The editorial focuses on the use of advanced monitoring in the mechanical ventilation of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).[1] The goal is to better balance the need to ensure gas exchange and at the same time reduce the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).[1] The importance of monitoring respiratory mechanics, especially the pressure plateau at the end of inhalation and the so-called driving pressure, for safe ventilator setting in passively ventilated patients.[1] The editorial describes the role of non-invasive imaging techniques such as lung ultrasound, CT scan, and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in real-time assessment of lung aeration, overexpansion, or collapse of parts of the lung and treatment adjustments accordingly.[1] These techniques help adapt the ventilation strategy to the individual physiological responses of each patient.[1] The topic calls for the publication of original papers, reviews and case reports on the monitoring of respiratory mechanics (eg, esophageal pressure, NAVA) and the role of imaging methods in optimizing ventilation in patients with ARDS.[1] The authors' stated goal is to gather evidence that will allow for better decision-making in setting ventilation, reducing the risk of VILI, and improving treatment outcomes in critically ill patients with ARDS.[1]