What's a Ventilator and What Does It Do?

2. How It Feels

A ventilator does not normally cause pain. However, some individuals experience discomfort from the tube in their nose or mouth. They may also feel uneasy as air is forced into their lungs. People on a ventilator cannot talk or eat. Sometimes, a person tries to exhale while the ventilator is trying to push air in. This works against the machine, and these patients often need sedatives or neuromuscular blocking agents to help their breathing match the machine. This is discontinued as soon as possible and always prior to removing ventilator support.