January 17, 2008

I have had sleep apnea since childhood; however, back in the 30′s and 40′s, no one knew what sleep apnea was. I was diagnosed back in 1991 but the equipment was very cumbersome, so I decided against any further treatment. 
When I had my heart attack in May 2005, my cardiologist insisted that if I didn’t want to injure my heart further I should do something about my sleep apnea. My family doctor arranged the sleep clinic through Maple Ridge Hospital and you came to my house to do the sleep test. The tests showed that I had a severe case of sleep apnea and I should go on a CPAP machine immediately. 
From the first night I used the Remstar CPAP machine you provided, I slept 7 hours without interruption. Imagine my shock – I had never slept a whole night for as long as I can remember. I now sleep every night without waking up, and I awake very peacefully and not with a jolt as before. Every morning I am refreshed and have more energy. 
I would highly recommend that your clients take advantage of the Remstar CPAP unit as it might save someone’s life in the future. 

Yours very truly,
RP, Pitt Meadows BC

To Whom it May Concern:

I have suffered from obstructive sleep apnoea all my life. I can trace my breathing problems back to when I was a child and it was necessary to remove my tonsils and adenoids. During my pubescent years, I remember being a very very light sleeper (anything would awaken me) and also waking during the night. I was not overweight at this time and there was nothing else to indicate why my sleep was being interrupted. The manifestation of the sleep apnoea did not occur until I underwent surgery for a hysterectomy at the age of 26; however I was not diagnosed until approximately 5 years later. The equipment that was used at that time was very heavy on the face and the base of the machine sounded like a vacuum cleaner. Although the noise didn’t seem to hinder me falling asleep, I tore the mask off my face during sleep and struggled throughout the night to breathe. It wasn’t until this past year that I found relief from this condition when my doctor referred me to Vernon (IRS office). I have never been treated with such compassion and understanding of this syndrome by anyone outside of my family until I met Kara Moreira who endeavoured to find the best C-PAP and mask for me. I am now using the Infinity nasal mask with the REMstar machine and I have never felt better in a very long time. When I am awake, I have more energy and my voice has improved considerably as my vocal chords were becoming dry during sleep. I would recommend anyone having breathing problems to look into the equipment that could save their life. Without this equipment, sufferers would surely have a shorter life span. 

Yours truly,
RL, Salmon Arm

Mr. Houghton,

I requested your email address so I could send you my feedback on my experience with the Penticton IRS office staff.
I was seriously ill this past April and May, and was referred to IRS for a CPAP trial which began June 29th and ended this morning.  Throughout this period I was working with Jan and Nicole, both of whom were absolutely fantastic. 
As you can imagine, a fair amount of patience with me was needed the first couple of weeks.  Jan was so patient, so knowledgeable and very professional.  I never once felt uncomfortable asking the same question over again, and she helped me practise with the mouthpiece etc. until I got it right.
Nicole also was very professional and certainly knows her job.  She definitely made the whole process so much easier, and almost seamless in handling the paperwork between doctors, and now today for the insurance company.  What could be a time-consuming process (on my part), and a worry – is almost seamless – she does a great job.
I don’t know if you were responsible for hiring these 2 women, but their professionalism and friendliness make it a very relaxing, pleasant experience coming in each week.  A super experience!
JO, Penticton BC

To Whom It May Concern:

Upon receiving my diagnosis of Sleep Apnea from my Specialist, I became anxious and concerned to begin treatment, once warned of the dangers of this sleep disorder. My Specialist’s office provided me with the names of several companies that would be able to provide equipment and services to me. I began by contacting all of them. I was able to talk to IRS Independent Respiratory Services Kelowna immediately and set up an appointment for the following day. As economics was a factor, I wanted to obtain quotes from other companies. I personally stopped in at one place, met with a Registered Respiratory Therapist, who called me back for a follow-up appointment 3 weeks later. The next place told me I had to initially fill out some government paperwork for them and then call or come in for an appointment. The last place never did return my call. With the exception of IRS, I was told that it would take a couple of months before receiving the equipment. Appointments for fittings, etc. had to be initially set up.

I met with one of the Kelowna therapists the following day and I left with my CPAP machine and mask that same day! From the moment I walked into their office, I was made to feel at ease, my fears were soon dissipated as my questions began to be answered (without me even asking). Due to my own unique circumstances, I required a series of appointments. The Kelowna staff were unwavering in their knowledge, patience, professionalism and friendly, caring service. I was often called by their office manager, to be reminded of my appointment the following day, which was greatly appreciated . . .as my memory was not the best. They made phone calls to my Specialist’s office to confirm specifications. I feel the service I received was above and beyond the call of duty. I more than highly recommend their company to prospective clients . . .I strongly urge you to contact them!

The Kelowna staff are more than just knowledgeable professionals . . .they are kind and caring people!

Gratefully & Sincerely,
ML, Kelowna BC