Frequently
Asked
Questions

Sleep apnea can be divided into two different categories: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Centra Sleep Apnea (CSA). OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep causing an obstruction of the airways for 10 seconds or longer, while Central Sleep Apnea is a neuromuscular condition caused by a delay in the brain’s signal to breathe. Common symptoms of sleep apnea are excessive snoring, gasping for air during sleep, awakening with a dry mouth, morning headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Sleep apnea can affect anyone regardless of age, however there are certain risk factors that include: being male, overweight, over 40 years old, having a large neck circumference or tonsils, and having a family history of sleep apnea. It is also important to note that individuals with untreated sleep apnea have an increased risk of health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and diabetes.

The best way to establish whether you have sleep apnea is to be referred by a doctor to have a sleep study. During the sleep study, you will be attached to a sleep-monitoring device which will monitor your blood oxygen levels, brain activity, heart rate, and breathing patterns. The sleep study results will be reviewed by your physician and an accurate diagnosis will be made.

Respirico currently provide home-based sleep studies. If you would like to download the referral form, please click here, or call us on 1800 208 826 for more information.

CPAP stands for ‘Continuous Positive Airway Pressure’ and is the gold standard treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. CPAP therapy delivers air pressure to the upper airway through the nose or mouth of a patient while they are asleep, via a mask. The air pressure can be either constant (fixed) or variable (automatic), depending on the type of machine.

The aim of a CPAP machine is to create enough pressure in your airway to hold the soft tissue open, so that your airway doesn’t collapse, and you are able to breathe as per normal. Everybody is unique, and therefore there’s no single air pressure setting that will work effectively for everyone. It is recommended that you see a sleep doctor or CPAP consultant to ensure you have the optimal settings, specifically for you.

There are two main types of CPAP machines available: Fixed (CPAP) and Automatic (APAP). A fixed pressure machine will deliver continuous pressure throughout the night and is always set at one pressure level, whereas an automatic machine will provide a variable pressure, as it detects the pressure required to keep the airways open and adjusts accordingly.

Everybody is unique and requires different air pressures to keep their airways unobstructed. Therefore, what works for one patient may not work for another. It is recommended you speak with your sleep physician to determine your best course of treatment, or alternatively book in for a CPAP trial with Respirico to determine the most effective pressure settings for you.

When using CPAP, mask fitting is very important. Using a CPAP mask that is the correct shape and size for your face not only ensures proper mask fit and optimal treatment but also helps with consistent use. There are 3 main different types of masks: Full-face masks, nasal masks, and nasal pillows.

Full-face masks are recommended if you breathe through your mouth during the night, or if you have a nasal obstruction or congestion that makes it difficult to breathe through your nose. It is important that a mouth-breather uses a full-face mask or nasal mask with chinstrap, as the air from the CPAP can escape out the mouth instead of entering the throat and treating the apnea.

Nasal masks are generally a triangle-shape and cover the nose. They are best suited for nose-breathers that are active sleepers, as they will have a good seal even if you toss and turn.

Nasal pillow masks normally rest at the entrance of your nostrils and are generally held together by a strap that wraps around the back of the head. They are best suited for nose breathers and patients who are claustrophobic.

Choosing a mask can be overwhelming, so if you are unsure about which mask is right for you, the experienced team at Respirico can assist you.

It is important to properly clean your CPAP equipment on a regular basis to avoid mask leak and bacteria build-up. This includes the mask, air tubing, humidifier tub, and filter.

To make this process easier, download Respirico Healthcare’s CPAP cleaning guide here. 

There may be medical rebates for your CPAP equipment, it all depends on where you live.

SA: The South Australian Energy Concession scheme is provided by the Department for Families and Communities. Additionally, if you have a Health Care Card and other certain criteria are met, patients may also be able to qualify for a government subsidized machine. If you think you may qualify, please speak to your doctor.

NSW: If treatment is required for 24-hour usage, the NSW government provides a medical rebate of $0.16 per day or $0.32 per day. This is through the Application for the NSW Government Life Support Electricity Rebate form, which requires endorsement by your doctor. 

ACT: The government in ACT provides a Life Support rebate that includes therapy devices. A doctor must prescribe the life support equipment.

QLD & VICTORIA: The QLD government provides rebates via the Electricity Life Support Concession Scheme, and the Victorian government provides a Life Support rebate. Please note, in both states however, therapy devices are NOT currently eligible.

WA & NT: There are no current rebate schemes for therapy users in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. 

TASMANIA: In Tasmania, Aurora Energy (an electricity supplier), provides a medical rebate of approximately $0.15 per day. Customers must obtain the application form for the Aurora Energy Life Support Electricity Rebate, which requires endorsement by your doctor.

Please note: Respirico are an accredited Australian supplier. Therefore, if your health fund covers CPAP machines or accessories as part of your policy, we can provide you with a detailed invoice. If you purchase a machine from an overseas company however, you may forfeit your health fund rebate. We recommend you check with your health fund to find out exactly what you are covered for.

Please call us on 1800 208 826 for more information.

Customers who have purchased their machine from Respirico receive a FREE membership of ‘Respirico Elite’, which entitles them to free support for the life of their machine, as well as other discounts and benefits. This includes downloading and interpreting sleep reports from your machine, liaising with specialists or doctors regarding your report, issuing free loan units if your machine has been sent into service, and reviewing CPAP equipment. Certain machines can be accessed and monitored remotely, meaning we can provide support without you needing to come in-store.

If you have not purchased your machine from us, there will be an appointment fee of $27.50 for a download, or a $22 cost for those with concession cards. If you are a government-funded patient, all appointments will be free.

There are several factors that contribute to the price difference of CPAP products across regions in the world.

The primary reason is due to the different healthcare systems in each country. The US government subsides OSA therapy and acknowledges the health consequences of untreated OSA, and therefore there is a higher volume of people and lower price-mark. In Australia, treatment for OSA is not fully reimbursed and you may only be entitled to part of the cost being covered. Therefore, there is a lower volume of customers and a higher price-mark.

However, Australia’s pricing generally offers you reliable, knowledgeable, local service. This includes after-sales service, which is important as generally sleep apnea is a chronic condition that does not go away and therefore aftercare and future support is essential. Specifically, Respirico are here to support you on your journey by providing mutual support and advice.

Respirico healthcare hire both CPAP machines and masks. Please note, if you are new to therapy, we recommend you begin on a CPAP trial.

Machine rentals start as little as $65 per month, or $75 including a mask. If you are looking to hire a mask ONLY, rental starts from $20 per month. We offer a variety of CPAP brands to hire, including Resmed, Fisher & Paykel, Lowenstein, BMC, Transcend, and Devilbiss.

If you would like to hire a CPAP machine and mask, please book an appointment so that a qualified consultant can discuss machine rental options, mask selection, operating instructions and cleaning and maintenance of equipment.

Respirico Healthcare supplies South Australia with medical or hospitality grade Oxygen (O2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrous Oxide (NO2), Helium (He) and Liquid Nitrogen. We come to you! Just call us when you need an exchange and one of our trained Medical Gases Specialists will travel out to you.

Respirico Healthcare works alongside all the major hospitals in South Australia, supplying home oxygen prescribed to patients for short term, long term, and palliative use. We will closely follow your doctor’s prescription and spend time with the patient or family training them on how to use home oxygen safely and easily.  

Medical Gases services:

• Home Medical Oxygen
• Gas Cylinder Exchange
• Liquid Nitrogen
• 24/7 Emergency Callouts
• Servicing & Repairs
• Equipment Sales & Hire

Hire and Sales:

• Standard and portable oxygen concentrators
• Nebulizers
• Suction equipment
• MyAirvo humidification systems
• And more!

Oxygen therapy is prescribed for people who can’t get enough oxygen on their own. This is often because of lung conditions that prevent the lungs from absorbing oxygen. To determine whether a person will benefit from oxygen therapy, doctors test the amount of oxygen in their arterial blood.

An oxygen concentrator is a device that filters out nitrogen from the air to deliver a higher concentration of oxygen. A concentrator is a reliable and cost-effective option for oxygen therapy. A stationary concentrator is used while at home and is powered by electricity. Portable, battery-powered oxygen concentrators are also available for use outside of the home.

oxygen cylinder is a metal walled container filled with very high-pressure oxygen. A regulator is attached to the cylinder to reduce the pressure to a normal level. Oxygen cylinders do not require any power source and have a fixed volume of oxygen available in the container.

Oxygen therapy is a medication and must be prescribed and used only as directed, to give you the greatest benefit. Your prescription will detail the amount of oxygen in liters you need per minute. This is referred to as liters per minute (LPM). Do not alter flow rate unless directed by a respiratory physician or respiratory nurse/community nurse. 

Some people need oxygen therapy all the time, while others need it only occasionally or in certain situations. Your oxygen prescription will be determined by your individual needs and may involve either pulse dose or continuous flow.   

Pulse dose (PD) oxygen delivery is based on breathing and inhaling, which customizes your oxygen delivery to your breath rate. Continuous flow (CF), on the other hand, delivers oxygen at a constant rate, indiscriminate of the user’s breathing.

Provided an oxygen prescription is supplied, please contact any of the following to organize a set-up or delivery:

Phone: 1300 141 929

Email: oxygen@respirico.com.au

If you are requiring a cylinder refill, it is important to call BEFORE you run out of cylinders. If the patient is wanting to pick-up refills in-store, this also must be organized prior, to ensure there are bottles readily available.

Oxygen concentrators use electricity and will cause an increase in your energy bill. If you are receiving state funded oxygen therapy, you may be eligible for a rebate on electricity used by your concentrator. If you have a self-funded POC, you are likely not eligible for an electricity rebate. 

If you are an entitled veteran, please contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 838 372 to obtain the necessary application form to apply for your rebate. 

We will advise you of the process applicable to your rebate.

Yes. Our highly skilled technicians will educate and instruct you on the day you are set-up with oxygen therapy and ensure that you are comfortable using the equipment. If further information is required, you can contact our oxygen department.

If you suspect your oxygen equipment is not working properly, please contact us via any of the following options:

Phone: 1300 141 929

Email: oxygen@respirico.com.au

We will first try to troubleshoot your issues over the phone, and if unable, our team will visit your residence. Please note that there may be a callout-fee for after-hours work.

Emergency break downs are a priority to rectify. Often these situations can be sorted out with some simple trouble shooting over the phone:

1. Check the power cord is plugged in at both ends and that the unit has power and is turned on.
2. Check that the flow rate is correct for the patient. The ball in the flow meter should go through the middle of the line of the desired flow rate on the meter. If the ball is at the bottom of the flow meter but the unit is running it is most likely that the tubing is squashed somewhere. If the ball falls below .5 it will also alarm so the flow rate need to be increased.
3. Check that the Tubing and Cannula are not kinked or squashed.

If these measures do not work, please contact us on 1300 141 929. Please note that there may be a callout-fee for after-hours work.

When travelling by air, people with lung disease sometimes require oxygen. This is because the air pressure in the airplane cabin is lower than the ground, which will lower your oxygen levels. It is important that you discuss air travel with your respiratory physician as the oxygen content in your blood can be affected by altitude. 

A travel clearance form must be completed at least 30 days prior to travel by your respiratory physician if you require oxygen therapy when flying. The travel clearance form must be forwarded to the airline; the airline’s medical department will determine whether they can accommodate you. Carry this form with you during your flight and remember to start your flight with a full cylinder. 

Respirico Healthcare can also assist if you are looking for portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), which are light, small, and quiet devices that allow you to receive supplemental oxygen while out of the home.

When using oxygen while travelling, safe usage measures must be followed:

• The cylinder should be in the rear foot well in the trolley provided – seat belt can be put around the handle. 
• A window should be left slightly open, or the vehicle vent should be left on outside air circulation.
• Cylinders should be removed from the vehicle as soon as possible and not left in the vehicle on hot days.
• Spare cylinders should be transported in the boot, wrapped in a blanket – these should also be removed from the vehicle as soon as possible.
• You should always close the cylinder and turn the regulator/OCD to OFF when transporting unless it is being used.
• No-one should be smoking or using the cigarette lighter in the vehicle when oxygen is being transported.

ScooterWorld is a division of Respirico that deals specifically with all thing’s mobility. This includes mobility services & repairs, demonstrations, trials, and sales. We also offer weekly or monthly hire of mobility products, such as crutches, wheelchairs, and scooters.

This involves mobility products such as:

• Daily Living Aids
• Walking Aids
• Pressure Care
• Safety Pendants 
• Electric Scooters
• Electric & Manual Wheelchairs
• Repairs & Services
• Mattresses & Cushions
• Compression Garments
• Bracing & Support
• Bathroom Aids
• Bedroom & Kitchen Aids

Yes. We hire mobility scooters (portable and standard), powerchairs, wheelchairs (self-propelled and transit), walkers, knee-walkers, crutches, and beds. If you are looking to hire a different product than listed, please contact us and we may be able to assist.

We offer both weekly and monthly hire. A direct deposit system can be set up, so that money can be automatically collected from your credit/debt or bank account. 

Please note, a rental equipment delivery set up fee may apply and vary on location and product size.

Mobility scooters offer a safe and affordable way for people to regain their independence if they struggle to walk for long distances. Buying a mobility scooter can be an overwhelming experience. It can be even more confusing when it’s your parent or another relative who needs the equipment. Respirico ScooterWorld offer a variety of mobility scooters to suit your individual needs. 

We sell scooters from a range of brands such as Merits Australia, Drive Devilbiss, Invacare, Afikim, Shoprider, and many more! Rest assured, there’s a scooter that can fit virtually any lifestyle or need! From lightweight portable models to heavy-duty outdoor models, there’s a scooter that will suit you. 

We offer free in-home demonstrations in South Australia (conditions apply, may vary on location). Scooters can also be trialed for free in-store.

You can contact us via phone call, email, or in-store to book in to service your scooter or mobility aid. Our friendly staff will assist in booking and servicing your scooter. We will try to repair your product on the same day if possible, or alternatively at the earliest convenience.  

Our team at Respirico ScooterWorld have years of mobility and repair knowledge, and no task is too big or little for us. If it can be repaired or replaced, we can do it. We also understand how important a scooter can be for some to complete everyday tasks. Therefore, we can come to you by offering pick-up and delivery!

We also have many loan options while your mobility product is in service. It is important to us that you maintain independence wherever and whenever possible. 

No. When using power operated mobility aids such as the mobility scooter in Australia, you don’t require a license.

Whenever you are not using your mobility product it should be on charge. The charger is self-regulating so there is no fear of overcharging. If your mobility product is not in use and not left on charge the batteries will deteriorate which can be costly to replace. Ensure that when you plug in your mobility product the charger is functioning. There are lights on the charger to indicate whether the charger is operating correctly. If well maintained, batteries will generally have a life span of 2-5 years. Respirico Scooter World offer a one-year warranty on batteries.

Most public transport services will have ramp access. You can take your mobility product on public transport provided: 

• It does not exceed 1250mm long x 740mm wide x 1500mm high which includes the canopy, rear bag, front basket, or anything else attached to the scooter. Flags to be removed/retracted.
• It can maneuver a 180 degree turn in area 2070mm x 1540mm. 
• The total weight of combined user, scooter and baggage does not exceed 300kgs.

Yes. We sell a variety of secondhand mobility scooters, walkers wheelchairs, crutches, and other mobility aids. Often people only need this equipment for short periods and due to the nature of them, are often left in near perfect condition with very little use.

All Respirico ScooterWorld second-hand mobility scooters are workshop tested before selling. This allows buyers a cost-effective solution for mobility and independence, without sacrificing quality.

Yes. Respirico ScooterWorld are a NDIS registered provider. If you are on the NDIS plan and would like to see if you can have equipment funded, please speak to your plan manager today.

We are also an approved provider for Defence and DVA clients*

Yes. We provide in-store measurements, and if needed can custom make and order stockings to fit your legs! The stockings available from us at Scooterworld and Respirico are from Venosan, a world leader in medical grade stocking design.

These stockings come in 3 different classes of compression and are manufactured to provide the greatest support at the ankle, and gradually become less restrictive towards the top of the thigh or knee.

If your equipment is faulty, we advise you to contact us as soon as possible with your proof of purchase. This process will trigger an internal course of action to investigate the problem, the status of the warranty and provide a plan for rectification.

Respirico ScooterWorld provides ongoing services to ensure that your mobility product continues to function to your needs. This includes, but is not limited to, scooters, powerchairs, wheelchairs, and walkers. Respirico Scooter World offers full servicing on mobility products with the recommendation of an annual service. Occasionally things can still need repairing between services and the team are always happy to try to repair any problems you may have whether it be sourcing new parts or repairing existing ones. 

Please note that repair work may attract a call out fee to inspect the product and determine what repairs will be required.

While you are out, if your mobility product ceases operation, it is best to ring for an Access Cab on 1300 360 940 to take you and the product home. Once you are home and if charging your product does not fix the issue, call Respirico Scooter World to book in for repairs, as necessary.

Respirico Scooter World offer warranty on all our new mobility equipment. Warranties are dependent on the model. However, generally we offer a one-year warranty on batteries and chargers, and a two-year warranty on other parts subject to the warranty terms and conditions of the manufacturer. 

If you have a warranty query or claim, please contact us to talk through the process.

Being diagnosed with sleep apnea and purchasing your first CPAP machine can be a very difficult and confusing process. Our qualified staff at Respirico are here to make this process easier and are able to answer any questions you may have on all CPAP equipment. We understand that everyone’s CPAP experience is different. To find what is right for you as an individual, we offer trials on a wide range of machines and masks.

We strive to deliver high-quality patient care by providing ongoing support even after you purchase or rent. Customers who have purchased their machine from Respirico receive a FREE membership of ‘Respirico Elite’, which entitles them to free support for the life of their machine, as well as other discounts and benefits. This includes downloading and interpreting sleep reports from the machines, liaising with specialists or doctors regarding the reports, issuing free loan units if your machine has been sent into service, and reviewing CPAP equipment. Certain machines can be accessed and monitored remotely, meaning we can provide support without you needing to come in-store.

Generally, sleep apnea is a chronic condition that does not go away and therefore aftercare and future support is essential. Become part of a network of people that are here to support you on your journey with providing mutual support and advice.

The limited manufacturer’s warranty may not cover:

• Any damage caused because of improper use, abuse, modification, alteration of the product, water ingress and other defects not related to material or workmanship.
• Repairs carried out by any third-party service organization that has not been expressively authorized by the manufacturer
• Any damage, contamination due to cigarette, pipe, cigar or other smoke, or exposure to ozone. 

If you have a warranty claim or query, please call us on 1800 208 826.