The 2007 guidelines "Positioning for prophylaxis and therapy of pulmonary disorders" were completely revised in 2015 on behalf of the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine. With regard to practical and scientific relevance, early mobilization of patients in critical care has been included in the guidelines for the first time. Furthermore, the recommendations for prone positioning have been updated, based on current evidence in medicine and nursing. In addition, recommendations regarding unsuitable positions that may actually harm patients were made. As such, the flat supine position should only be used in cases of urgent medical or nursing needs. This underlines the importance of a moderately elevated head of bed position (20(o)-45(o)) in mechanically ventilated patients.
Keywords: Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Critical illness; Evidence-based medicine; Mechanical ventilation; Patient repositioning.