Extracorporeal lung-supporting procedures open the possibility of staying within widely accepted margins of 'protective' mechanical ventilation (tidal volume of less than 6 mL per kg of predicted ideal body weight and plateau pressure of less than 30 cm H2O) in most any case of respiratory failure or even of further reducing ventilator settings while still providing adequate gas exchange. There is evidence that, at least in some patients, a further reduction in tidal volumes might be beneficial. Extracorporeal procedures to support the lungs have undergone tremendous technical developments, thus reducing the procedure-related risks. However, what is true for ventilator settings should also be true for extracorporeal procedures: studies will have to demonstrate a convincing risk-benefit ratio. In addition, a simple reduction of the tidal volume will certainly not be the right answer. If extracorporeal support largely influences gas exchange, the 'optimal' tidal volume/positive end-expiratory pressure ratio keeping stress and strain low and avoiding alveolar derecruitment will still have to be individually defined.