Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Understanding the Differences

Make complex sleep-disordered breathing concepts easier to understand with this clinical reference chart.

Designed as a quick-reference educational tool, this downloadable PDF compares major patterns and respiratory events associated with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and airway dysfunction and breaks down how these events may be reflected in a polysomnography (PSG) (i.e., in-lab sleep study).

What the chart covers

• What is happening physiologically
• Airflow and airway obstruction 
• Respiratory effort
• Event duration
• Oxygen desaturation
• EEG arousals and sleep disruption
• AHI and RDI relationships
• Adult and pediatric OSA severity ranges
• Key distinctions between RERAs, hypopneas, and apneas

Also included: a list of common terms and definitions associated with sleep-disordered breathing & airway dysfunction.

Disclaimer: This resource is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.