flow limitations

[dataq1]

Yes Paula, 
If your breath wave form is "funky" that will definitely impact your flow limitations index, because the principle driver used in calculating the flow limitation is the shape of the breath waveform. 

So, if your breath wave form is consistently "funky" regardless of EPR adjustments, you will likely get a rather consistent flow limitation.

[paulag1955]

So, say, if my waveforms look like this, would that be funky enough to fool the machine? This is a closeup of a time period when I was registering no flow limitations.

   

[dataq1]

It not really a matter of "fooling" the machine, the algorithm simply takes your breath shape, and categorizes as suggestive smooth even flow or not. If the shape is not smooth and even (the ideal) the algorithm will assign a number value to the shape., then combine that value with other measurements of abnormality, finally assign a "grade" of 0 to 1 and label that as Flow Limitation.

Here is a handy (idealized) chart that will allow you to visualize:
[img][/img]

Ideal breath shapes should be Class I, but various impediments may cause a distortion to the ideal. 

The breath shapes you posted are not perfect, but they are actually pretty good.  
[img][/img] 
Now compare inspiration "A" and "B" , in "B" how you inhaled was a bit different than "A", notice that the curve is skewed to the right that suggests that the  beginning of that inhalation was at a depressed rate as compared with "A". Do I think that was because something was interfering with your inhalation?  No, I think that just how you breathe.

Finally, ask yourself can I count on my diaphragm or my chest muscles to always contract evenly and smoothly every breath? 
That is the condition that a class 1 inhalation relies on.