Home Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Support
Sleep Apnea: Signs, Testing and Treatment
Sleep apnea can repeatedly interrupt breathing during sleep and affect how rested a person feels during the day. MedPro provides educational guidance, home sleep apnea testing services and support for patients beginning prescribed PAP therapy.
✓ Online sleep apnea risk assessment
✓ Home sleep apnea testing support
✓ CPAP equipment and patient education
Start With Your Next Step
What Would You Like Help With?
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Breathing Interruptions During Sleep Can Affect Rest and Daytime Function
Sleep apnea involves repeated reductions or interruptions in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form and occurs when the upper airway becomes partly or fully blocked.
These events may repeatedly disturb sleep even when the person does not fully wake. Symptoms and risk factors can raise concern, but appropriate sleep testing is needed to determine whether sleep apnea is present.
Sleep Apnea May Involve
- Loud or irregular snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood or memory concerns
Not everyone with sleep apnea has the same symptoms, and snoring alone does not confirm sleep apnea.
Possible Warning Signs
What You or a Bed Partner May Notice
Sleep apnea can show up during sleep, immediately after waking or throughout the day.
During Sleep
- Loud or irregular snoring
- Breathing pauses
- Gasping or choking
- Restless sleep
- Frequent awakenings
After Waking
- Dry mouth
- Morning headache
- Feeling unrefreshed
- Difficulty getting started
- Sore throat
During the Day
- Sleepiness or fatigue
- Concentration difficulties
- Memory concerns
- Mood changes
- Reduced alertness
Anyone who is dangerously sleepy should avoid driving and discuss the concern with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Your Sleep Apnea Pathway
Choose the Support That Matches Your Situation
Start with the pathway that best reflects what you already know.
I Am Not Sure Whether My Symptoms Matter
Review sleep apnea signs, symptoms, snoring and risk factors.
I Want to Check My Risk Online
Complete the educational Online Sleep Test and receive next-step guidance.
I Need Information About Testing
Understand home sleep apnea testing, in-lab studies and what to expect.
I Have Already Been Diagnosed
Review treatment options and explore CPAP Therapy support.
Check Your Risk
Start With the Online Sleep Apnea Risk Assessment
The Online Sleep Test asks about common symptoms and risk factors associated with sleep apnea. It provides educational next-step guidance based on the responses entered.
- Takes only a few minutes
- Can be completed from home
- Helps organize symptoms and risk factors
- Provides a suggested next step
Important to Know
- Intended as an educational screening tool
- Does not diagnose sleep apnea
- Does not replace a healthcare assessment
- Does not confirm that sleep apnea is absent
- Sleep testing may still be recommended
A home or in-lab sleep test is required to diagnose sleep apnea.
Sleep Testing
How Sleep Apnea Is Evaluated
Sleep testing records breathing and other information during sleep. The appropriate method depends on symptoms, health history and clinical circumstances.
Home Sleep Apnea Testing
- Completed in the person’s home
- Uses portable monitoring equipment
- May be appropriate for selected adults
- Equipment must be applied correctly
- Results require professional review
In-Lab Sleep Study
- Completed in a sleep laboratory
- Uses more extensive monitoring
- Attended by trained staff
- May be recommended for more complex situations
- Provides detailed sleep information
MedPro Home Testing
Complete an Approved Sleep Apnea Test at Home
MedPro may provide or coordinate portable home sleep apnea testing for appropriate patients, depending on referral, eligibility and regional service arrangements.
- Portable testing equipment
- Instructions for applying the sensors
- Overnight testing at home
- Equipment return
- Professional review of recorded data
- Guidance about next steps
The Home Testing Process
1
Referral or Eligibility Review
The appropriate pathway and documentation are confirmed.
2
Equipment Pickup or Delivery
The test equipment is supplied through the applicable arrangement.
3
Sensor Setup at Home
The patient applies the sensors using the provided instructions.
4
Overnight Recording
The equipment records the required information while the patient sleeps.
5
Return and Result Review
The equipment is returned and the data are reviewed.
Home sleep apnea testing is not appropriate for every person. The appropriate testing pathway should be determined through the applicable clinical process.
After the Sleep Test
Results Help Guide the Next Step
Sleep-test data are reviewed and used alongside the individual clinical situation.
Results Are Reviewed
Recorded data are assessed by the appropriate interpreting healthcare professional.
Findings Are Discussed
The patient receives information about the findings and whether further assessment is needed.
Treatment May Be Recommended
The next step may include PAP therapy, another treatment pathway or additional testing.
Apnea
A pause or near-complete interruption in breathing.
Hypopnea
A partial reduction in breathing that meets the report criteria.
AHI or REI
A rate used to summarize breathing events during the recorded period.
Oxygen Saturation
An estimate of the oxygen level measured during the test.
Treatment and Support
Treatment Depends on the Individual Diagnosis and Clinical Recommendation
The appropriate treatment pathway can vary according to the type and severity of sleep apnea and the patient’s circumstances.
CPAP and APAP Therapy
Provides positive airway pressure through a mask while sleeping.
BiPAP and Bilevel Therapy
Uses different prescribed pressure levels for inhalation and exhalation.
Oral Appliance Therapy
A dental appliance may be considered for selected patients.
Other Treatment Approaches
May include positional, lifestyle, surgical or specialized treatment options.
MedPro provides PAP equipment, mask fitting, setup education and equipment-related support. Other treatments may be delivered by physicians, dentists, surgeons or other healthcare professionals.
PAP Therapy
Has CPAP Therapy Been Recommended?
MedPro supports patients with CPAP machines, masks, setup appointments, mask fitting, equipment education, cleaning guidance and replacement supplies.
CPAP Support Includes
- CPAP and APAP equipment
- Mask selection and fitting
- Setup education
- Humidification guidance
- Cleaning and maintenance support
- Replacement components
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Follow-up assistance
Why MedPro
Sleep Testing and Respiratory Equipment Support
MedPro connects practical testing guidance with respiratory-equipment services and continuing support.
Home Testing Guidance
Learn how to prepare for and complete the supplied home sleep apnea test.
Local Clinic Support
Access MedPro clinics across the regions MedPro serves.
CPAP Equipment
Explore machines, masks and compatible replacement supplies.
Continuing Assistance
Receive equipment-related help after setup.
Common Sleep Apnea Questions
Quick Answers About Signs, Testing and Treatment
Open a question below or visit the complete FAQ page for more detailed guidance.
Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?
No. Snoring can occur without sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Breathing pauses, gasping and daytime symptoms may increase concern.
Can someone have sleep apnea without knowing it?
Yes. Breathing events happen during sleep, so a person may be unaware until a partner notices them or daytime symptoms develop.
Can the Online Sleep Test diagnose sleep apnea?
No. It is an educational risk assessment. A home or in-lab sleep test is required for diagnosis.
What is the difference between a home sleep test and an in-lab study?
A home test uses portable equipment in the person’s home, while an in-lab study uses more extensive monitoring in a sleep laboratory.
What happens if a home sleep test is inconclusive?
The appropriate healthcare professional may recommend repeating the test, using a different testing method or completing an in-lab study.
Is CPAP the only treatment for sleep apnea?
No. Treatment can include PAP therapy, oral appliances, positional approaches, lifestyle measures or other specialized options, depending on the clinical recommendation.
Local Support
Connect With a MedPro Clinic
Contact a MedPro clinic for information about Online Sleep Test next steps, home sleep apnea testing services, CPAP equipment and available appointments.
Helpful Information to Have Ready
- Province and preferred clinic
- Referral information, if available
- Main sleep-related concerns
- Relevant insurance details
- Whether testing has already been completed
- Any previous PAP equipment information
Sleep Apnea Resources
Explore the Complete Sleep Apnea Pathway
Move from recognizing possible signs to assessment, testing and treatment support.
Sleep Apnea Support
Concerned About Possible Sleep Apnea?
Start with the Online Sleep Test, learn about sleep apnea testing or connect with a MedPro clinic for information about available services.