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News & Publications

Better sleep and better health: Your benefits help with both

Nov 11, 2020

Categories: Employee Benefits, News

If you have sleep apnea, you know that it is a disorder that prevents a good night’s rest and leads to fatigue. It can also result in more serious health problems, such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Your physician will help you choose the best treatment for your condition, depending on its severity. A common approach to treating sleep apnea is the “continuous positive airway pressure” (CPAP) machine. Use of the CPAP machine involves wearing a special mask that stops snoring and pauses in breathing. 

For a $275 fee, Saskatchewan residents have access to a CPAP machine through the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) Respiratory Equipment Program. The Employee Benefit Plans provide coverage for the $275 fee plus replacement accessories including masks, humidifiers, nasal pillows, tubing, and a water chamber. 

In order to make an informed decision about purchasing medical equipment, a pre-authorization should first be submitted to Canada Life. It is important to note that Canada Life will direct you to SAIL if you submit an estimate to purchase a CPAP machine.

Helpful tips

Here are some helpful tips on how to adjust to your CPAP machine:

  • Make sure you have the correct mask size – weight gain or loss might require you to use a different mask; 
  • Wear your mask a few hours before bedtime and during naps to get used to it; 
  • Use a humidifier to add moisture to the pressurized air; 
  • Clean your mask often to wipe away dust, allergens, and bacteria; 
  • Get a hose size that matches your preference, whether it be a shorter hose to avoid tangling or a longer hose to place the machine farther away; 
  • Consider a different mask cushion or mask liner if your skin is sensitive to your mask; and
  • Try a nasal mask or a nasal pillow mask if the full mask is uncomfortable.



Get in touch: If you would like more information, please email info@3sHealth.ca with your request. Thank you for reading this article.