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The fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) is the ventilator setting that directly influences the amount of oxygen delivered to a patient. FiO2 specifies the percentage of oxygen a patient receives from the ventilator, ranging from 21% (room air) to 100% (pure oxygen). Adjusting the FiO2 allows clinicians to manage and optimize oxygen delivery based on the patient's oxygenation status and underlying condition. For instance, in cases of severe hypoxia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), increasing the FiO2 can improve oxygen saturation and overall oxygen delivery to tissues.

Other settings such as respiratory rate, PEEP, and tidal volume play roles in ventilation mechanics and gas exchange but do not directly change the concentration of oxygen supplied to the patient. Respiratory rate influences how frequently breaths are delivered, while tidal volume affects the amount of air exchanged with each breath. PEEP helps maintain alveolar inflation and can improve gas exchange but does not directly determine the oxygen concentration in inspired air.