluded that 48 per cent of the CPAP masks tested contained more than 2000 bacteria colonies after 48 hours. Swabs were taken from the interface (where the mask seals to your face) of the mask and at the base of the hose and humidifier. These swab samples were then tested for bacteria colony counts 24 and 48 hours later.

What they found was, there is a correlation between older masks and higher amounts of bacteria, no matter how often or well the mask was cleaned. Because of this, experts recommend replacing the mask and hose at least once every six months to guard against bacteria build up.

While none of the people in the study said they had become ill more often since starting CPAP therapy, eight complained of being more susceptible to nasal congestion.

Reduce your Risk

• Wash your mask and equipment regularly with mild detergent or soap specifically for CPAP masks and equipment.
• Use a device that sanitizes CPAP equipment such as The Lumin.  
• Replace your CPAP mask at least every 6 months. 
• Do not let water or moisture remain in the equipment for prolonged periods (more than a few days unused) and use a heated humidifier and heated tubing to reduce condensation. If you decide to stop using the treatment for longer than a few days, clean and dry it out completely.
• Use distilled water in the humidifier to reduce your risk of infection. This can also avoid the accumulation of minerals inside the water chamber.
• Do not share your equipment with others to prevent the spread of infection. Do not purchase or accept used masks and tubing.

What is the Lumin Sanitization Device?

The Lumin is the easiest and fastest way to sanitize CPAP masks and accessories. With a push of a button, germs and bacteria are obliterated in just 5 minutes.  This bonus is that this device can be used to sanitize other items such as keys, toothbrushes, cellphones, toys, etc.

Special Offer: Contact us and quote “STAYHEALTHY” to receive a special offer on the Lumin. Expires March 31, 2020 or while supplies last. 

Aveiro Sleep provides Home Sleep Apnea Testing, CPAP therapy and support services catered to obstructive sleep apnea. Our local clinics allow us to test, treat, and support thousands of Albertans close to their homes.

Call now to speak to a Patient Success Coordinator 1-855-852-2989 or contact us through our online form.

Cleans and Sanitizes CPAP mask, hose, and humidifier reservoir.
Close the lid and go!
Completely automated sanitizing, no equipment disassembly, no water or chemicals.
Kills 99.9% of CPAP germs (using activated oxygen).

Save 10% – Sanitization Promotional Package
SoClean® CPAP Sanitizer
Purdoux Mask Wipes
Purdoux Equipment Soap

Regular Price $473.00
Package Price $425.70
*extra adapter may be required

Promotion Valid Until December 31, 2018

Order yours today! 1-855-852-2989