a method and device for controlling sleep disorder breathing utilizes variable pressure . the compressor supplies air at a relatively low pressure to the user &# 39 ; s air passages while the user is asleep . a pressure transducer will monitor the pressure and convert the pressure into an electrical signal . the electrical signal is filtered and processed to compare it to the characteristics of waveforms that exists during snoring . if the envelope of the waveform exceeds an average threshold value in duration and in area , then the microprocessor will consider the envelope possibly associated with a snore . if a selected number of envelopes of this nature occur within a selected time period , then the microprocessor considers snoring to exist and increases the pressure of the compressor . if snoring is not detected within a certain time period , then the microprocessor lowers the level gradually .