Characterization of breathing sounds based on a silicone head model with airway obstruction

Abnormal breathing sounds have been related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This project aims at the development of a life-size upper airway model for studying the breathing sounds associated with obstructions. A silicone head model was built and connected to a ventilator. With obstructions of different degrees created at different locations inside the airway, the airflow sounds recorded with an electronic stethoscope were analyzed. The frequency spectra of the various recordings showed a certain degree of variation. Obstructions at the pharynx consistently showed an increased level of acoustic intensity (+7~26%) compared to the control (unobstructed). The model established in this project should help further studies on acoustics-based diagnoses of OSA.