Device and method for biasing and stimulating respiration

A method of treating a breathing disorder comprising:

• activating at least a portion of the diaphragm of a subject to normalize flow in an upper airway prior to onset of a disordered breathing event.

A method of providing electrical stimulation to activate a diaphragm in a manner that avoids airway closure comprising:

• providing electrical stimulation to increase tidal volume by increasing inspiration duration while maintaining peak flow at a level that avoids upper airway closure.

A method of treating a breathing disorder comprising:

• activating at least a portion of a diaphragm of a subject to normalize tidal volume prior to onset of a disordered breathing event wherein the step of activating the diaphragm of a subject to normalize tidal volume comprises stimulating to increase an inspiration duration and tidal volume while maintaining peak flow approximately at or below an intrinsic peak flow to avoid airway closure.