Respiratory rate
Breaths a minute, usually estimated by a tracker during sleep.
What it is
The number of breaths in a minute; one of the basic vital signs clinicians check.
How trackers read it
From small, regular changes in the pulse signal, and sometimes movement; airflow is not measured.
Night to night
Trackers report an overnight average, which normally changes little for a given person.
Accuracy
Independent evidence for consumer devices is limited, so treat the figure as an estimate.
Using the trend
- Look for a sustained rise above your own usual overnight average.
- If it stays higher for days with a cough, breathlessness, fever or feeling unwell, that is worth mentioning to a GP.
When to get help
- Act on symptoms rather than the tracker figure.
- NHS England leaflets advised contacting 111 or a GP if breathlessness increases over time.
Source: NHS England
Questions
- Does my tracker count breaths?
- It estimates breathing rate from the pulse signal rather than counting breaths directly.
- Is there a normal figure to compare with?
- Compare with your own usual overnight average, which normally changes little from night to night.
Sources
- COVID-19 guidance note - COVID Oximetry @home, NHS England
When to get advice: NHS England advised calling 999 for suddenly worsening breathing or being unable to finish short sentences at rest.
Cheapest trackers that measure it
- 1
- 3 years
- £84
- Price
- £84
- Subscription
- Optional
- 2
- 3 years
- £84.99
- Price
- £84.99
- Subscription
- Optional
- 3
- 3 years
- £119
- Price
- £119
- Subscription
- Optional
- 4
- 3 years
- £129.99
- Price
- £129.99
- Subscription
- Optional
- 5
- 3 years
- £129.99
- Price
- £129.99
- Subscription
- Optional
- Resting heart rate
- Heart rate variability (HRV)
- Sleep stages and deep sleep
- Blood oxygen (SpO2)
- VO2 max
- Skin temperature
- Readiness and recovery scores
- Steps
Readings are not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your health, speak to your GP, pharmacist or NHS 111. How we earn.