24/7 Respiratory Rate monitoring

With viQtor, our 24-hour monitoring solution, we measure breathing, among other things. We do this with optical sensors in a wearable for the upper arm. This allows the breathing rate to be read remotely. The measurement is automatic and completely painless.

When the breathing rate increases, decreases or is constantly high or low, viQtor gives a notification. By taking the right action immediately, damage to the body can be prevented.

  • A healthy breathing rate during rest can vary, depending on various factors, such as age and health.
  • A breathing rate between 12 and 20 breaths per minute is normal for an adult at rest.
  • viQtor measures breathing via the pulse rate (PR) with PhotoPlethysmoGraphie (PPG).
  • viQtor also measures the activity level. The combination of breathing rate and activity can determine whether an alert or action is desirable.
  • A measurement is performed every minute, every 5 minutes the values ​​are sent directly from the measuring device to our platform.

About viQtor

smartQare has developed viQtor, a unique multi-sensor solution for 24-hour remote monitoring and diagnostics of risk groups. A relevant and affordable tool that puts people first and helps healthcare professionals to organize the healthcare process around patients effectively and efficiently.

viQtor, our solution for 24-hour monitoring of:

Why do we measure respiratory rate?

Measuring respiratory rate is of great importance in medical care because it can provide an early warning of deterioration in patients. Changes in respiratory rate, such as an increase or decrease, can indicate serious conditions such as sepsis, heart failure, or respiratory failure. These early signals allow healthcare providers to intervene quickly and take the necessary measures to prevent complications. Especially in emergency departments and intensive care units, this is crucial to maintaining patient safety.

In addition to serving as an alarm signal, respiratory rate also helps in the diagnosis of specific respiratory conditions. Diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia can often be identified by an abnormal breathing pattern. By closely monitoring respiratory rate, healthcare providers can make better decisions about the need for further diagnostic tests and treatments. It provides a noninvasive method to gain insight into the lung function and the overall respiratory status of the patient.

Measuring respiratory rate is also essential in assessing a patient’s response to treatments. For example, during oxygen therapy or after administering medications for asthma, respiratory rate provides information about the effectiveness of the treatment. This helps healthcare providers adjust and optimize treatment plans, contributing to better patient outcomes. It is a dynamic parameter that can be continuously monitored to track progress and recovery.

Finally, respiratory rate plays a role in monitoring a patient’s overall health and well-being. An increased respiratory rate can indicate pain, anxiety, or stress, which is important for the emotional and physical assessment of the patient. In chronic conditions such as heart failure or COPD, regular respiratory rate monitoring helps to detect and treat exacerbations early, improving the patient’s quality of life. It provides a simple yet powerful tool for healthcare providers to gain a comprehensive picture of their patients’ health.

Breathing rate measurement via viQtor

viQtor, our 24-hour monitoring solution, is worn on the upper arm. viQtor measures vital values ​​with optical sensors. Breathing (RR) is measured 24 hours a day based on photoplethysmography (PPG), a technique that uses the absorption of light. Light of two different wavelengths is used for this: red (660nm) and infrared (940nm). The light is emitted by LED in the upper arm. Part of the light is absorbed, part is reflected by the vascular system and is then captured again by a photodiode sensor. The heart rate is then calculated using smart algorithms.
viQtor also measures the activity level. On the viQtor platform, the measured heart rate values ​​are related to the activity level. A normal increase in heart rate with an increase in activity level therefore does not lead to alerts or (unjustified) action.

Remotely monitor breathing rate

viQtor performs a measurement every minute. Every 5 minutes, the number of breaths is sent directly from the device via Vodafone's secure NB-IoT/LTE Cat M1 network (4/5G for data) to our platform in the cloud. On this platform, the measurements are analyzed and then stored securely and pseudonymously. The platform is linked to an online dashboard and an app. Healthcare professionals and informal caregivers can consult the information there.

Breathing rate measurement via viQtor

viQtor, our 24-hour monitoring solution, is worn on the upper arm. viQtor measures vital values ​​with optical sensors. Breathing (RR) is measured 24 hours a day based on photoplethysmography (PPG), a technique that uses the absorption of light. Light of two different wavelengths is used for this: red (660nm) and infrared (940nm). The light is emitted by LED in the upper arm. Part of the light is absorbed, part is reflected by the vascular system and is then captured again by a photodiode sensor. The heart rate is then calculated using smart algorithms.
viQtor also measures the activity level. On the viQtor platform, the measured heart rate values ​​are related to the activity level. A normal increase in heart rate with an increase in activity level therefore does not lead to alerts or (unjustified) action.

Remotely monitor breathing rate

viQtor performs a measurement every minute. Every 5 minutes, the number of breaths is sent directly from the device via Vodafone’s secure NB-IoT/LTE Cat M1 network (4/5G for data) to our cloud platform. On this platform, the measurements are analyzed and then stored securely and pseudonymously. The platform is linked to an online dashboard and an app. Healthcare professionals and informal caregivers can consult the information there.

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