AirwayLab vs OSCAR: Which CPAP Analysis Tool Do You Need?
OSCAR and AirwayLab are both free, open-source tools for analysing CPAP data. They are not competitors -- they solve different problems and many users get the most value from using both. Here is how they differ and when to use each.
What OSCAR Does Well
OSCAR is a mature, reliable desktop application with a loyal community and features built over many years:
- Interactive waveform browsing with zoom, pan, and event marking at breath-by-breath resolution
- Multi-device support including ResMed, Philips, F&P, and others
- Long-term historical data stored locally with trend views spanning months and years
- Detailed event logs showing individual apnea, hypopnea, and leak events on a timeline
- Active community on ApneaBoard.com with years of shared knowledge and support
For manual waveform inspection and event-by-event review, OSCAR is unmatched. If you need to zoom into a specific 30-second window and examine individual breaths, OSCAR is the right tool.
What AirwayLab Adds
OSCAR shows you the raw data. AirwayLab processes that data through four research-grade analysis engines and tells you what it means:
Automated Flow Limitation Scoring
Four independent engines (Glasgow Index, WAT, NED, Oximetry) analyse every breath for flow limitation. You get composite scores instead of visually scanning thousands of breaths yourself.
RERA Detection
AirwayLab's NED engine identifies sequences of flow-limited breaths that end in arousals, estimating a RERA index and Respiratory Disturbance Index that OSCAR cannot compute.
Glasgow Index
A 9-component breath shape scoring system that synthesises thousands of breaths into a single actionable score. Track it over time to measure therapy effectiveness objectively.
Browser-Based
No installation required. Upload your SD card from any device with a browser. All analysis runs locally in a Web Worker -- your data never leaves your device.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | OSCAR | AirwayLab |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive waveform zoom | Yes | Viewer only |
| Multi-device support | Yes | ResMed only |
| Long-term data storage | Yes | 30-day local cache |
| Flow limitation scoring | No | 4 engines |
| RERA detection | No | Yes (NED) |
| Glasgow Index | No | Yes |
| Oximetry analysis | Basic | 17 metrics |
| AI-powered insights | No | Yes (opt-in) |
| Runs in browser | No (desktop) | Yes |
| Privacy | Local files | Browser-only |
| Open source | Yes | Yes (GPL-3.0) |
| Cost | Free | Free core |
Using Both Tools Together
OSCAR and AirwayLab are complementary. The most effective workflow uses both:
1. Start with AirwayLab for the big picture
Upload your SD card, get your Glasgow Index, FL Score, RERA estimate, and Estimated Arousal Index. These composite metrics tell you whether flow limitation is a problem and how severe it is. The traffic light system makes interpretation straightforward.
2. Use OSCAR to investigate specifics
If AirwayLab flags elevated flow limitation in the second half of the night (H2), open that session in OSCAR and zoom into the waveforms. Look for the specific events and patterns. OSCAR's interactive zoom is unmatched for this kind of detailed inspection.
3. Track trends in AirwayLab, verify in OSCAR
After a pressure or EPR change, monitor your AirwayLab metrics across nights. If a metric shifts significantly, confirm the change by inspecting representative waveforms in OSCAR. This gives you both statistical confidence and visual verification.
When to Use Each Tool
OSCAR is better when you...
- Need to browse individual waveforms interactively
- Use a non-ResMed device (Philips, F&P)
- Want years of historical data in one view
- Prefer a desktop application
- Already know how to read flow waveforms
- Need to cross-reference machine-flagged events
AirwayLab is better when you...
- Want automated flow limitation analysis
- Need a quick summary without manual waveform review
- Want metrics beyond AHI (Glasgow, NED, RERA)
- Prefer browser-based tools with no installation
- Want AI-powered insights about your patterns
- Need exportable reports for your clinician
Privacy: Both Tools Get It Right
Both OSCAR and AirwayLab keep your data under your control. OSCAR stores everything locally on your computer. AirwayLab processes everything in your browser using Web Workers, and no data leaves your device unless you explicitly opt in to features like AI insights or community data contribution.
Both tools are open source, so you can verify the privacy claims yourself. This is notable compared to proprietary tools like myAir and SleepHQ that upload your health data to corporate servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
No -- use both. OSCAR excels at interactive waveform inspection and supports many devices. AirwayLab adds automated flow limitation scoring, RERA detection, and composite metrics that OSCAR does not compute. They solve different problems and work best together.
No. AirwayLab currently supports ResMed AirSense 10 and AirCurve 10 series only. OSCAR supports ResMed, Philips Respironics, Fisher & Paykel, and other manufacturers. If you use a non-ResMed device, OSCAR is your primary option.
Not directly. Both tools read from the same source: your ResMed SD card. Upload the same DATALOG folder to AirwayLab that you use with OSCAR. There is no need to export/import between them.
They measure different things. OSCAR accurately displays raw waveform data and machine-reported events. AirwayLab computes additional metrics (Glasgow Index, FL Score, NED, RERA estimates) using published research methodologies. Both are accurate at what they do -- they are complementary, not competing.
Learn More
OSCAR vs AirwayLab: A Deeper Dive -- full blog post exploring the relationship between both tools.
Beyond AHI: Why Your Sleep Apnea Score Might Be Misleading You -- the research case for metrics beyond AHI.
AirwayLab Methodology -- detailed documentation of all four analysis engines.
OSCAR Official Site -- download and documentation for OSCAR.
Try AirwayLab Free
Upload your ResMed SD card and get flow limitation analysis in minutes. Use alongside OSCAR for the most complete picture of your therapy. No installation, no account required, 100% private.
Medical Disclaimer
AirwayLab is not a medical device and is not FDA-cleared or CE-marked. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The analysis results should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare providers regarding your sleep therapy and any changes to PAP settings.