Q: What is Sleep Apnea & OSA?
A: Sleep Apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These starts and stops, called Apneas, can last from a few seconds to several minutes and are often characterized by snoring at night, tiredness during the day, irritability, dry mouth, morning headaches, and more.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is the most common type of Sleep Apnea. OSA occurs when throat muscles relax and shift--causing blockages in your upper airway--or when soft tissue in the neck or head presses on your windpipe during sleep. 

Q: What is AHI?
A: The Apnea-Hypopnea Index --or AHI--is used to measure OSA severity. Doctors determine AHI by measuring the number of Apneas (breathing pauses) and Hypopneas (airflow reductions) you experience during a typical night of sleep. Your AHI is the average number of times you experience a sleep disordered breathing event (Apnea or Hypopnea) per hour of sleep. People with Sleep Apnea may stop breathing hundreds of times each night!

Q: What Equipment will I Receive and How Does it Work?
A: There are 4 products that all work together to deliver your therapy: the CPAP machine, a mask, machine components and compliance app.

• CPAP Machine: There are 3 types of machines for positive pressure therapy: CPAP, APAP and Bilevel. They all create airflow that is pushed through the tubing, to the mask, and into your lungs. Each machine has different features and benefits, your doctor will prescribe the right type for your needs.
• CPAP Mask: Your mask is one of the most important components of your CPAP equipment. It consists of 3 parts: frame, cushion, and headgear. There are several different types of CPAP masks, including full face and nasal options. The right mask can make your therapy more comfortable and successful, so it’s important to find the one that’s best for you.
• CPAP Components: There are 3 main components you’ll need to keep your CPAP therapy comfortable and effective. These include air filters, which filter dust and pet dander from the air going into your machine; a humidifier tub to hold the water for your humidifier; and the air tubing, which is the hose that connects your CPAP machine to your mask.
  
• Compliance App: Compliance Apps are available from the Apple App Store & Google Play to help you better understand your sleep therapy, provide tips on mask fit and comfort, and track your treatment and therapy compliance over time.

Q: Insurance, Compliance & Therapy Data - What Should I Know?
A: Many insurance providers require proof of a 90-day therapy compliance period in order to cover your equipment. This means showing that you can stay on therapy for a full 90-day period.

Your CPAP machine automatically transmits your nightly data to your equipment provider and your doctor so they can monitor your compliance. If your therapy usage and data is not consistent with the required amount of time, your insurance provider may not cover the cost of your CPAP equipment.