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.