Early Switch from Controlled to Assisted Ventilation

Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years old * Written informed consent from a legal representative * Mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube * Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with PaO2/FiO2 ratio \< 200 mmHg * Under continuous sedation with or without paralysis Exclusion Criteria: * Expected mechanical ventilation duration of \<48 hours * Pure chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation * Pre-existent respiratory muscle disease * Contraindication to EIT monitoring (as per clinical protocol, e.g. pacemaker, burns or thoracic wounds limiting electrode placement) * Contra-indications to oesophageal manometry (as per clinical protocol, e.g., recent oesophageal surgery, oesophageal varices, severe bleeding disorders) * Known pregnancy * Anticipating withdrawal of life support and/or shift to palliation as the goal of care