A quick overview of everything you need to order your PAP therapy components in Canada
Getting started with PAP therapy means purchasing a few different pieces of equipment.
There’s the CPAP machine itself, the CPAP mask, tubes to connect the mask, filters, headgear, and more.
But before you fill up a cart online or drop by your local CPAP supplier, you need to understand the purchasing requirements, or you might be heading home frustrated or confused.
This guide will look at the prescription requirements for CPAP machines and the various components needed to keep them humming along smoothly.
So Do I Need A Prescription?
Let’s get the big question out of the way first.
If you need a CPAP mask, machine, heated humidifier, or nebulizer compressor, you’ll also need a prescription before suppliers can legally fill your order or ship your equipment.
However, if you already have your equipment but you’re looking for essential supplies–such as machine filters, replacement water chambers, mask headgear, mask cushions, CPAP pillows, or replacement tubing–you can order without a prescription any time you’d like.
It’s important to note that ordering without a prescription might influence your out-of-pocket costs, though.
So be sure to consider the requirements of any insurance, work benefits, or regional medical assistance programs before ordering to have a clear understanding of your financial obligations.
If you need a prescription, you have numerous options for obtaining one.
Regulations require that anyone writing a CPAP prescription for use in Canada also practice medicine within Canada.
As long as they do so, Canada allows any of the following to prescribe CPAP equipment:
- Doctors of Osteopathy
- Dentists
- Medical doctors
- Naturopathic Physicians
- Nurse Practitioners
- Physicians Assistants
- Psychiatrists
NOTE: In Ontario, you must go through a certified sleep doctor to get coverage under the Assistive Devices Program or ministry programs.
What Information Do I Need on My CPAP Prescription?
Prescriptions for CPAP machines aren’t that different from other prescriptions you’ve likely used before.
You’ll need the names of you and your practitioner, dates, and any other identifying information.
But you’ll also need a few other things to ensure that your needs are covered.
Prescriptions should include specific details about what is needed for your PAP therapy in clear language so your durable medical equipment company (DME) or CPAP supply shop can help you find the right items for your needs.
This also ensures that any financial assistance you might use to help offset the costs of your CPAP machine or mask has the information needed to authorize your purchase.
For example, “CPAP,” “APAP,” “BiPAP,” or one of the many synonyms for each machine would be required to authorize the order of a PAP machine.
If ordering a standard CPAP machine or a BiPAP machine, prescriptions must list a pressure setting as well. APAP orders will often include a range, but this isn’t a hard requirement.
Commonly used phrases for the different elements of a CPAP machine or supply order include, but are not limited to, “APAP,” “AutoPAP,” “AutoSet,” “Auto Adjusting CPAP,” “Auto CPAP,” “BiLevel,” “BiPAP,” “BiPAP Auto,” “BiPAP ST,” “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure,” “CPAP,” “CPAP Humidifier,” “CPAP Mask,” “CPAP Supplies,” “Self Adjusting CPAP,” “Synchrony ST,” “VPAP,” “VPAP ST.”
However, you’ll likely still experience limitations in insurance coverage or replacement availability based on regulations and policies, so be sure to take good care of your equipment and perform any recommended maintenance required to keep performance optimal for as long as possible.
Finally, any additional details, such as humidification needs or mask types, can further help ensure approval.
However, some of this might be left up to the buyer. So listing it on the prescription isn’t always required.
Why Do I Need a Prescription?
Technically, depending on the province you live in, you might not actually need a prescription based on local requirements.
However, for suppliers to meet compliance requirements, many must also adhere to U.S. requirements.
This puts sourcing of some items under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
They classify CPAP machines as Class II medical devices, requiring a prescription for all sales to maintain full compliance.
However, there are benefits to obtaining a prescription as well.
One of the most significant benefits of needing a prescription is the in-lab sleep study or at-home sleep study often associated with an initial prescription.
Both tests will provide critical data about your apnea symptoms to help maximize the benefits of your PAP therapy and ensure the safe operation of your equipment.
This data will help establish the ideal pressure or pressure range for your apnea symptoms, ensure there are no other potential complications in play, and help select the best CPAP machine type for your needs.
Also, any insurance or work benefits assistance with the purchase costs will require a prescription to prove your sleep apnea diagnosis and define the medical necessity of your purchase.
This will also apply to any regional programs, such as Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program.
Exact requirements regarding reimbursement, valid purchase locations, and equipment types covered might vary, but all require a prescription.
How Do I Get a CPAP Prescription?
Exact steps might vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and any regional requirements. However, for most people, the process will look similar to this:
- If you (or your general practitioner) suspect sleep apnea, scheduling a sleep study will start the process. At-home sleep studies are often on your schedule, with any testing supplies needed available either on-site or at a nearby facility. However, in-lab sleep studies will likely require finding a sleep center in your area and scheduling a study at some point in the future.
- Once your sleep study is complete, a specialist will look at the data gathered (either from your in-lab or at-home study) and create a report.
- They will send this report to your doctor, who will then create your prescription based on the study’s findings.
- With this prescription, you can find the equipment you need through a local CPAP supplier or online at a reputable provider like CPAPSupply.ca.
The process is relatively simple. While it might take a little time, there is very little to worry about regarding things going awry or delays in the process.
Once your study is complete, your prescription should follow pretty quickly.
Summary
- Prescriptions are always required when ordering CPAP masks, CPAP machines, heated humidifiers, or nebulizer compressors.
- If ordering essential supplies — such as machine filters, replacement water chambers, mask headgear, mask cushions, CPAP pillows, or replacement tubing, you can order without a prescription any time you’d like.
- Canadian practitioners must write CPAP prescriptions in Canada.
- Valid prescription sources include doctors of osteopathy, dentists, medical doctors, naturopathic physicians, nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, and psychiatrists.
- Prescriptions should include specific details about what is needed for your PAP therapy in clear language to help your CPAP supplier and any financial assistance programs verify your needs and eligibility.
- Including a length of need can help to ensure that you don’t have to worry about jumping through hoops to order additional requirements down the road.
- The lab-based sleep study or at-home sleep study often associated with an initial prescription has many benefits when dialling in the settings of your CPAP machine.
- Your prescription will also serve as proof of medical necessity for any insurance, work benefits, or regional programs which might help to reduce out-of-pocket CPAP costs.
- In most cases, getting a prescription starts with your general practitioner or family doctor. They’ll recommend a sleep test, and the results of that test will be used to create a prescription and recommended PAP therapy plan.
With our comprehensive selection of industry-leading CPAP machines, high-quality mask parts, and all of the CPAP accessories and supplies needed to keep your machine running smoothly, CPAP Supply can handle everything you need for your CPAP prescription. As Canada’s leading online CPAP supply store in customer satisfaction, we’ll work to ensure that you are happy with your new equipment and supplies so you can spend less time worrying about your PAP therapy and more time enjoying your life. Get in touch today to discuss the best options for your needs!