Sleep apnea is a respiratory disorder characterized by complete or partial blockages of breathing during sleep lasting at least 10 seconds. While complete blockages can be observed by witnesses, partial blockages are usually not noticeable to the naked eye.

• Excessive tiredness or a feeling of never being rested, even after a full night
  
• Sleepiness during the day (e.g. falling asleep in front of the television, reading, or driving)
  
• Morning headaches
  
• Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up
  
• Concentration problems and memory loss
  
• Irritability, bad mood, anxiety, or depressive symptoms
  
• Decreased libido, hormonal disorders, or erection problems
  
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat (especially in women)

Yes, a prescription from a doctor or IPS (Specialized Nurse Practitioner) is required. If you don't have one, we can refer you to an affiliated doctor.

The AHI measures the number of respiratory arrests per hour of sleep:

• Light: 5 to 15
  
• Moderate: 15 to 30
  
• Severe: 30 and over

Average number of events per hour corresponding either to a complete cessation of breathing (apnea) or to a marked decrease in respiratory amplitude (hypopnea), occurring despite maintained or increased respiratory effort.

Severity criteria

The severity of sleep apnea is assessed by taking into account all the symptoms experienced by the person (not just sleepiness during the day), as well as a number called the AHI (Apnea-Hypopnoea Index), which measures the number of abnormal respiratory events per hour.

Depending on the symptoms, the doctor determines how mild (5 to 15 events per hour), moderate (15 to 30 events per hour), or severe (30 events per hour), or severe (30 events per hour) the disease is.

Yes Among other things, it can lead to:

• High blood pressure
  
• Heart attacks and strokes
  
• Cardiac arrhythmias
  
• Type 2 diabetes
  
• Metabolic disorders — obesity
  
• Cognitive problems — memory problems
  
• Depression and anxiety
  
• Liver problems
  
• Reduced quality of life

PCRS (Cardiorespiratory sleep polygraph): $375 — Test at home

PSG (Polysomnography): $1,250 — Sleep lab test
Simple Tandem Protocol : $375 (90% of cases)
Tandem Ventilation protocol : $750 (8% of cases)

Tandem Servoventilation protocol: $1125 (2% of cases)
The typical course includes a PCRS to diagnose sleep apnea, followed by the simple Tandem protocol.

• PCRS : home test, measures respiratory signs and oxygen levels during sleep. Sufficient in the majority of cases.
• PSG : a sleep laboratory test, used for more complex cases. Also monitors brain and muscle activity.
  

The Tandem protocol is exclusive to Côté Santé!

It is a personalized support of 2 to 4 weeks with the loan of CPAP and masks, during which our team adjusts the treatment according to the data to ensure comfort and efficiency.

Sleep counsellors, respiratory therapists, pneumologists, as well as our medical director Dr. Kateri Champagne, author of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sleep Respiratory Disorders Exercise Guide published by the Collège des Médecins du Québec.

There are three types of CPAP masks: facial, nasal, and nostril. For effective treatment, it is essential to minimize air leaks and to choose the right size using the guides provided by the manufacturers. But there is no substitute for testing: testing different models remains the best way to ensure optimal comfort.

Yes, most private insurances reimburse some or all of the costs associated with the treatment of sleep apnea, including tests, CPAP machines and accessories. We recommend that you check your coverage details directly with your insurance provider.

The price varies by model and features, but generally stays under $1,500.

The mandibular extension device, manufactured by a dentist, may be an alternative. We can refer you to a partner dentist if needed.

• CPAP: every 5 years
  
• Full mask: every 12 months
  
• Tubing: every 12 months
  
• CPAP water tank: every 12 months
  
• Silicone bubble masks: every 6 months
  
• Memory foam bubbles for masks: every 1 to 3 months
  
• CPAP filters: every 1 to 3 months

Yes, we offer the Resmed AirMini, a compact, lightweight travel CPAP that's compatible with multiple masks.

Here are some questions to ask your insurance company to ensure your coverage:

• How much do you pay for a CPAP apnea treatment device?
• How often do you pay for a CPAP?
• How much do you pay annually for CPAP masks and accessories?
• Do I need a prescription to buy a new CPAP?
• Do I need a quote?
• Do you reimburse months of renting the device?

If yes, how many months?

Will the amount of the months reimbursed be deducted from the amount invoiced for the purchase of a new device?

Yes, it is possible to do so. However, this is not recommended because it does not provide as much humidification as a regular unit, which is a problem in Quebec, and it is less insulated, making it a bit noisier.

Absolutely. We offer ZOPEC batteries, designed to make your travels, outdoor activities, camping, hunting, etc. easier.

They also offer peace of mind for those who quickly experience symptoms if treatment is interrupted and for those with the most severe test results.

Yes. We always take the time to review the various payment options with you, including flexible financing programs such as Medicard. In short, you are never left behind.

The duration and conditions of the warranty vary depending on the model, product and manufacturer.

Regular maintenance of your CPAP machine is essential to ensure effective treatment and prevent the spread of bacteria. Inadequate cleaning can reduce the performance of the machine and harm your respiratory health.

How do I maintain my CPAP machine and its accessories?

Discover our maintenance guide

Hours vary from clinic to clinic.

Gatineau: Monday to Friday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday - Closed

Gatineau (Hull sector): Monday to Friday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.), Saturday & Sunday - Closed

Mont-Laurier: Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.), Saturday & Sunday - Closed

Maniwaki: Monday to Thursday - By appointment, Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Closed

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Gatineau: 355 Gréber Boulevard, Gatineau, QC, J8T 6H8

Gatineau (Hull sector): 195 Atmosphère Street, Suite 106, Gatineau, QC, J9A 0A3

Mont-Laurier: 506 Carillon Street, Mont-Laurier, QC, J9L 1P9

Maniwaki: 179 Boulevard Desjardins, Maniwaki, QC J9E 2C9

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Full contact information

We offer testing for sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, as well as titration testing for sleep-disordered breathing devices. In addition, we offer rehabilitation assistance, mobility assistance, independence assistance, first aid assistance, and ostomy care assistance.

It couldn't be simpler: book online via our website or call us directly.

According to Statistics Canada, approximately 26% of adults are affected, while 90% remain undiagnosed. This means that many people sleep poorly without really knowing why.

(Source: Statistics Canada, Sleep Apnoea in Canada, 2016 and 2017, Catalogue no. N82-625-X, ISSN 1920-8774)

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Today, most tests are done directly at home, in the comfort of your own bed. The results are then sent to our Côté Santé team, who analyse your data and guide you step by step.

Of course! The AirMini is available for hire. This allows you to test it out at your leisure before making a final decision.

Several health problems can greatly increase the likelihood of suffering from sleep apnoea. Here are some recognised conditions, with their associated risk levels:

• Awaiting bariatric surgery: 80%
• Vascular damage to the optic nerve: 80%
• Type 2 diabetes: 80%
• Metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure + diabetes + cholesterol): 80%
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): 70%
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia: 70%
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): 70%
• Stroke (cerebrovascular accident, paralysis): 70%
• Asthma: 50%
• Atrial fibrillation: 50%
• Depression or burnout: 50%
• Obesity (all degrees of severity combined): 40%
• Normotensive glaucoma: 35%
• High pressure: 35%