Feedback modulation of surrounding pressure determines the onset of negative effort dependence in a collapsible tube bench model of the pharyngeal airway

Negative effort dependence (NED), decreased airflow despite increased driving pressure, has been proposed as a specific obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) phenotypic characteristic. We examined conditions under which NED occurs in a collapsible tube, pharyngeal airway bench model with the chamber enclosed, focusing on relationships with surrounding pressure levels and longitudinal strain. Using a vacuum source, graded airflows (V̇; 0–5 l/s) were generated through a thin-walled latex tube enclosed within a rigid, cylindrical chamber, sealed with initial chamber pressures (Pci) of 0–5 cmH 2 O (separate runs), or opened to the atmosphere. Upstream minus downstream pressure (Pu − Pd), maximum airflow (V̇ max ), and chamber pressure (Pc) were measured at 0–50% longitudinal strain. NED occurred across the range of Pci and strains studied but was most pronounced for the chamber open condition. With a sealed chamber, V̇ increased and Pc decreased with increasing Pu − Pd until the onset of NED at V̇ max and a Pc value that was designated as critical (Pcc). Pcc was lowest (−17 cmH 2 0) and V̇ max was highest (~5 l/s) with chamber sealed: Pci = 0 cmH 2 O and 12.5 to 25% strain. We conclude that for our collapsible tube model, the achievable V̇ max before the onset of NED depends on both the initial conditions (Pci and strain) and the dynamics of feedback between driving pressure and chamber pressure (chamber sealed vs. open). NED-based phenotypic analyses for OSA may need to focus on potential feedback control mechanisms (eg lung volume change, muscle activity) that may link peripharyngeal tissue pressure levels to driving pressures for airflow. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A collapsible tube, pharyngeal airway bench model was used to study the role of surrounding pressure and longitudinal wall strain at the onset of negative effort dependence (NED). NED occurred to varying degrees across all conditions tested, but maximum airflow was achieved with 1) low initial surrounding pressure, 2) a feedback mechanism between surrounding pressure and driving pressure; and 3) a moderate amount of strain applied. Potential impacts on OSA phenotypic analyses are discussed.