Q: What are the other advantages beside protection against atelectasis and hypoxemia of applying routine PEEP (at 5 to 8 cm H2O) to ventilator settings?

Answer: Application of routine  PEEP at 5 to 8 cm H2O PEEP is usually applied during routine ventilator settings to mitigates end-expiratory alveolar collapse. It not only protects against atelecatsis and hypoxemia, but also reduces the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and lung injury, by decreasing the leakage of posterior pharyngeal secretions into the lower airway.

References:

1. Manzano F, Fernández-Mondéjar E, Colmenero M, et al. Positive-end expiratory pressure reduces incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in nonhypoxemic patients. Crit Care Med 2008; 36:2225.

2. Lucangelo U, Zin WA, Antonaglia V, et al. Effect of positive expiratory pressure and type of tracheal cuff on the incidence of aspiration in mechanically ventilated patients in an intensive care unit. Crit Care Med 2008; 36:409.