# VentSim — The Sandwell Simulator

> Mechanical ventilator simulator for medical education and patient care simulation. (iPhone/iPad app by Roger Stedman.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ventsim/id1417937518 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Roger Stedman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1417937517)
- Category: Medical, Education
- Price: $0.99
- Rating: 3.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.3 · 17 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-02-25
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ventsim/id1417937518/reviews.md

## What is VentSim?

VentSim is a fully functioning, high fidelity, physiologically faithful mechanical ventilator simulator.  It was developed by Dr. Roger Stedman for iOS using the Swift programming language.  Its purpose is an educational tool for critical care doctors, nurses, therapists, and anaesthetists – essentially anyone that has an interest in the provision of safe, effective care of the mechanically ventilated patient.
VentSim uses a mathematical model of the human respiratory system (volumes, resistance and compliance) which are well established models published in the literature [link].  These have been codified with an interface developed which allows you to manipulate parameters to simulate different patient scenarios (everything from a neonate through to an adult with severe COPD and emphysema).
VentSim allows you to apply ventilator settings to your respiratory system model and then generates pressure, volume and flow signals that are displayed on your iOS device.

Using VentSim
On launch VentSim takes you straight into the simulator view – this is your central navigation point for the app.

Set up your simulated patient
Tap the ‘Patient’ button on the right side of the navigator bar.  This brings up the ‘Patient Settings’ view:

The controls will slide in from the right, allowing you to still see some of the simulator view as you make adjustments.  

Select your type of patient - and then adjust weight and relative lung volume size.  You will see calculated lung volumes.

Select linear or dynamic compliance

If linear is selected adjust the ‘Compliance Slider’ (mls/cmH2O).

Alternatively - explore the dynamic compliance model and try different compliance models.

Adjust the Time constant, this will adjust airway resistance according to the size and compliance of your patient.  

Return to the simulator view by tapping the right arrow in the navigator bar.

Adjust your ventilator settings
Select the ‘Ventilator’ button to the left of the navigator bar.  This brings up the ‘Ventilator Settings’ view:

Select your ventilator rate (bpm) and I:E ratio using the sliders.  You have a choice of three ventilator modes; Pressure Control, Volume Control and Flow Control.  You are able to adjust appropriate input values for each of these (Inspiratory pressure, tidal volume or inspiratory flow) as well as apply PEEP and in volume control mode add an end inspiratory pause.
Return to the simulator view to view the impact your settings have had on your patients respiratory parameters.

Optimise the simulator view
If you are finding that due to screen size information is hidden (as is the case with the iPhone SE) try turning your device on its side into landscape mode.

The simulator view in landscape mode on an iPhone SE
Each simulator graph view has a gear icon in the top right hand corner, tap this to bring up the view settings panel.  This allows you to change the background color, plot color, speed of animation, animation type (default is the wrap fade mode) and plot style (line or solid).

Graph Plot View settings popover
You will notice that as you change your settings the graph plots will automatically re-scale to an optimum screen fit.  The axis labels will adjust accordingly.  The panel data is updated at the end of each respiratory cycle.

Other Features
The ‘i’ (information) button on the navigator bar opens a mini-browser which navigates automatically to this page.

The down pointing chevron button on the navigator opens a menu with which to access other features of the simulator which allows you to switch on and off each individual view and also add in the spirometer loop  view and also the compliance view.

Have fun!

Please feedback to:
ventsim@rogerstedman.com

ventsim@rogerstedman.com

## Key features

- Physiologically faithful mechanical ventilator simulation
- Mathematical model of the human respiratory system
- Adjustable patient parameters (weight, lung volume, compliance, resistance)
- Multiple ventilator modes (Pressure, Volume, Flow Control)
- Real-time pressure, volume, and flow signal display
- Customizable simulator view settings

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ventsim/id1417937518/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Way too limited!

*2023-04-28*

This simulator is so limited you can’t get lung compliance below the 30s to simulate ARDS! There is no spontaneous breathing mode. There is not a way to make the patient do anything on their own. No way to do hardly anything I was hoping to be able to do.

**Developer response:** Hi,  Compliance in severe ARDS typically drops to 40mls/cmH20 from a normal of 200.  The linear model will take you down to around 35.  However if you switch to the dynamic model you can get it to below 20 by shifting the curve to the right using compliance point slider.  Alternatively you can give your patient ‘baby lungs’ by switching to the paediatric model.

### 5/5 — Great for instructors!

*2019-09-15*

I teach mechanical ventilation to respiratory therapist students and to residents. This app has come extremely handy when teaching my classes.

Thank you developer!

### 5/5 — Great app

*2019-03-13*

This is a fantastic app. Interactive with great graphics. Highly recommended.

## Frequently asked questions about VentSim

### What is VentSim?

VentSim is a high-fidelity, physiologically faithful mechanical ventilator simulator developed as an educational tool for healthcare professionals. It allows users to model the human respiratory system and apply various ventilator settings to simulate different patient scenarios.

### Who is VentSim for?

VentSim is designed for critical care doctors, nurses, therapists, anaesthetists, and anyone interested in learning about the provision of safe and effective care for mechanically ventilated patients.

### What patient scenarios can VentSim simulate?

VentSim can simulate a wide range of patient scenarios, from neonates to adults with severe COPD and emphysema. Users can adjust parameters like weight, lung volume, compliance, and airway resistance to create diverse patient models.

### What ventilator modes are available in VentSim?

VentSim offers three ventilator modes: Pressure Control, Volume Control, and Flow Control. Users can adjust appropriate input values for each mode, including inspiratory pressure, tidal volume, or inspiratory flow, and apply PEEP.

### What devices does VentSim support?

VentSim is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible on a range of iOS hardware.

### How much does VentSim cost?

VentSim is a paid application, priced at $0.99. This one-time purchase grants access to all its simulation features.

### Does VentSim have ads?

No, VentSim does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it provides an ad-free simulation experience for users.

### When was VentSim last updated?

VentSim was last updated on February 25, 2019, with version 1.5. The initial release date was also February 25, 2019.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.5 — 2019-02-25

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*
