Abstract: A method of identifying a minimum of one breathing parameter which is characteristic for the breathing status of a sleeping individual comprises the following steps: measurement of the derivative trend with respect to time of a minimum of one variable of state of the cardiovascular system of the individual, which variable recurrently changes with the respiration; determination of breath-to-breath intervals, each of which represents the duration of one breath, from the results of the measurement; and identification of the breathing parameter which is defined by the variability of the breath-to-breath intervals in phases of unobstructed breathing and/or statistical variables derived therefrom. In addition, applications of the method of controlling breathing apparatuses and of signaling breathing statuses of sleeping individuals as well as devices for implementing the methods are described.

Abstract: A method of identifying a minimum of one breathing parameter which is characteristic for the breathing status of a sleeping individual comprises the following steps: measurement of the derivative trend with respect to time of a minimum of one variable of state of the cardiovascular system of the individual, which variable recurrently changes with the respiration; determination of breath-to-breath intervals, each of which represents the duration of one breath, from the results of the measurement; and identification of the breathing parameter which is defined by the variability of the breath-to-breath intervals in phases of unobstructed breathing and/or statistical variables derived therefrom. In addition, applications of the method of controlling breathing apparatuses and of signaling breathing statuses of sleeping individuals as well as devices for implementing the methods are described.