Volume 1, Issue 2

Page 5

We had an overwhelming response to the recent Questionnaire. Some of the results confirmed what was already known from global studies, but there certainly was an Irish flavour evident.
Sleep Apnoea is certainly 'a male' thing, and it is most prevalent in middle age.
We believe that the percentage for those 'using CPAP' compared to those 'not using CPAP' is distorted to some extent, as obviously quite a few people who have 'given up' did not respond/were not included in the Questionnaire.
There are a large number of sufferers out there who are not familiar with the benefits of humidification. It is quite possible that these sufferers do not require humidification, but based on some of the questions raised there appears to be a complete lack of knowledge.

Maybe it's time to talk to your CPAP Supplier or Sleep Clinic ?

The Financial section of the Questionnaire certainly threw up some interesting statistics. Surprisingly, most sufferers purchase their equipment outright, with very few of them getting any financial support from the state. It is quite surprising the large numbers who 'don't know' what they are entitled to. As a result of this we intend producing a brochure which will give clear guidelines to all state entitlements. The majority of entitlements are not means tested and are available as 'your right' as citizens of Ireland.

Briefly your entitlements are as follows:

Medical Card Holders: The Sleep Clinic you attend will arrange CPAP equipment for you and the distributor will be paid directly by the Health Service Executive (HSE) [ http://www.hse.ie/en/ ]. There should be no cost to you.

PAYE Payers and Self Employed: If you purchase outright, you should check with your Health Service Executive (HSE) [ http://www.hse.ie/en/ ] in advance to see what support is available (it can vary). Any outstanding balance (cost less donation from Health Service Executive (HSE) [ http://www.hse.ie/en/ ]) can be claimed against any tax paid on a Med 1 Form which should be included with your Annual Tax Return. If you purchased some years back you should contact both the Health Board and Tax Office to see if they will accept a late claim.
If you choose to lease/rent, on receipt of your payment the CPAP supplier will forward a paid invoice to you. This should be sent to your Health Service Executive (HSE) [ http://www.hse.ie/en/ ] along with any drug/medicines receipts for that month for a claim under the Drugs/Appliances Refund Scheme. In short this means that the net cost to you for CPAP rental/lease plus any other prescribed drugs/medicines will be £42.00 per month.