Need to buy a CPAP machine in Canada? You probably want the best for your particular needs. From sleep apnea to other sleep disorders, CPAP machines have surely been one of the trusted remedies to help improve the quality of your sleep.

However, with the myriad choices of CPAP machines made available in Canada, their choice may give one a sense of being overwhelmed. The guide will, thus, help you comprehend what to consider when you choose the best CPAP machine for your needs.

1. Understand Your Prescription

The first step in selecting a CPAP machine is to understand what your doctor has prescribed for you. Most prescriptions will denote what pressure setting is needed to treat your condition. This setting will dictate whether you will need a fixed-pressure CPAP machine or an auto-adjusting machine.

• Fixed-pressure CPAP machines :CPAPs that provide a constant flow of air in one setting.

• Auto-adjusting CPAP machines (APAP): It automatically adjusts to auto-adjusting CPAP settings as breathing patterns change throughout the night.
  

2. Types of CPAP Machines Available in Canada

Presently, there are three basic kinds of CPAP machines on the market in Canada. These have been modelled for different needs:

• Standard CPAP machines: These machines provide continuous airflow at constant rates. They are utilized for those patients who require constant air pressure through sleep.

• BiPAP Machines: Bilevel positive airway pressure is a machine that has two pressure settings-once for breathing and once for exhaling. It tends to be so much more comfortable for many people since exhaling against constant pressure isn't an issue.

• APAP Machines: These machines automatically change in pressure throughout a single night, based on the breathing of a patient; hence, they are ideal for patients whose pressure needs to change.

Understanding such types of machines becomes important when one chooses the right machine for personal comfort and therapeutic success.

3. Considerations for Mobility and Travel

If you travel a lot, you should look into portable machines available in Canada. These portable travelling CPAP machines are light and compact. Many of them will have additional features for use with a battery on aircraft or when camping. Larger Canadian suppliers can provide travel-friendly versions to help ensure your current therapy is maintained when you travel. It is a good idea to ensure the portable machine fully complies with Canadian regulations related to medical devices.

4. Types of Humidifiers

For many users, an integrated or attachable humidifier is a nice option, especially for people residing in cold or dry climates, such as large parts of Canada. CPAP humidifiers add moisture to the passing air to help prevent dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat.

Models of CPAP machines do vary in additions such as these. Some have an integrated humidifier; others may offer this as an available option. Using a humidifier is sure to make the CPAP much more comfortable, especially if you have any concerns about drying tissues or irritation.

5. Ambient Noise

Over time, the CPAP machines have really come a long way, and many of the newer models are very quiet. Noise comfort levels can be strong contributors to comfort- your comfort and others'. Most CPAP machines available in Canada carry an operational noise level between 25-30 decibels, which is about the volume of a whisper. If you are particularly sensitive to noise, be sure to compare decibel levels as you choose your machine.

6. Mask Compatibility

Finding a mask compatible with your CPAP machine is very key to successful therapy. Masks for CPAP mostly come in three forms: nasal masks, full-face masks, and nasal pillows. Ensure the machine that you eventually get is compatible with one of the aforementioned preferred mask types. Most CPAP suppliers in Canada have a trial period that enables them to get the right fit before purchasing a certain mask.

7. Nature of Tracking Data and its Interconnections

Newer CPAP machines can record data and are wirelessly connected. In this case, it will allow both you and your health professional to monitor your sleep therapy and make any changes if required. Many of the CPAP machines are Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled, thus allowing synchronization with either a smartphone app or online portal. This may be helpful in ensuring your therapy is working well.

8. Cost and Level of Insurance Cover

CPAP machine prices in Canada vary between the low of $500 to the high of $2,000, contingent on the model and features. However, most Canadian health insurance plans either cover the cost of a CPAP machine or reimburse partially. You need to check with your insurance company prior to purchasing if your CPAP machine is covered or not. You must also find out financing options available through CPAP suppliers.

9. Operation and Maintenance

You will find it important to clean and do regular maintenance on your CPAP if you want to extend the life of the unit. Most CPAP machines require regular changing of filters and a wash of the mask. Some machines are easier to maintain than others, so this is an important thing to take into consideration when making your selection. You also want to make sure you buy from a supplier who has ongoing support available, such as warranties and repair services in Canada.

10. Top CPAP Machine Brands in Canada

The reputation of the best CPAP machine brands in Canada does matter when selecting a CPAP machine. The known and trusted brands of CPAP machines in the country include

• ResMed: This is one of the most trusted brands since their machines have always been very reliable and quite easy to use. While it offers many CPAP and APAP machines, the most popular ones from this company are those from the AirSense series.

• Philips Respironics: Being among the top brands in sleep therapy, Philips Respironics pioneered a number of advanced features within its range of devices related to sleep; included is the series known as DreamStation, which possesses advanced connectivity and further data tracking.

• Fisher & Paykel: The brand is popular for its emphasis on comfort in providing services to users, mainly in its humidifier technologies. Most of all, these brands are represented in Canada with local distributors and will be a great option for every Canadian user in search of top-class performance.
  

Final Thoughts:

Your prescription, the type of machine, its portability, comfort features, and price range all play major roles in choosing the best CPAP machine in Canada that fits your needs. With the many options out there, one wants to make sure his machine will fit his lifestyle and actually work well with his sleep therapy. Always check with your health professional before making a final choice, and always make sure your machine is within the bounds of Canadian medical standards.