I'm a student (in Canada) and my budget is limited so I'm concerned about purchasing only what I need and is valuable. The place I have decided to buy my CPAP from has a cost (Canadian) of $1040 for the device and $275 for a Clinical Care Package.
Funding by the Ministry will cover 75% up to $780 of the unit but wouldn't cover the cost of the Clinical Care Package. I have minimal coverage at the school but am not sure if they would help pay for some of the cost.

I am willing to pay what I have to for my health but I got burnt once from a dietician who set me up on a plan I didn't need so I'm a bit nervous about them trying to sell me something that I don't need.

The Care Package includes:
- client education
- equipment selection & mask fitting
- in-office visits for therapy initiation and follow-ups
- ongoing telephone support

Here is a copy of the brochure I got:
http://www.proresp.com/CPAP_ClientInfo_web.pdf

Does anyone have any advice on when I go in so I don't get pressured into buying more than I need? I was a RPN (LPN in states I believe) so I've handled equipment before and am not afraid to use the machine. Just not sure how much extra instruction I need.

Shouldn't instructions and support come with the purchase of the unit?

I called another company who's name I have seen a lot when I was nursing and got an appointment and a unit from them instead.

I explained my situation and while the technician (saleslady?) explained the other options such as additional warrenty, etc, her advice to me would be to get the basic unit and upgrade the mask because the one the Ministry covers is very uncomfortable.

She went through and explained my condition, the treatment, the different units, how the units work, how to maintain them and more. This is the stuff that the other company sounded like they only provided in the Client Care Package. She also explained what issues I could run into that I would have to pay for and the costs.

I now have my loaner kit and am waiting because she said it would be at least 2 weeks before I would feel better.

Getting used to it is my only problem now and that depends on the pillow I have and whether it pushes the mask into my face since I sleep mostly on my right side. But I'll get that sorted out with time.

Aurelia wrote:

Getting used to it is my only problem now and that depends on the pillow I have and whether it pushes the mask into my face since I sleep mostly on my right side. But I'll get that sorted out with time.

You might want to do a Google search for the PAPillow.  It's made for side sleepers who have to use a CPAP.

Does anyone know where to locate the papillows in canada to buy I mean? I don't want all the fuss of shipping from the states?