
Answers & Next Steps
Sleep & Respiratory Frequently Asked Questions
Find general answers about sleep apnea, CPAP therapy, home oxygen, respiratory care, referrals and coverage—then follow the links to more detailed guidance.
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Each topic link jumps directly to a focused group of answers and the related MedPro guidance.
These answers provide general education. They do not diagnose a condition, interpret individual results or replace advice from the appropriate healthcare professional.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea FAQs
General answers about the condition, common signs, testing and treatment pathways.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes reduced during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes. Learn more on the Sleep Apnea hub.
What are common signs of sleep apnea?
Possible signs include loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping, unrefreshing sleep, daytime sleepiness, concentration difficulty and morning headaches. Symptoms alone cannot confirm sleep apnea. Review signs, symptoms and risk factors.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on an appropriate clinical assessment and sleep study. Depending on the situation, testing may occur at home with portable equipment or in a sleep laboratory. A screening questionnaire is not a diagnosis. Visit Sleep Apnea Testing for the testing pathways.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea and the individual clinical situation. Options can include positive airway pressure therapy and other approaches selected by the treating clinician. Review the general Sleep Apnea Treatment Options page.
CPAP Therapy
CPAP Therapy FAQs
General answers about prescribed PAP therapy, mask fit, comfort and equipment care.
What is CPAP therapy?
CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, delivers prescribed air pressure through a mask to help keep the upper airway open during sleep. It is commonly prescribed for obstructive sleep apnea. Visit the CPAP Therapy hub.
What is the difference between CPAP, APAP and bilevel therapy?
CPAP provides continuous pressure at a prescribed setting, APAP adjusts within a prescribed range, and bilevel therapy uses different prescribed pressures for inhalation and exhalation. The appropriate system and settings should be selected by the healthcare professional managing treatment. Learn about BiPAP and bilevel therapy.
How should a CPAP mask fit?
A mask should feel secure and comfortable without unnecessary tightness. Fit is best checked in the sleeping position with the equipment operating as directed. Persistent leaks, pressure points or irritation may need fitting support. Explore CPAP Mask Fitting.
What should I do if CPAP is uncomfortable or the equipment is not working as expected?
Check the mask position, tubing connections, humidifier chamber, filter and visible wear. Do not independently change prescribed pressure settings. Use the CPAP Troubleshooting guide or contact MedPro for equipment support.
How should CPAP equipment be cleaned and replaced?
Follow the instructions for the specific device, mask and accessories supplied. Cleaning and replacement timing vary by component, condition, manufacturer and coverage. Review Cleaning & Maintenance and the Replacement Schedule.
Home Oxygen
Home Oxygen FAQs
General answers about prescribed oxygen, equipment, safety and travel planning.
What is home oxygen therapy?
Home oxygen therapy provides supplemental oxygen through prescribed equipment when a qualified healthcare professional determines it is needed. The prescribed flow, schedule and equipment depend on the clinical situation. Visit the Home Oxygen hub.
What types of home oxygen equipment are available?
Systems can include stationary concentrators, portable oxygen equipment, cylinders and related delivery accessories. The appropriate system depends on the prescription, mobility needs, safety requirements and local availability. Explore Oxygen Therapy Equipment.
Can I change my oxygen flow rate myself?
Do not independently change the prescribed oxygen setting or schedule. Contact the healthcare professional managing the oxygen prescription if a change may be needed or symptoms have changed.
What are the main home oxygen safety rules?
Do not smoke or vape around oxygen. Keep equipment away from flames, sparks and heat sources, secure cylinders as directed, maintain ventilation and follow the supplier and manufacturer instructions. Review Home Oxygen Safety & Daily Life.
Can I travel while using oxygen?
Travel may be possible with advance planning. Confirm documentation, equipment acceptance, battery or power needs, destination support and a backup plan with the prescribing team, equipment provider and transportation company. See Travelling With Oxygen.
Respiratory Care
Respiratory Care FAQs
General information about respiratory equipment and support. Always follow the prescription and device-specific instructions supplied by your care team.
What respiratory care services does MedPro support?
MedPro supports a range of prescribed respiratory equipment and supplies, which may include aerosol therapy, suction equipment, tracheostomy care products and pulse oximetry. Services and product availability vary by location. Start at the Respiratory Care hub.
Does MedPro support nebulizers and aerosol therapy equipment?
MedPro may provide nebulizers, compressors and related supplies when available and appropriate for the prescribed treatment. Medication choice and dosing must come from the prescribing healthcare professional. See Aerosol Therapy for equipment-focused guidance.
Does MedPro provide suction equipment and tracheostomy supplies?
Availability may include prescribed suction equipment and tracheostomy-related supplies. Product selection, setup and use must follow the care plan and training from the qualified healthcare team. Review Suction Therapy and Tracheostomy Care.
What does a pulse oximeter measure, and what are its limitations?
A pulse oximeter estimates blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Readings can be affected by movement, circulation, nail products, device fit and other factors, and they must be interpreted in the context of the individual care plan. Do not use a single reading to diagnose a condition or change treatment. Learn about Pulse Oximetry.
Clinics & Referrals
Clinic & Referral FAQs
Plan a clinic visit, understand common document needs and find provider resources.
How do I find the nearest MedPro clinic?
Use the MedPro Locations directory to find clinic contact details and available local services. Contact the location before visiting if you need to confirm hours, accessibility or whether a specific product or service is available.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointment requirements vary by location and service. Call the clinic in advance for equipment setup, mask fitting, education or follow-up so the team can confirm timing and any information you should bring.
Do I need a referral or prescription?
Requirements depend on the service, equipment and applicable coverage rules. Prescribed therapies such as CPAP or home oxygen generally require documentation from an authorized healthcare professional. Contact the clinic to confirm what is needed for your situation.
What should I bring to a clinic appointment?
The clinic may ask for identification, prescription or referral documents, relevant test or assessment information, coverage details and any equipment or components being reviewed. Confirm the exact list with the clinic before the visit.
Where can healthcare providers find referral forms?
Current forms are available on the Referral Forms page. Providers can also visit For Healthcare Providers for referral pathways and professional resources.
Insurance & Funding
Insurance & Funding FAQs
Coverage rules vary. Confirm the exact benefit, required documents and approved process before purchasing equipment.
Does insurance cover CPAP, oxygen or respiratory equipment?
Coverage depends on the insurer, plan, equipment category, medical criteria, approved supplier and claim process. Ask the payer which benefit applies to the exact item and whether authorization is required before purchase. See Insurance & Funding.
Are provincial funding programs the same across Canada?
No. Programs, eligibility, covered amounts, approved products and supplier requirements can differ by province or territory and may change over time. Confirm current rules with the responsible program and your local MedPro clinic.
What documents may be required for a claim?
A payer may request a prescription, test or assessment information, supplier quote, prior authorization, invoice, proof of payment or a specific claim form. The required combination varies, so obtain written confirmation before purchasing.
Does a prescription guarantee that equipment will be covered?
No. A valid prescription and a payer’s approval are separate requirements. Confirm eligibility, the covered amount, approved supplier, claim method and authorization expiry date before purchase.
Right Question, Right Support
Know Who to Contact
MedPro can help with equipment and service questions. Clinical decisions and emergencies need the appropriate healthcare support.
Contact MedPro For
- Equipment setup, operation and maintenance
- Mask fit and equipment comfort
- Clinic services and product availability
- Quotes, invoices and claim documents
Contact Your Healthcare Team For
- Diagnosis, symptoms or test interpretation
- Prescriptions and treatment decisions
- Pressure, oxygen-flow or medication changes
- New or worsening health concerns
Call 911 or Emergency Services For
- A medical emergency or immediate danger
- Severe breathing difficulty while awake
- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
- Another condition requiring urgent help
Evidence & Safety
How MedPro FAQ Answers Should Be Maintained
Health information should be scoped carefully, supported by credible guidance and reviewed as standards or services change.
Clear Scope
Explain equipment and care pathways without diagnosing, prescribing or changing an individual treatment plan.
Credible Sources
Use current public-health, clinical-guideline and recognized patient-education sources appropriate to each answer.
Clinical Review
Assign a qualified reviewer and visible review date before publication, then re-review after material guidance changes.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general educational information. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from your healthcare professional. Follow your prescription and equipment instructions. Do not change prescribed pressure, oxygen flow, medication or clinical settings without direction from an authorized care provider.
Clinical and Patient-Education Sources
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Sleep Apnea
- Government of British Columbia: Sleep Apnea Guideline
- HealthLink BC: CPAP Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine: PAP Treatment Guideline
- HealthLink BC: Using Oxygen at Home
- American Thoracic Society: Home Oxygen Therapy for Adults
- Health Canada: Pulse Oximeters
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