FAQS

SLEEP SOLUTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS ABOUT EQUIPMENT

Troubleshooting Your Equipment

• Claustrophobia / Anxiety
   1. This is common for new patients initiating therapy.
   2. Try using the PAP device when awake, watching TV, reading, etc. to become acclimated.
   3. Switch to a smaller mask, like nasal pillows.
• Eye issues
   1. CPAP mask leaks tiny amounts of air into the eyes.
   2. The exhaust port is flowing into your eyes drying them out.
   3. CPAP mask is too tight
   4. Some patients with sleep apnea and puffy eyes from PAP have problems with tear ducts, sinuses and eyelids. The air that enters in the airway, could also enter through these ducts to the eyes. Call your doctor.
• Gassy/Bloated feeling
   1. If using two pillows, try one or a thinner pillow.
   2. Try sleeping on your side vs back.
   3. Change head/neck/body position – incorrect positioning could blow air into the belly.
• Mask Leak – All masks will leak, especially when you change position.
   1. Headgear – The headgear should fit loose and be comfortable.  Your skin should not bulge around the mask.  Over tightening of the mask will cause red marks and leaks.
   2. Reseating the mask – With the pressure on, pull the mask directly away from your face and gently set it back into place.  Move the mask around before trying to tighten the headgear.
   3. Cushions should be replaced monthly, you may have to pay out of pocket if your insurance doesn’t cover.  
 • Mouth Breathing / Dry Mouth / Sore Throat   
   1. If using a full-face mask, turn the pressure on before putting the mask on. This will help give a better seal.
   2. If using a nasal or nasal pillow mask – you will need to use a chinstrap or purchase a full-face mask.
   3. Dry mouth/ sore throat is caused by mouth breathing or mask leaks. Suggestions: a chinstrap; making sure that the humidifier is on.
• Noisy machine – all PAP’s will make noise
   1. Check for the location of noise – is it at the mask or machine?
     a. Check mask port – redirect the mask port/tubing so that the exhalation air goes in a different direction, it may reduce noise.
     b. Check gasket behind humidifier chamber. If missing or not seated correctly, it will make noise.
     c. Masks will flex and may cause noise if air escapes.
     d. Introduce a white noise while sleeping, like music, a fan, TV.
     e. The motor inside your PAP device will speed or slow with each breath, this is normal.
• Snoring / Sinus issues
   1. Only your doctor can change the pressure, please call the doctor that ordered the PAP device and discuss your snoring.
   2. If your mask is leaking, refer to the ‘Mask Leak’ section. Leaks can cause snoring due to some of the pressure leaking out of the mask.
   3. Sinus issues will make using a CPAP very difficult; best suggestion is to take a break and contact your doctor. Continuing to use the CPAP could make your conditions worse.
• Too much pressure
   1. Increase Ramp time to a longer time (refer to manual).
   2. Decrease Ramp start pressure by a small amount (refer to manual).
   3. Increase Flex settings (refer to manual).
   4. Use PAP for 1 hour awake in a relaxed state every day, then try to sleep on it.  This will help desensitize you to the pressure.
   5. Call your doctor, Sleep Solutions cannot change a pressure without a prescription from your doctor.

• Too little pressure
   1. Increase starting Ramp pressure (refer to manual).
   2. Use PAP for 1 hour awake in a relaxed state every day, then try to sleep on it.  This will help desensitize you to the pressure.
   3. Call your doctor, Sleep Solutions cannot change a pressure without a prescription from your doctor.
• My water chamber is empty
   1. Air is leaking from the mask causing all humidity to escape.
   2. Mouth breathing (not with a full-face mask) will cause humidity to escape.
   3. High humidity settings will cause the water to be used faster.
   4. Dremstation - Adaptive Humidity is on, turn to Fixed (refer to manual).
   5. Airsense 10 – Humidity is on Auto setting, turn to manual (refer to manual).
• My water chamber is always full
   1. Humidity Setting is too low.
   2. Humidity is already high in the house/outside.
• Water in mask or hose
   1. A standard, non-heated tube is being used.  A non-heated tube will cause water buildup in the hose which will eventually get into the mask.  Turn the setting down or buy a heated tubing
   2. Humidity setting is too high. (refer to manual).
   3. Condensation forms when warmer air in the tubing is surrounded by colder bedroom air.

CPAP Maintenance/Cleaning-Quick Care Tips

Cleaning your equipment is essential to the life of the equipment and to your health.

Whenever moisture is present, bacteria and mold can grow. If your equipment is not properly cleaned and dried, bacteria builds up and can lead to infections in your body, especially in your airway passages. Also, the oils in your skin and the minerals in tap water can cause premature breakdown in the materials used to manufacture your PAP equipment, especially your mask. Therefore, we recommend the cleaning schedule be followed diligently.

Remember, only use DISTILLED water to fill your water chamber, tap/city water will damage your PAP machine and void the warranty. • Cleaning your CPAP mask:

Your PAP cushion (part that touches your face) should be cleaned daily using warm, soapy water. We recommend using liquid dish soap or PAP mask wipes. Avoid soaps that contain strong perfumes or lotion. DO NOT use baby wipes, many have lotions in them

• Cleaning your CPAP tubing:

Wash tubing using warm, soapy water. Dry your PAP tubing by hanging over a doorknob or hanger. We also offer accessories to help assist in cleaning/drying your tubing.

• Drying hints:

Always hang tubing away from direct sunlight, as this will cause the tubing to become yellow, brittle and crack over time. DO NOT attach the wet tubing to your PAP unit to blow-dry it. The moisture from the tubing can drain back into your machine. Moisture in your unit can cause sudden pressure increases or short circuits.

• Cleaning the CPAP unit:

- Unplug the PAP before cleaning.
 - Never immerse the PAP in water.
 - Using a cloth slightly dampened with soap and water and wipe the outside of the PAP.
 - Make sure the PAP is thoroughly dry before plugging it in.
 - Clean the non-disposable filter every 3-5 days, wash with warm soap and water, if need. Allow to air dry

completely before putting back in.
 - Replace the disposable filter every month. (DO NOT wash disposable filters)

• Cleaning the Humidifier:

YOUR HUMIDIFIER CHAMBER SHOULD BE CLEANED DAILY.
 - Immerse the humidifier chamber in warm, soapy water or place in top rack of dishwasher.
 - Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry.
 - Always use distilled water to fill humidifier chamber. Tap/city water will damage your machine and void the warranty.

• DO’s and DON’Ts:

- Don’t use alcohol-based products to clean your mask. They can cause the materials to become hard and brittle.
 - Don’t use any caustic or household cleaning solutions such as bleach on your PAP equipment.
 - Don’t put headgear in the washer or dryer.
 - Don’t add anything to the water chamber, like scented essential oils, this will crack the water chamber and you will

have to purchase another.
 - Do wash the non-disposable filter every 3-5 days, wash with warm soap and water, if need. Allow to air dry completely

before putting back in.
 - Do replace the disposable filter every month. (DO NOT wash disposable filters)

What if I need to Travel with My Oxygen?

We stock the latest in Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Our staff is very knowledgable regarding regulations for traveling with an oxygen therapy system. We offer our current patients one week of POC usage per calendar year without additional cost and have a multitude of rental options designed to fit any traveler’s oxygen needs. The FAA requires that all POC units be accepted as qualified medical devices on any domestic flight within the United States. These regulations change frequently, please contact us for the most up-to-date information.

I rely on a wheelchair or other mobility device. How can I take oxygen with me?

There are many options available for people that require oxygen therapy. Cylinder systems are most traditional and often work well. Every lifestyle is different, which is why your personal respiratory clinician will partner with you to select the most appropriate system.

I am active and independent – will oxygen slow me down?

Oxygen equipment is better than ever and technology has made it more convenient for patients to remain in an active lifestyle while using their oxygen therapy.

What if I need to have oxygen therapy available to me at all times?

Oxygen concentrators allow you to breathe oxygen-rich air continuously throughout your home. These machines pull oxygen from the air and do not require refills like oxygen cylinders do. Because oxygen concentrators run on electricity, we do supply all patients with a back-up source of oxygen in case of a power failure in the time of need.

What Does a Chin Strap Do?

If mouth dryness is experienced when using CPAP, a chinstrap may be needed. This is usually a strong sign that the jaw is dropping, allowing the air from the CPAP to flow through the sinus and out the mouth. A chin strap will help keep the mouth closed to keep the air in.

I will be traveling with my CPAP, is there anything special I need to know?

The first thing to do is make sure you have emptied any water from the humidifier water chamber. Make sure you take all supplies including machine, mask, hose and power cord. Your machine is sold by prescription only and if you get away from home without some of your supplies you may not be able to get new ones where you are. If you are traveling by plane, you will want to take your CPAP/BiPAP and all supplies as carry-on. The airlines usually will not count this as one of your two carry-on items since it is medical equipment. Review the Transportation Security Administration web site for their procedure regarding travel with CPAP

CPAP Equipment Cleaning

Whenever moisture is present, bacteria or mold can grow. If your equipment is not properly cleaned and dried, bacteria builds up and can lead to infections in your body, especially in your airway passages. Also, the oils in your skin and the minerals in tap water can cause premature breakdown in the materials used to manufacture your CPAP equipment, especially your mask. Therefore, we recommend the cleaning schedule be followed diligently.
Remember, always wash your hands prior to handling your CPAP equipment.

Cleaning your CPAP Mask - Your CPAP mask should be cleaned daily using soap and water. Avoid detergents that have strong perfumes or dyes. We recommend using a dish soap or CPAP mask wipes. DO NOT use baby wipes, many have lotions in them. Wash cushions daily and wash headgear weekly.

Cleaning your CPAP Tubing - Wash tubing with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly. Dry your CPAP tubing by hanging over a doorknob or hanger. Your tubing should be cleaned weekly.

Drying hints - Always hang tubing away from direct sunlight, as this will cause the tubing to become yellow, brittle and crack over a period of time. DO NOT attach the wet tubing to your CPAP unit to blow-dry it. The moisture from the tubing can drain back into your machine. Moisture in your unit can cause sudden pressure increases or short circuits.We do carry a tubing hanger for drying, visit our online store!

Cleaning the CPAP Unit -

  • Unplug the unit before cleaning it.
  • Never immerse the unit in water.
  • Using a cloth slightly dampened with soap and water, wipe the outside of the unit.
  • Make sure the unit is thoroughly dry before plugging it in.
  • Wash non-disposable filer every 3-5 days- wash with warm soap and water, let air dry before putting back in.
  • Replace disposable filter every month.

Cleaning the humidifier -

YOUR HUMIDIFIER CHAMBER SHOULD BE CLEANED DAILY

  • Empty any remaining water in humidifier after each use.
  • Immerse the humidifier chamber in warm, soapy water or place in top rack of dishwasher.
  • Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry.
  • Always use distilled water to fill humidifier chamber. Tap water may pit and corrode the humidifier chamber. Any essential oils will cause the water chamber to crack voiding the warranty.

Do's and Don'ts -

  • Don’t use alcohol-based products to clean your mask. They can cause the materials to become hard and brittle.
  • Don’t use any caustic or household cleaning solutions such as bleach on your CPAP equipment.
  • Don’t put headgear in the washer or dryer.
  • Don’t add vicks or other scented chemicals/oils to water chamber.
  • Do wash your  non-disposable filter every 3-5 days. Allowing it to dry completely before next use.
  • Do change your disposable filter every month.
Do you service my area?

We service all over Michigan, including Saginaw, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids area.

I'm getting water in my hose, what can I do?

This is a common problem that many face as the temperature and humidity change frequently.  Condensation will form in your hose because the temperature in the room is cooler than the air in the tube.  Insulating the tube will prevent this.  This can be done by purchasing a Sleepy Sleeve from our office; putting the tube under the blankets or by obtaining a prescription for your doctor to get a heated tube.  Not all insurance companies will pay for heated tubing though.

My mask seems to leak alot, how can I fix this?

Many issues can cause a mask to leak.  Over tightening, improper size or not replacing the cushion is all reasons a mask can leak.  In order to get the best seal, put your mask on while the CPAP is ON and set to the lowest pressure by using Ramp.  If you experience leaks during the night, pull the mask away from your nose and put it back on.  This inflates the mask again and allows the cushion to form a new seal around your nose.  Full Face masks are for patients who are NOT able to breathe through their nose at night due to congestion or other nasal issues.  Mouth breathing will happen to everyone, no matter what mask you use and is controlled by a chin strap.  Full Face masks will be the toughest mask to get a seal.

Education fees

If you would like to come in and get re-educated on your machine or get instructed on accessories there will be a $75 education fee. This fee is for re-educating, not for first time setup appointments. Please call and schedule an appointment before coming in.

Masks that we carry

If you would like to view the masks we carry, simply click here. If you are not eligible for a new mask, through your insurance and would like to come in and try on masks' there will be a $75 fitting fee. If you are coming in to private pay for a mask there will be no fee as long as a purchase is made. Please call and schedule an appointment before coming in.

REFUND/RETURN AND OTHER POLICIES

Sleep Solutions response to Coronavirus
  • Our hours will remain Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
  • We now offer curbside pickup for any/all supplies if you choose not to walk in the building. Simply come to our Troy location and call us at 248-688-9095 and let us know you are here. We will then walk your order our to you while remaining in your vehicle. PPE will be worn by staff when delivering order.
  • We've limited our entrance to only 1 door. While entering SSI staff will ask a few questions and provide a mask if need be.
  • We ask all patients coming into the office for a service to leave any guests in the vehicle while they are being serviced.
  • We ask that any persons that have tested Covid positive, been exposed to a person confirmed Covid positive, or had Covid symptoms in the last 14 days, please refrain from entering our building as well as our curbside pick up. If your situation is listed and your visit is of an urgent nature please give the SSI staff details immediately upon arrival.
  • Office is sanitized daily.
  • Setup rooms have all been sprayed with a disinfectant spray that has a lifetime warranty killing all germs and protecting surfaces from picking up any germs. Any questions on this please don't hesitate to contact us!
  • We've added additional disinfectant wipes and sanitizers in multiple locations of the office.

If you have any questions regarding any of the above or how else we are working to keep you safe please don't hesitate to contact us!

Refund/Return Policy

We have a 30 day (from date of purchase) money back guarantee depending on the item that is purchased. Due to sanitary reasons, some items can not be returned (if opened or used). There may be a $20 - $25 restocking fee depending on the item, this will be addressed per item and brought to you attention when returning. If you purchase an item through our website and wish to return that item we do not refund you the original shipping cost. We suggest not opening the packaging if you are going to consider returning an item. Some items can not be returned if packaging is opened. Make sure to check descriptions carefully on items while shopping online. You must have your receipt for returns. Exclusions may apply. Please contact Customer Service with any questions at 248-688-9095.

Shipping Policy/Delivery Policy

Please be assured that your items will ship out next day or within two days of purchase depending on the order. If orders are placed on Saturday or Sunday, the order will be shipped out first thing Monday.

Security Policy

Your payment and personal information is always safe. Our secure Sockets Layer (SSL) software is the industry standard and among the best software available today for secure commerce transactions. It encrypts all of your personal information, including credit card number, name, and address, so that it cannot be read over the internet or shared.

Privacy Policy

This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

• Sleep Solutions Inc. may use your protected health information for purposes of providing treatment, obtaining payment for treatment, and conducting health operations. Your protected health informations may be used or disclosed only for these purposes unless Sleep Solutions has obtained your authorization in writing, orally, or by facsimile.

• Sleep Solutions Inc. will use and disclose your protected health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and any related services. We may also disclose protected health information to other physicians who may be treating you or consulting with your physician with respect to your care.

• Sleep Solutions Inc. may use or disclose your protected health information, as necessary, for our own health care operations in order to facilitate the function of our operation.

• As a part of treatment, payment and healthcare operations, we may also use or disclose your protected health information for the following  purposes: To remind you of an appointment; To inform you of potential treatment alternatives or operations; To inform you of health-related benefits or services that may be of interest to you; To other healthcare providers in the event you need emergency care.

• Sleep Solutions Inc. will disclose your protected health information when we are required to do so by federal, state, or local law. This includes: To prevent, control, or report disease, injury or disability as permitted by law; To conduct public health surveillance, investigation and interventions as permitted or required by law; To collect  or report adverse events and product defects; To  notify a person who has been exposed to a communicable disease of who may be at risk of contacting or spreading a disease as authorized by law.

• Sleep Solutions Inc. may notify government authorities in the event of an investigation if we believe that a patient is the victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.

•  Other than as stated above, Sleep Solutions Inc. will not disclose your health information without your written authorization. You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time except to the extent that we have taken action in reliance upon the authorization

Rental Policy

When renting a Durable Medical Equipment product from us, such as a knee walker or wheelchair, there will be a $200 refundable security deposit. This security deposit is to ensure the equipment is returned undamaged and in the same condition as it was first received. Upon receipt, the equipment will be inspected by both customer and a SSI employee. Any imperfections in the product will be noted at that time. If there is no damage to the equipment at time of returning you will be fully refunded the $200 security deposit. Sleep Solutions will use their discretion when inspecting the returned equipment. 

BILLING AND INSURANCE QUESTIONS

Our Shipping Address

Our shipping address is:

1280 E. Big Beaver Suite B

Troy, MI 48083

Why did I receive this bill?

Sometimes our billing statements overlap with you paying your bill. Example: We mail out your bill and you call to pay your bill the day after the letter was sent out. If you feel you received a bill and shouldn't have, please contact our billing department.

Online bill pay

Sleep Solutions Home Medical has just made paying your bills easier. Sleep Solutions is now offering an on-line patient payment portal.

We understand how busy everyone is today and it’s hard to keep up. Sleep Solutions Home Medical is here to help! You can now view your bill and make a payment all on-line. Go back to our home page and click on “Pay your Bill” located at the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The window will open showing two options: “Make Payment” or “Create your Profile”. New clients can create a profile by answering a few questions. Returning clients can make a payment or view their outstanding balances.

Easy to view. Invoices are organized in one place to make it easy for you to stay on top of bills you owe and those you’ve already paid.

Easy to track. With the payment history, you can see and download a record within the invoice payment center of every payment you make, a handy feature especially at tax time.

Easy to pay. Your profile can include accounts for family members in your care so you can pay one invoice or all with a few quick clicks.

Log on today and experience how quick and easy it is to pay your bill online.

What if I miss my appointment?

This will be a $50 charge for any no show appointment for mask refit or CPAP check appointment that is not cancelled prior to the appointment.

What Insurance do we accept?

-AARP
-ABS Bankers Claim
-Advantra Freedom
-Aetna Advantage
-Aetna PPO
-Aetna Signature
-Aetna US Health Care
-Alliance Health/HAP
-Alliance Medicare PPO
-AMER Community Mutual
-Ameriplan INC.
-American Benefit Program
-APWU Health Plan/Care Programs
-ASR Health Benefits Assurant Health/ASA
-Bankers Life & Casualty
-BCBS Empire
-BCBS of MI Federal
-BCBS of Michigan (including Ford, Chrysler, GM)
-Blue Preferred
-Broadspire Worker Compesation
-CareSource
-Carpenters Health & Welfare Trust
-Celtic Health Insurance
-Children Special Health Care Srv.
-Cigna
-Cigna International
-Cigna/Great West Health
-Coalition America/ NPPN
-Community Blue
-DMC Care PLUS
-DMERC Region B Administar (not bid area)
-First Health (Cofinity)
-Frontpath Health Coalition
-HAP HMO - Empowered
-HAP Preferred Cigna - Empowered
-HAP Preferred EPA, PPO, POS, PHP - Empowered
-HAP Senior Plus - Empowered
-Harbor Health
-Humana
-Humana Advantage

-Integrated Health Plan
-Ingham Health Plan
-Liberty Bankers Life Insurance
-McLaren Health Plan – Commercial
-McLaren Health Plan – Health Advantage
-McLaren Health Plan – Medicaid
-McLaren HMO
-McLaren Medicare Advantage
-Medicaid
-Medicaid/Medicare HMO
-Medicare
-Medicare Advantage (most)
-Meridian (Formerly Health Plan of MI)
-Messa
-Michigan Conference of Teamsters Welfare Fund
-Midwest Health Network
-Midwest/Medicaid HMO
-Molina Medicaid
-Mutual of Omaha
-Northwood (BCN Complete BCBS Trust)
-PHCS
-PlanCare America
-Preferred Health Network
-Priority Health
-Progressive Medical Inc.
-Roofers Local 149
-Sheet Metal Workers Local 292
-Sheet Metal Workers Local 80
-Three Rivers
-United American Insurance
-US Health & Life Ins Co
-Wausau Insurance
-WellCare
-Zurich- North American

- Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Saginaw, Lansing & Bay
   counties only:
     -BCN
     -BCN Advantage
     -Blue Cross Complete

Updated: 8/22

Want to transfer to our services?

In order to complete your request to transfer your service from another company to Sleep Solutions Inc., the Supply Department needs the documents listed below.

  1. Itemized prescription including all CPAP or BIPAP settings from your physician
  2. Name, address, phone number of current provider
  3. A dated invoice from the current provider showing the date your machine was delivered as well as make, model and serial number of equipment
  4. Dated invoice of current supplies given.
  5. Insurance coverage information.  Name of insurance along with beneficiary ID and group number
  6. Copy of sleep study (PSG) showing patient qualified for PAP therapy.
  7. Patient demographics; name, address, date of birth, phone numbers, email address

Additional questions can be addressed by calling Sleep Solutions Inc. at 248-688-9095.  Ask for the Supply Department.

Please have all information faxed to 248-688-9941

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT