Abstract: A method for delivering air to a patient throughout the patient's respiratory cycle includes providing a positive airway pressure system with a flow generator and conduit having an outlet configured to connect to a patient's respiratory system. An inspiratory positive airway pressure is applied through the outlet during an inspiration phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, and an expiratory positive airway pressure is applied through the outlet during an expiration phase of the patient's respiratory cycle. The inspiratory positive airway pressure is less than the expiratory positive airway pressure.

Abstract: A method for treating sleep disordered breathing includes providing pressure into a patient's airway over a period of time that includes a plurality of inhalation periods and a plurality of exhalation periods. The pressure is at a relief positive airway pressure during a portion of the inhalation periods including an end of the inhalation period, and the pressure is at a therapy positive airway pressure greater than the relief positive airway pressure during a portion of the exhalation periods including an end of the exhalation period. The pressure decreases from the therapy positive airway pressure to the relief positive airway pressure after the end of the exhalation period.