WHO ARE WE?

Yes referral is needed. You are welcome to contact us directly to book an appointment or a sleep test. We accept patients who self-refer as well as those referred by their family physicians – either way is fine. If you’re concerned about symptoms like snoring or breathing issues, you can skip the wait and come straight to us. (We will keep your doctor informed with results and collaborate as needed, but you don’t have to see them first to start the process.) Our goal is to make it easy for you to get care quickly.

Home Sleep Apnea Testing is a simple process. On the day of your appointment, we’ll give you a small kit and explain how to use it. It typically includes: a lightweight belt around your chest to measure breathing effort, a soft clip on your finger to measure oxygen levels, and a small sensor under your nose to measure airflow/snoring. You’ll set it up yourself at bedtime (don’t worry, it’s easy and we show you exactly how). Then you sleep in your own bed as normal. In the morning, you’ll take off the sensors and bring the device back to us. During the night, the device will have recorded lots of data about your breathing. When you return it, we download that information and within a short time we can determine if you have sleep apnea. The whole test is done privately at home – no need to sleep in a strange lab hooked up to dozens of wires. Most people find it comfortable and convenient.

It’s very common to need an adjustment period with CPAP therapy. The first few nights or weeks can feel odd – after all, it’s new to sleep with a mask. Don’t give up! We are here to help you succeed. If you’re having trouble, let us know right away. We can try different types of masks (sometimes a different style can make a world of difference in comfort) or adjust the machine’s settings (for example, using a lower starting pressure or adding a ramp feature that slowly increases pressure as you fall asleep). Our therapists will also check if features like heated humidity can help if you experience dryness. We provide extra coaching on relaxation techniques and fitting tricks to improve comfort. Remember, through our Freedom Advantage Program, we’re monitoring your CPAP usage data too – so we can often spot issues (like air leaks or low usage) and proactively reach out to assist. The vast majority of patients do get used to CPAP with a bit of time and the right support. Many say after a while they hardly notice the mask because they feel so much better rested. We will work with you until you’re one of those success stories!

In many cases, yes, at least partially. The diagnostic home sleep apnea test might be covered by Alberta Health if ordered by a physician – we can help facilitate that. Even if you come to us directly, we can involve a sleep physician to ensure you meet any requirements for coverage. As for treatment, most employee health benefit plans cover CPAP machines and supplies (often around 80% of the cost, depending on your plan). We’ll help you navigate the insurance process – from providing the medical documentation needed to direct billing if available. For those without private insurance, there are government assistance programs (like AADL in Alberta) that may help cover the cost of CPAP equipment for those who qualify; we can guide you through the application if needed. Pulmonary function tests are usually covered by Alberta Health Care when referred by a doctor – if you take a PFT through us, we ensure a qualified physician is involved so it can be billed appropriately. We know insurance and funding can be confusing, so our staff will happily assist with checking your coverage and answering any questions. Our priority is that you get the care and equipment you need, as affordably as possible.

It’s easy! You can call us at our Edmonton or Calgary clinics (see the contact info above) to speak with our reception team, or you can fill out the online appointment request form on our website (if after hours, this might be convenient). We’ll get back to you promptly to schedule. If you’re not sure where to start, you can also book a free 15-minute phone consultation with one of our clinicians to discuss your symptoms and get advice on next steps. Lastly, you can always email us at info@freedomrespiratory.com with questions. We strive to be responsive and helpful in guiding you to the right service. Have another question not answered here? Just reach out – we’re here to help and inform you.