Start with the prescription. CPAP is treatment for sleep apnea, so you'll need a sleep study and a script before a Halifax retailer can properly set you up. That's non-negotiable, and any shop worth its salt will confirm it before selling you a machine. Once that's sorted, the mask matters more than the model. A fitting that goes wrong means a mask that leaks or digs in, and your parent quietly stops using the thing. Look for a retailer that does in-person fittings and lets you try a few styles.
For older adults especially, we lean toward auto-adjusting (APAP) machines over fixed pressure. They adapt through the night, which tends to be gentler on someone who isn't used to therapy yet. The trade-off is honest: APAP units usually cost a bit more up front, and a few people sleep just as well on a simple fixed-pressure setup. If budget is tight and the doctor is comfortable, fixed pressure is a fair call. We just wouldn't make it the default.
Halifax's climate earns a mention. Winters here are cold and often damp, and older South End and North End homes can run dry once the heat's on. A heated humidifier and heated tubing keep the airway comfortable and cut down on that morning stuffiness. Condo dwellers in Clayton Park or downtown should also ask about noise level, since thin walls carry sound. Prioritize a retailer with real experience serving seniors, a clear warranty, and quick service response. When a mask cushion wears out or a machine acts up in February, you don't want to wait. A local shop that stocks supplies and answers the phone beats an online-only bargain that leaves you stranded. The trade-off is you may pay a touch more than the cheapest website. In our experience, the follow-up support is worth it.