A method for controlling the end-expiratory pressure at a patient (30) in a respiratory system (50) of an anesthesia apparatus or respirator (30) includes regulating a pressure curve (401a, 401b, 501a, 501b) during the expiration phase (650) of the patient such that the pressure curve is described by an at least partially dropping curve (105a, 105b, 106a, 106b, 601, 602, 603, 604) from a first upper pressure value (613a, 613b, 613c, 613d) to a first lower pressure value (614a, 614b, 614c, 614d) from the end of the inspiration phase (660) until the beginning of the next, following inspiration phase (670). An anesthesia apparatus or respirator is provided that includes an operating and actuating unit that regulates a controllable expiratory valve and a respiration drive such that the pressure curve is described by an at least partially dropping curve.
