Another "solution" (don't laugh, this is real): http://techcrunch.com/2011/12/02/video-anti-sleep-apnea-robot-pillow/ This is actually very close to what I mean! Maybe with an overly high "cuteness" factor and the finger doll with a milkbottle (lol, what is that even?!) as a heart rate sensor would...

This is an excellent idea. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work. However, I can't cite any good studies, so maybe there is a chance. I think the consensus is that the brain simply can't be trained to stop apnea other than waking up. Think about it. Apneacs stop breathing, stress builds up, O2 dro...

Great idea. However, respiration is mainly under subconscious control - sure, when we are awake we can increase/decrease it at will. On the other hand, when we exercise the rate will increase automatically, and it is hard to bring the rate down without a great deal of difficulty until we are ready ...