A respiratory component measurement system that includes an airway adapter adapted to be placed in fluid communication with an airway of a patient and a sensor element in physical communication with the airway adapter. The sensor element is adapted to detect an orientation related characteristic of the airway adapter, a motion related characteristic of the airway adapter, or both. A respiratory component sensor is also adapted to be disposed on the airway adapter so as to measure a characteristic associated with a flow of gas through the airway adapter. An indicating element coupled to the respiratory component sensor is adapted to output a representation of the orientation related characteristic.
