Start with the mask, not the machine. A CPAP unit only helps if your parent wears it, and comfort comes down to the fit. Look for an Oakville retailer that offers in-person fittings and lets you try a few mask styles, nasal, pillow, or full-face. For an older adult with arthritis or limited dexterity, ask the fitter to show how the mask clips on and comes off, and how the tubing routes around the bed. Small details like that decide whether the machine gets used or ends up in a closet.
On the equipment itself, we lean toward an auto-adjusting (APAP) machine for most seniors. It adapts pressure through the night instead of holding one fixed level, which tends to feel gentler and needs less fiddling. Fixed-pressure units cost less and can work well when a sleep physician has already dialled in a specific setting. The trade-off with APAP is a higher upfront price, but in our experience the added comfort pays off in nights your parent doesn't fight the mask. Also weigh the built-in humidifier, which matters through Oakville's dry winter heating season, plus noise level for light sleepers and data tracking so you and the doctor can check progress.
A word on the home setup. Older homes in areas like Bronte or the streets off Lakeshore sometimes have bedrooms short on outlets or with beds tucked into corners, so plan where the machine will sit within easy reach. Condo bedrooms tend to be tighter, which makes a quieter unit worth the extra dollars. Prioritize a retailer with real experience serving seniors, clear warranty terms, and a quick service response if a part fails. We'd choose the shop that handles the prescription paperwork and follows up on comfort over the cheapest online seller. You pay a little more, but you get someone local to call when something isn't working.