A noninvasive respiratory volume monitor successfully identified dangerous drops in breathing (minute ventilation below 40%) in 62% of children recovering from tonsil and adenoid removal for severe sleep apnea. Children experiencing low breathing episodes in the immediate post-anesthesia period showed four times higher odds of developing similar events during overnight ward monitoring. The 60-patient study revealed that older children faced increased risk, while those with asthma paradoxically showed lower rates of respiratory complications. This monitoring approach represents a significant advancement in pediatric surgical safety, as children with severe OSA face substantial respiratory risks after adenotonsillectomy that traditionally required intensive nursing observation. The ability to objectively detect breathing insufficiency could transform postoperative care protocols, moving beyond subjective clinical assessment to data-driven monitoring. The finding challenges conventional wisdom about asthma as a universal risk factor, suggesting these children may have developed protective respiratory compensations. However, the study's exploratory nature and moderate sample size limit immediate clinical implementation. The technology's 92% overnight tolerance rate indicates strong feasibility, but larger validation studies across diverse pediatric populations will be essential before widespread adoption in surgical recovery units.