So the reason tidal volume analysis is not helpful (in OSA anyway. In COPD it's VERY helpful) is noted above. It's horribly inaccurate to begin with (+/-20%) and essentially historical in nature as it's an average of the last 5 breaths. That's the graph they posted elsewhere, and as you can see, tidal volume is actually increasing in the face of worsening FL (there is the additional confounder of pressure increase, but I'd like a monitor a little more reliable than "it works when it works, except when it don't").
That said, you have primary data. Look at the actual waveform. Identify arousals (note to self FLOW document) which is certainly more important. The FL channel is telling you everything you need to know-- where all the FLs are and how severe.
I mean, if Moe there is saying
So what would you call the abstract's "%NED% drops in flow (25, 25-50 and 50%) which caused,of course, (obvious unstated) commensurate drops in tidal volume? Simple integration of the FR curve (0.04 sec time slices x flow rate) produces, as it must a volume curve shape with areas identical in form to that of the FR curve. ...Are you here as elsewhere indicating the FR curve we rely on and try to decipher for better sleep is meaningless?
Nope! Completely meaningful! Therefore, monitoring an unreliable parameter is useless and we should use
the FR curve we rely on
Besides, I forgot my 0.04 Sec Time Slicer.
