With a pressure breath type, the ventilator raises the circuit pressure to a set pressure above the set PEEP, and maintains that pressure for the set inspiratory time. The set pressure is constant, but the tidal volume will vary depending on compliance and lung mechanics.
Example: The Pressure Control is set to 15 cmH20, and the PEEP is set to 5 cmH20. The airway pressure will be held at 20 cmH20 for the set inspiratory time with each breath.
Pressure Control may be determined by first using volume breaths to see the peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) needed to deliver the desired tidal volume. The Pressure Control can then be set by subtracting PEEP from the PIP.
Pressure breaths may be more comfortable for the patient when compared to volume breaths, and they help to protect against barotrauma. Use caution in patients with compliance or resistance issues. Patients with higher airway pressures may not get adequate tidal volumes.