This document discusses various modes of mechanical ventilation. It describes the goals of mechanical ventilation as safety, comfort, and liberation. The components of a breath are described as trigger, limit, and cycle. Various trigger, limit, and cycle variables are explained. Controlled mandatory ventilation is described as time-triggered with a preset tidal volume. Pressure control mode allows setting a maximum pressure level while maintaining oxygenation and ventilation. Pressure support ventilation applies a preset pressure plateau to lower the work of spontaneous breathing. Pressure regulated volume control is a closed-loop system that matches the patient's demand by regulating pressure to deliver a set tidal volume.