Comparison

Critical ABG vs Ventilator Mode Map

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Critical ABG

This medical app provides a comprehensive analysis of acid-base disorders with a step-by-step approach to understanding them. It includes common causes, differential treatment options, and built-in compensation mechanisms. An optimization calculator for ventilator settings is also available.

Highlights
  • Acid-base disorder analysis
  • Step-by-step understanding
  • Common causes and treatments
  • Compensation mechanisms
  • Ventilation optimization calculator
  • Differential diagnosis
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Critical ABG, from the creators of Critical-Medical Guide, is the first ABG app that is not only visually appealing but also provides a full analysis of acid-base disorders. We're all afraid of acid-base imbalances. Critical ABG will not only inform clinicians whether acid-base problems are present, but will also take you through a step-by-step approach to cognitively understanding the disorder, as well as common causes and differential treatment options based on the current literature. Critical ABG covers some of the most up-to-date differentials and treatments, as well as built-in compensation mechanisms, such as expected bicarbonate, pC02, Winter's formula, and more, - which everyone dreads having to memorize.  Not only will the user learn about common disorders, but there's also a ventilation optimization calculator for those that need to adjust ventilator settings. This app is not only suited for physicians, respiratory therapists, nurses, and PA's but also medical, nursing, PA, and paramedic students who wish to sharpen their acid-base interpretation skills. Remember always to treat the patient - not the numbers and to correlate clinically. Get Critical ABG now and enjoy the ease of interpretation. Critical ABG is based on common equations in the medical realm. The information included is solely for educational purposes and doesn't constitute medical advice. Therefore, always consult a physician before any diagnosis or treatment.

About

Ventilator Mode Map

This app classifies mechanical ventilation modes based on a recognized medical taxonomy. It provides images and details for numerous ventilators worldwide, including manufacturer and model information.

Highlights
  • Mechanical ventilation mode taxonomy implementation
  • Ventilator manufacturer and model details
  • Ventilator images
  • Global ventilator database
Features
Read full description

This app is designed to implement the taxonomy (classification system) for modes of mechanical ventilation described by Chatburn et al (Respir Care 2014;59(11):1747-1763). It has manufacturer, model, and ventilator image for most of the ventilators used across the world.

Screenshots

Critical ABG4 screens
Ventilator Mode Map4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Ventilator Mode Map at Free against Critical ABG's $3.99. Ventilator Mode Map also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.0) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 42 months). Critical ABG's advantage is chart position (#77 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (15.2 vs 17.0). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Ventilator Mode Map is free to download; Critical ABG costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Ventilator Mode Map holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 8 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Critical ABG ships an update every 42 months, Ventilator Mode Map every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Critical ABG versus Ventilator Mode Map: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCritical ABGVentilator Mode Map
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating4.0 (4 ratings)4.8 (8 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings48 — better
Update frequencyEvery 42 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
Best chart rank#77 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.2 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB40 MB
Age rating17+12+
DeveloperThe Barringer Group, LLCThe Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Customer experience

Critical ABG

All ratings4 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Ventilator Mode Map

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Critical ABG

No in-app purchases

None

Ventilator Mode Map

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Critical ABG free?
Critical ABG costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Ventilator Mode Map free?
Ventilator Mode Map is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Critical ABG or Ventilator Mode Map?
Ventilator Mode Map is rated higher. Critical ABG averages 4.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Ventilator Mode Map averages 4.8 from 8 ratings.
Do Critical ABG or Ventilator Mode Map have ads?
Neither Critical ABG nor Ventilator Mode Map shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Critical ABG or Ventilator Mode Map?
Critical ABG ships an update every 42 months, and Ventilator Mode Map every 3 months. Most recently, Critical ABG was updated on September 24, 2026 and Ventilator Mode Map on September 7, 2026.

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