Fig. 2.

None of the respondents apply zero positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during mechanical ventilation. Half of the respondents commonly use lower levels of PEEP (48.6%), and only 36.1% apply an individually optimal level of PEEP determined during a PEEP titration procedure. In contrast to these results, presumably based on pathophysiological rationality, both moderate (6-10 cmH₂O, 37.8%) and individually titrated levels of PEEP (40.5%) are commonly considered appropriate for obese patients (body mass index greater than 30 kg/m²).