Most Frequently Asked Questions about our services and products
General Questions
FC Medical supplies a range of medical equipment, including CPAP machines, CPAP masks, batteries, accessories, and medical oxygen devices.
Yes, we do offer nationwide courier services for our products.
Our office hours are Monday to Friday: 8:00 to 16:30; Saturday by appointment only; closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Yes, we offer rental devices; you can inquire about availability and terms by submitting a contact form or via an email.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
We supply CPAP machines and CPAP machine accessories from leading brands such as ResMed, Philips Respironics, and BMC.
Yes, we provide options for demo and used devices; you can contact us for more information.
Yes, we aim to form long-lasting relationships with patients and offer ongoing support after device purchase. We believe that this is a key are that sets us apart from other CPAP companies.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea encompasses various sleep-disordered breathing conditions. The most prevalent is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), caused by complete obstruction of the upper airway due to relaxation of muscles controlling the soft palate and tongue. An "event" is characterized by a complete cessation of airflow for at least 10 seconds. Other forms include Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), resulting from the brain's failure to control breathing during sleep, and Complex Sleep Apnea, a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Other forms of sleep disordered breathing conditions include:
Central Sleep Apnoea - CSA - Generally there is a defect of some sort in the nervous system that prevents the brain from being able to properly control breathing during sleep. The brain will stop sending signals to the muscles that control breathing. CSA can develop in persons who have life threatening problems with the brainstem (which controls breathing).
Complex Sleep Apnoea - A condition which has a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnoea. Starts as an Obstructive apnoea and transforms into a central apnoea.
Mixed Sleep Apnoea - A condition which has a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnoea. Sleep study demonstrates both obstructive, and or central and or hypopnea.
Symptoms include:
Sleep: excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, nightmares, sleep deprivation, or snoring
High Blood Pressure: and the increasing risk of heart disease.
Morning headaches
Frequent nocturnal urination
Depression: As much as 75 percent of human growth hormone is released during sleep.
Large neck size
The initial step of diagnosis is undergoing a Polysomnogram or sleep screen, a sleep test that monitors both neurological and pulmonary factors.
A sleep clinic is a facility where clinical technologists conduct comprehensive Polysomnograms on patients. Some practices utilize sleep clinics for overnight studies, while others may conduct in-hospital or home studies.
The frontline treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which keeps the airway open by providing a constant stream of positive pressure air through a mask.
Some people have trouble using a CPAP or Sleep Apnea Machine and then decide to end the treatment before achieving any lasting benefit. This is a mistake, as there are many measures that can be taken to ensure the equipment is more comfortable and the adjustment period without a hiccup.
CPAP Machines
Yes, a prescription from a clinical technologist or doctor is required due to the variety and differences in sleep-disordered breathing and associated cardiovascular complications.
CPAP machine prices vary depending on brand and other specifications. For precise CPAP machine prices, it's recommended to contact one of our consultants via the contact form or via email both of which are available on the website.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a therapy for individuals suffering from sleep apnea. The CPAP machine uses a hose and a mask or nosepiece to deliver constant and steady air pressure. It is considered the most effective way of treating both OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) as well as CA (central sleep apnea)
Side effects may include feelings of confinement from the CPAP face mask, sore or dry mouth, discomfort in chest muscles, runny nose, nasal congestion, sinusitis or nosebleeds, irritation or sores over the bridge of the nose, and stomach bloating and discomfort.
Sleep apnea treated with CPAP promotes a statistically significant decrease in BMI as well as body weight.
Oxygen Therapy
Also known as supplemental oxygen, oxygen therapy is the use of oxygen as a medical treatment for conditions like carbon monoxide toxicity, cluster headaches, and low blood oxygen levels. It ensures adequate oxygen during the administration of inhaled anesthetics.
Diseases associated with oxygen supplementation include:
MND Motor Neuron Disease - is any of several neurodegenerative disorders that selectively affect motor neurons, the cells that control voluntary muscles of the body.
Prices vary depending on a number of factors. For precise pricing on oxygen, it's recommended to contact one of the consultants via the contact form or via email both of which are available on the website.
Side effects may include a dry or bloody nose, irritated skin around the cannula or mask, tiredness or drowsiness, and morning headaches.
After serious lung illnesses such as pneumonia or COPD, breathing can be challenging. Supplemental oxygen helps get oxygen to the lungs and heart, potentially making individuals feel stronger and more alert.
For precise pricing on portable oxygen concentrators, it's recommended to contact one of the consultants via the contact form or via email both of which are available on the website.
Portable oxygen concentrators typically use one battery at a time, available in different-cell versions. Depending on flow settings, the device can last up to 5 to 12 hours- depending on flow and which cell battery is used.
Medical aid does purchase a portable oxygen concentrator under certain circumstances. They provide a monthly rental benefit for oxygen equipment, which can include small liquid tanks, larger gaseous tanks, or a portable oxygen concentrator. Please note that Fountain Circle Medical do offer oxygen concentrator rentals.
Medical oxygen is 100% inhalation gas used for breathing. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, supplied under pressure in a cylinder with a valve to control the flow.
For most clinical purposes, medical grade oxygen is 90% purity and above. The gas may be provided by means of an oxygen concentrator, capable of providing 1–10 liters per minute.
Oxygen is typically delivered to hospitals or clinics in cylinders, while medical air is most often manufactured on-site. Patients sensitive to oxygen toxicity may be delivered air to lower their exposure to oxygen.
