Apparatus and method for ventilating a patient in which a fluid is provided to a patient during an exhalation/quiescent phase, in which a pressure, a flow, or a volume of fluid is provided at a baseline level. The flow of fluid from such a patient is released during a release phase following the exhalation/quiescent phase, by decreasing the pressure, flow, or volume of fluid from the baseline level to a release level below the baseline level. The pressure, flow, or volume of fluid during a delivery phase following the release phase is increased from the release level to a peak level that is above the baseline level. Finally, the pressure, flow, or volume of fluid is allowed to return from the peak level to the baseline level.
