I'm a student and my budget is limited so I'm concerned about purchasing only what I need and is valuable. The place I have decided to buy my CPAP from has a cost (Canadian) of $1040 for the device and $275 for a Clinical Care Package.
Funding by the Ministry will cover 75% up to $780 of the unit but wouldn't cover the cost of the Clinical Care Package. I have minimal coverage at the school but am not sure if they would help pay for some of the cost.

I am willing to pay what I have to for my health but I got burnt once from a dietician who set me up on a plan I didn't need so I'm a bit nervous about them trying to sell me something that I don't need.

The Care Package includes:
- client education
- equipment selection & mask fitting
- in-office visits for therapy initiation and follow-ups
- ongoing telephone support

Here is a copy of the brochure I got:
http://www.proresp.com/CPAP_ClientInfo_web.pdf

Does anyone have any advice on when I go in so I don't get pressured into buying more than I need? I was a RPN (LPN in states I believe) so I've handled equipment before and am not afraid to use the machine. Just not sure how much extra instruction I need. Shouldn't instructions come when you purchase the unit?

Aurelia,

Just so you know, you don't have to spend that kind of money for a new CPAP machine. If you're willing to buy one over the Internet, there are several places that will sell you a brand new machine & accessories for $500 (American). You will need to fax them a copy of your prescription and pressure setting. Of course, that doesn't include any office visits, but if your "Funding by the Ministry" will allow you to do it over the Internet, it sure seems a lot cheaper than the $1040 they're asking.

I'd at least get a machine that has a heated humidfier. The fact is that you don't need on "ongoing plan" for follow-ups, client education, & in-office visits. If you are willing to do a bit of research and experimenting yourself, you can save a lot of money. Don't get me wrong; You need your sleep doctor's help, but you don't need some DME supplier hooking you into some sort of "equipment plan" that you don't need or will never use that much.

I recommend a Respironics Remstar Pro or Remstar Plus with C-flex technology. They make good equipment. Here's a few of links to check out for pricing, but there are literally scores of good CPAP dealers online:

http://www.cpap.com/productpage/respironic...humidifier.html

http://www.cpapstoreonline.com/Res-procflex.shtml

http://www.cpap-supply.com/aspcart/prodeta...tart=1&page=910

Thanks for the post! The thing with the Ministry coverage is that the company I buy from takes it off the cost of the unit at the point of purchase and the Ministry only covers 3 units. One of them is the Remstar.

I explained my situation to one lady and she said the best option is to get the basic plan, which is the same as the basic plans on most of the other brochures the sleep clinic gave me when I got my prescription, but advised me to buy an upgraded mask. The one the Ministry pays for is very uncomfortable so I got a nice soft one that is supposed to be good for side sleepers. I'm at work so I dont' know which one it is by name.

I'm also not sure if they cover purchases over the internet. The company gave me a loaner kit to use for 4 weeks with no obligation to purchase so if I dont' see any improvement then the unit is not helping and there is no point of buying one but I do hope it does help.

Thanks for replying though! I feel confident I chose a good reliable company.