Answer’s to our most commonly asked questions.
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers!
We are open for walk-in clients for CPAP/BiPAP supplies and service during business hours. Obstructive sleep Apnea testing is by referral and appointment only.
For questions about availability, please call the respective office.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common sleep disorder, where the muscles and tissues of the upper airway lose their tone and become floppy during sleep and may partially or completely block the upper airway. These obstructive events will often lower the oxygen levels depriving our brain and body of oxygen. With lower than required oxygen levels in the blood and subsequent increase in carbon dioxide levels, the brain will signal the body to wake up in order to regain muscle tone of the upper airway. Normal breathing is then re-established. The interruptions in breathing, disrupts an individuals’ sleep cycles and prevents a person from achieving deeper stages of sleep that are required to wake up and feel rested.
This cycle of airway obstruction may repeat a few times an hour upwards to 100 per hour depending on the severity, often without the individual being aware.
A referral from a Physician or Nurse Practitioner is required for a Level III Sleep Study.
The most common way in which OSA is diagnosed is with the completion of a Level III Sleep Study. This is a take home test, in which a monitor, connected to three probes is worn at home for one night. The monitor gets returned to us the following day, where the downloaded data is sent to a Respirolgist for interpretation. The specialist report will either recommend further testing which we would complete during a subsequent appointment, otherwise the reported results from the Sleep Study are sent to the ordering clinician, NP or MD.
Traveling by plane with oxygen requires coordination and advanced notice. All airlines have specific criteria that must be met before oxygen can be used during a flight. Each airline have different protocols for individuals travelling with oxygen. As oxygen is considered a dangerous good, specific forms must be filled out by your physician and provided to the airline at least 48hrs in advance of your flight.
If the trip is for medical travel, and Oxygen is required during a stay in Edmonton, please notify our office of your travel dates and accommodation details at least 2 weeks prior to travel.
We will then make arrangements with a home Oxygen Provider in Edmonton to provide you with supplies required.
The following links can help you get start with you travel plans;
If sleep apnea is left untreated it may worsen symptoms related to diseases such as High Blood Pressure,Type 2 Diabetes, Depression/Anxiety and Heart Disease
If you feel like your sleep quality has changed or you would like to review your sleep therapy you may request a follow up appointment with a Respiratory Therapist at any time by contacting our office. Otherwise we are available by telephone for consultations.
Yes oxygen is safe if you follow the following precautions.
Absolutely no smoking while using oxygen or within the same room as any of the oxygen equipment. Do not allow others to smoke around you.
Oxygen equipment, including all extension tubing, must be kept at least 10 feet away from open flame including wood stoves.
Store cylinders away from heat sources, either secure them upright or lie them flat on their side so they cannot fall over. When travelling with cylinders ensure that they are secured in your vehicle and are not rolling around or easily dislodged.
Recalls on medical equipment are rare, but do happen. We strive to keep you up-to-date on recalled medical equipment by posting about known recalls. Click here for more information.
North Cair is a provider of sleep and respiratory products and services located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and Parksville, BC on Vancouver Island.
Email
info@northcair.com
NWT Headquarters:
867-920-2555
Parksville, BC:
250-586-7555
Fax:
1-867-675-0018
Headquarters
205 Utsingi Drive
Yellowknife NT, X1A 0G1
Vancouver Island
105 – 198 Island Highway E
Parksville, BC, V9L 2G9