ObjectiveWith many mechanical ventilators, it is possible to modify the time to reach the selected airway pressure and the criteria for cycling off the inflation during pressure support ventilation. This study evaluated the effect of different inspiratory rise time and cycling off criteria on breathing pattern and work of breathing.DesignClinical study.SettingUniversity laboratory.PatientsTen intubated patients recovering from acute lung injury (Pao2/Fio2245 ± 26 torr, positive end-expiratory pressure 9 ± 3 cm H2O).InterventionsWe studied two inspiratory rise time criteria (shortest and longest, 0% and 40% of the breath cycle time) and two cycling off criteria (lowest and highest, 5% and 40% of the peak inspiratory flow) at 5 and 15 cm H2O of pressure support. Respiratory rate, tidal volume, and inspiratory and expiratory work of breathing (WOBIand WOBE) were measured.Measurements and Main ResultsAt both levels of pressure support ventilation, the shortest inspiratory rise time significantly reduced the WOBIfrom 0.77 ± 0.32 to 0.56 ± 0.23 J/L and from 0.24 ± 0.28 to 0.08 ± 0.09 J/L without affecting respiratory rate or tidal volume.At 15 cm H2O of pressure support ventilation, the lowest cycling off criteria significantly reduced respiratory rate from 24.9 ± 12.1 to 21.5 ± 12.7 beats/min and increased tidal volume from 0.51 ± 0.17 to 0.60 ± 0.26 L. At both levels of pressure support ventilation, the modification of cycling off criteria did not influence WOBIand WOBE.ConclusionsOur results suggest that in patients recovering from acute lung injury during pressure support ventilation, a) the shortest inspiratory rise time reduces the WOBI; and b) at 15 cm H2O of pressure support ventilation, the lowest cycling off criteria reduces the respiratory rate and increases the tidal volume without modifying the WOBIand WOBE. Modifications of inspiratory rise time and cycling off criteria must be carefully adjusted during pressure support ventilation.