EDF (European Data Format)
A standardised file format for multichannel time-series data used by ResMed PAP machines to store breath-by-breath flow waveform data on the SD card.
What Is EDF (European Data Format)?
The European Data Format (EDF) is an international standard for storing multichannel time-series physiological data. Originally developed for EEG data in sleep studies, it is now widely used for various physiological signals. ResMed PAP machines store detailed breath-by-breath data in EDF files on the SD card.
Each EDF file contains a fixed-length header with signal metadata (sampling rate, channel names, calibration values, recording dates) followed by binary data records. The header format uses ASCII text, making it human-readable. The data section uses 16-bit signed integers that are converted to physical values using the calibration parameters in the header.
ResMed stores several types of EDF files: BRP.edf (flow waveform data, the primary file AirwayLab analyses), STR.edf (machine settings and summary statistics), and EVE.edf (machine-scored respiratory events). AirwayLab parses all three file types entirely in the browser using a custom EDF parser. Note: ResMed uses 2-digit years in EDF headers (years below 85 map to 2000s, 85 and above map to 1900s).
How AirwayLab Measures This
AirwayLab includes a custom EDF parser (lib/parsers/edf-parser.ts) that reads the binary EDF format entirely in the browser. It extracts flow waveform data from BRP.edf, settings from STR.edf, and event data from EVE.edf. The sampling rate is read from the EDF header, never hardcoded.
Try it with your dataFrequently Asked Questions
What is EDF format?
EDF (European Data Format) is a standardised file format for storing physiological time-series data. ResMed PAP machines use EDF to store flow waveform data, machine settings, and event logs on the SD card. AirwayLab parses these EDF files in your browser to extract the data needed for analysis.
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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.