Emerging evidence has demonstrated that the initial lung involvement COVID-19 can be characterised more by a “pneumonia pattern” rather than a typical “ARDS pattern”. It therefore makes sense that the ventilation strategies applied should be different from the routine ARDS protocol. We developed a three-step evidence guided, experience based and ptient compatible protocol. The aim of the 3-step protocol was to ensure that maximum benefit of alveolar recruitment was provided in the first two days of ICU admission. The turning point for the successful expansion of NIV is its ability to achieve the same physiological effects as invasive mechanical ventilation with the avoidance of the life-threatening risks correlated with the use of an artificial airway [1].