At the start of next month, the provincial government is making it easier for Saskatchewan residents with sleep apnea to access continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder causing shallow pauses in breathing during sleep.

CPAP machines are flow generators used mainly to treat patients with sleep apnea.

The province previously announced in the most recent budget that CPAP coverage will only be provided by the government to low income patients with Supplementary and Family Health Benefits.

“Following consultation with respirologists and review of processes in other jurisdictions, we’ve determined that the same annual savings could be achieved from an alternate approach,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said. “This approach will reduce costs for patients and allow better access for those who need it, while still achieving the same savings for the province.”

CPAP machines usually cost around $1,500, but now patients with moderate or severe sleep apnea will be able to obtain a machine on loan at a cost of $275.