Conventional modes of mechanical ventilation often cause patient-ventilatory asynchrony and may fail to assure adequate gas exchange while attempting to adhere to lung protective ventilatory strategies. Airway pressure release ventilation, partial liquid ventilation, and high-frequency ventilation are alternative ventilatory strategies used for acute respiratory distress syndrome that aim to protect the lung while providing adequate gas exchange. The closed-loop ventilatory strategies use computer algorithm and feedback monitoring of respiratory system mechanics to improve patient-ventilator interaction and comfort.