In Canada??? Is a 2nd Sleep Study Required to Replace Original Machine

I had a Sleep Study done a little over 5 years ago and the Doctor prescribed a PR DreamStation Auto BiPAP. After many difficult months getting used to the machine I never gave up and now have absolutely no issues whatsoever.

Pugsy was my saviour and I shall be ever grateful to her for her continuing support and advice. I am from Canada and my unit quit on me on a trip to Florida and I contacted her and she referred me to warranty company in Ocala and it was repaired quickly for only cost of shipping.

Last night my AHI was 1.7 with 81% Mask Fit and pressures of 9.0 and 7.5 so I seem to be in good shape but I know some feel the need to get below 1.0

My maximum EPAP pressure is set at 23.0 and the minimum IPAP pressure is set at 6.5

I know 23.0 is crazy high but I have never bothered to change it as machine knows what my breathing needs but I could be wrong.

I have been thinking about buying a used machine and the DreamStation Auto BiPAPs are harder to find. I don’t know whether a less sophisticated DreamStation would satisfy my needs during an emergency backup. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Here in Ontario I don’t know if it fails as to whether I need another Sleep Study to get a replacement or whether my SD Card would be sufficient to prove my continuous use and need. Getting a Sleep Study scheduled is difficult.

Best Wishes for a better 2021. This is a great community here and so many helpful and experienced members really benefit those of us needing advice.

My only advice is not to give up and seek help here.

I live in Manitoba and my answer would be no its not required. Have your Dr prescribe you a new machine and you should be fine. I do that only for private insurance purposes . Here we are allowed a new machine by the Gov't every 5 years and if you go to the place which is contracted to the Gov't they will have the original prescription and wouldn't require a new one. Not sure how it works in Ontario but I believe all you would need at most is the Dr.s prescription. You could contact one of the Ontario cpap suppliers you can find by googling and they can point you in the right direction. Some have online chat available.

Googled the answer to my replacement question as follows:

“The clients can replace the equipment after five years if the equipment is no longer working and cannot be repaired. CPAP paid by OHIP will contribute towards the cost. For this the client needs a new form signed by the doctor to prove that still meet the eligibility requirements”