For Manitoba SDC Clients

Information on the SDC Program

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• What is the SDC?

  The SDC (Sleep Disorder Centre) is a provincially-funded sleep lab offering comprehensive coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

  Your physician referred you to the SDC to determine if you have a sleep disorder.

• Your Diagnosis and Sleep Study

  How does the SDC determine my diagnosis?

  Based on the information included in your physician’s referral, the SDC will schedule you for either a Level I sleep study (overnight, in hospital) or a Level III sleep study (take home).

  How long do I have to wait for my sleep study appointment?

  Waiting times will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and overall health. Patients with the most serious conditions will be scheduled first.

  How do I find out the results of my sleep study and my diagnosis?

  Once you have completed a sleep study, the SDC physician will meet with you to review your results and diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.

  What happens if I have OSA?

  If you have OSA, the SDC physician will refer you to RANA for your CPAP or Bi-Level therapy and follow-up care.

  Learn more about CPAP therapy.

• Your First Appointment at RANA

  What happens at my first appointment?

  You will meet with a RANA clinician at your first appointment. Your clinician will be your primary care contact throughout your journey with us and will help you begin therapy with confidence.

  During your first appointment, your clinician will:

  • Review your history and therapy prescription
  • Have you complete a sleepiness and quality of life score; this helps your clinician understand how you feel before you start therapy
  • Record your blood pressure and oxygen levels
  • Provide you with a mask and ensure it fits comfortably, which is key to your success with therapy
  • Schedule a follow-up appointment in one month

  After your mask fitting, you will attend a group education session to review how to use and care for your machine and equipment. Your trial machine is provided by the SDC program.

• Your Follow-up Appointments at RANA

  How does RANA provide follow-up after I start my therapy?

  Phone follow-up

  Five days after your first appointment, your clinician will phone you to ensure you are comfortable and adjusting to your therapy. Another phone follow-up will take place when you have been on therapy for 3 months.

  Follow-up appointments

  Regular follow-up appointments with your clinician are scheduled to monitor your progress with therapy. Once you are experiencing success and are ready to start your long-term therapy, you will exchange your trial machine for one of your own. All patients will return to RANA at one month for assessment and again at two and three months, if needed.

  Annual mail-out

  After you have been on therapy for one year, RANA will mail you a survey. This helps us track your success on therapy and identify any problems or questions we can help you with. You will also be given the opportunity to order supplies.

• Your CPAP Therapy

  What is CPAP therapy and how does it work?

  CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; pronounced see-PAP) therapy is the most common treatment for sleep apnea and is the treatment most physicians recommend first.

  CPAP is a simple mechanical aid, which helps to keep your airway open at night when you sleep. CPAP prevents your airway from closing through positive pressure. It works a bit like blowing up a deflated balloon. Pressure is created by air blowing through the nose into the upper airway. This gentle pressure, applied continuously throughout the night, allows for normal breathing and peaceful sleeping patterns.

  Learn more about CPAP therapy.

  What is the difference between CPAP and Bi-Level therapy?

  Both CPAP and Bi-Level therapy are forms of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy.

  CPAP therapy delivers one level of pressure when you inhale and exhale.

  Bi-Level therapy delivers two levels of pressure set to coincide with your inhaled and exhaled breaths. Generally, the inhalation pressure is set higher than the exhalation pressure.

  Bi-Level therapy is recommended for OSA patients that have problems with CPAP therapy.

  Why is the machine I use for trial different than the machine I receive for long-term therapy?

  The trial machines allow us to monitor how well your therapy is working and if adjustments in CPAP pressure and mask fit or style are needed.

  Who do I call if I have questions or concerns with my therapy?

  Call RANA (Toll Free 1-888-297-7889). Our job is to help you with your therapy for as long as you are on therapy. There are no fees or costs for visits or calls.

  What happens if I can’t tolerate therapy?

  Most patients experience some difficulty adjusting to therapy. Often changing the size and style of mask will help. Your clinician will help you with mask changes and anything else that will make your therapy more comfortable. If therapy continues to be difficult for you, your physician will discuss other available treatment options.

• Manitoba Health - Coverage for Sleep Services & Equipment

  What is covered by Manitoba Health?

  • Sleep study test
  • Standard CPAP machines (fixed pressure models only)
  • CPAP masks (as approved by SDC) – replaced annually
  • Machine filters, CPAP masks and humidifier chambers – replaced annually
  • Chin straps and machine tubing – as required
  • Machine repairs, maintenance and replacement – as required
  • Delivery of supplies outside of Winnipeg and Brandon urban areas 
  • All necessary follow-up treatment (provided by RANA)

  What is NOT covered by Manitoba Health?

  • Advanced CPAP machines (e.g. auto-titrating models)
  • CPAP accessories (e.g. hose covers, distilled water, DC chargers, etc.)
  • CPAP masks not approved by SDC
  • Additional machines and masks (for use as a secondary system), unless medically required