Understanding Resp. Rate - Oxygen levels

[MouthBreatha]

Can someone tell me about Respiratory rate and if my numbers are good or not? Also, how do I tell my oxygen level with Sleepyhead? I don't see it anywhere.

Resp. RateRate of breaths per minute (Breaths/min)
Min: 0.00
Med: 17.60
95%: 22.40
Max: 43.60

Thanks,
Rich

[Crimson Nape]

Are you using an oximeter that will interface with SleepyHead? If not look for one that uses the CMS-50 chip. Only the following models of that chip will work: 50D+, 50F, and 50I. Also, Supplier #19 has models that will interface.

[justMongo]

One average, a respiratory rate around 15 BPM, at rest, is normal.
(Median = 17.6 is in the ball park.)

You need an oximeter to know your Oxygen level. Sleepyhead has been written to upload data from some of the oximeters available.
Check Supplier #19 on the supplier list -- see top of page for the "Suppler List."

[Aether087]

Adequate minute ventilation is much more than just respiratory rate. The volume of gas exchanged on a breath (inhaled OR exhaled) is called the tidal volume (VT). The tidal volume is made up of two smaller volumes: DEADSPACE ventilation (does not participate in gas exchange (pharynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles) and ALVEOLAR ventilation (participates in gas exchange (the alveoli).

Deadspace volume is a FIXED number (approximately 150 ml in the average adult). Alveolar ventilation is variable; deeper breaths equate to better alveolar ventilation and gas exchange. This generally results in better oxygen saturation in the blood. Alveolar ventilation may also be increased by increasing respiratory rate (at same VT) EXCEPT part of each VT is wasted as deadspace ventilation. This is not as effective as just increasing the depth of each breath, or VT.

"xPAP" works on a number of ways. The first is by opening the airways including the terminal bronchioles and the alveoli. This allows more alveoli to participate in gas exchange for a longer period of time during each breath. The second is that the pressure augments each breath likely resulting in an increase in VT. The end result of these two effects is better oxygenation.

Regarding your numbers: 17-22 breaths per minute is fine. 40+ is excessive and will result in small breaths of low VT and less efficient gas exchange. On other words, you are doing well!