[The importance of an endexspiratory plateau in respirators (author's transl)].

A two-compartment lung model with a bronchial obstruction was ventilated with different respirators: Engström E 200, ER 300, ECS 2000, Bennett MA 1 B, Sandoz M 250 and Dräger Servoventilator 900 under same conditions. Redistribution of air, the socalled "pendelluft", was found in all respirators. The amount of "pendelluft" produced by E 200 and M 250 was much more lower than that produced by respirators with low internal compliance, ECS 2000 and Servo 900. Endinspiratory plateau means more even distribution of ventilation volume despite airway obstruction.