What is the expected mean airway pressure for patients with ARDS?

In patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), the expected mean airway pressure typically falls within the range of 15 to 30 cmH2O. This measurement reflects the pressure required to maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation while simultaneously managing the increased airway resistance and decreased lung compliance characteristic of ARDS.

In ARDS, lung tissue becomes stiff and less compliant due to inflammatory processes and fluid accumulation, necessitating the use of higher mean airway pressures to maintain functional residual capacity and prevent atelectasis. This pressure range helps ensure that sufficient tidal volume is delivered, improving overall gas exchange and minimizing the risk of barotrauma, which can occur if pressures are excessively high.

While lower or higher pressures might be necessary depending on individual patient conditions, the 15 to 30 cmH2O range is generally accepted as optimal for managing ARDS effectively, allowing healthcare providers to tailor ventilatory strategies that support the underlying pathophysiological changes.