Abstract: A micro air-wave detection device particularly for breathing monitoring and surveillance, which comprises a tube (2) having a ball (5) disposed therein with minimum clearance. The tube (2) is disposed in a horizontal or slightly inclined position and is connected to a conduit (38) which picks up the pressure variation of a nasal respirator (53). Detection of the to-and-fro movement of the ball at the level of an independent detection unit (10) containing the tube is transmitted by optical fibers (45) to an electronic control and alarm module (22).