FAQ

Appointments for the home sleep study through the Montreal Sleep Centre can normally be scheduled within the same working week. If you have a limited or preferred availability, we will work with you to find a time that works best for you.

For follow-up appointments related to CPAP treatment or mask fitting, appointments are typically available the same or next working day.

The Montreal Sleep Centre only offers the at-home sleep study (Simple PSG), therefore the test takes place in the comfort of the patients’ home.

The preliminary results of your sleep study will be ready within 10 business days of bringing back the testing device and having your data approved for analysis.

Your results will be sent to your email address in the form of a three-page report. This report includes test results and diagrams of the parameters measured. If you have a referral from your family doctor or another physician, the results will also be sent to them.

No. To ensure our patients transition into their CPAP treatment smoothly often a trial period is suggested before a purchase. The Montreal Sleep Centre offers CPAP machine rental services as well as new CPAP machines for patients who do not wish to rent a machine, or who wish to begin treatment immediately with their own device. The trial period allows patients to use one of our rental machines and try different masks for up to 14 days or 1 month. This period allows our technicians to monitor the treatment progress and provide assistance as needed. Upon purchasing a new CPAP device, patients will be educated on the maintenance of their new machine and can select a mask they would like to use long-term.

**Any payments made for CPAP rentals are then used as credit toward the purchase of a new CPAP machine.**

Two of the highest recommended CPAP machines, the ResMed AirSense 10 and AirSense 11 Autoset, both have sound pressure levels of approximately 27 decibels. The machines are extremely quiet and the sound coming from a CPAP machine can be best described as ‘continuous and comfortable white noise.’

Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with higher likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome and Type II Diabetes, higher incidence of work-related and driving accidents, increased risk of stroke, increased risk of coronary artery disease and heart failure. Severe sleep apnea left untreated in particular has been associated with higher instances of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

The treatment for sleep apnea will depend on what your physician recommends based on your specific case. Many patients are prescribed a non-invasive positive airway pressure (PAP) device that treats sleep apnea by splinting the airways open while you sleep.

Many airlines allow CPAP machines to be brought on board in addition to the general carry-on allowance. It is best to check with your specific airline whether a copy of your prescription is required. We recommend that you always carry your CPAP with you and not check it as baggage. The airline cannot charge you additional fees for carrying your CPAP with you.

The at-home sleep test does not evaluate insomnia. The Montreal Sleep Centre currently does not offer treatment for insomnia. If you have a referral from your family doctor or a GP for a pulmonologist or sleep specialist, you may be able to take an appointment with the pulmonologist to discuss your options. For more information, please send us an email at info@sommeilmtl.com.

We do not offer testing or treatment services for children and teenagers under the age of 18. If you have a referral for your child to do a sleep test, we recommend contacting a children’s hospital for testing and treatment.

The at-home sleep study is not painful. The testing equipment is attached to you overnight using a velcro strap and medical tape. There may be mild discomfort when removing the tape from your skin.

The wait time for a sleep test in Montreal’s public hospital system is currently between 3 and 5 years. Once the test is completed it is common for patients to wait between 2-4 months for results. Sleep tests at our clinic can often be scheduled within the same working week and preliminary results are ready within 10 business days. Appointments to see the specialist to discuss your results are typically available within 1-3 months. Treatment of snoring and sleep apnea usually involves the use of a CPAP machine and mask. This equipment is not provided by the hospital system in Quebec and so patients must still use private clinics for purchasing the treatment equipment. In the end, the cost of the sleep test is the only expense that a patient can save in Quebec and that might mean waiting years and years. Finally, the cost of a clinic sleep test may be covered by your private insurance (not RAMQ) or the receipt may be used with income tax. Our clinic can also help with a financing and/or a payment plan.

Treatment of snoring and sleep apnea usually involves the use of a CPAP machine and mask. This equipment is not provided by the hospital system in Quebec, so patients must use private clinics for purchasing the treatment equipment. The cost of a clinic sleep test and subsequent CPAP equipment may be covered by your private insurance (not RAMQ) or the receipt may be used with income tax.

Insurance coverage for sleep testing and equipment varies from company to company, and depends on the plan you have through your private insurance company. Generally, the cost of the treatment equipment is covered at 80-100% by private insurance companies in Quebec.

In regard to the sleep test, some private insurance plans in Quebec cover the testing (at 50-100%) and others do not cover it at all. If the sleep testing is not covered by your insurance company we recommend trying to use the receipt from the test with your income tax. The sleep test is usually the least expensive part of the process. We recommend contacting your insurance company for information before your appointment.