Background: Patients treated with respiratory aid/assistance can experience a range of unpleasant sensations. Conditions that require respiratory assistance are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, trauma and pneumonia. The treatment may vary depending on the severity of the patient's disease.

Aim: To describe patients' experiences of receiving respiratory aid.

Method: A literature-based study with the aim to contribute to evidence-based care based on an analysis of eight scientific articles.

Result: To be dependent on the nurse, for trust and a feeling of safety, while being in a helpless position. Uncomfortable experiences such as pressure from the mask, pain from the breathing tube or being limited by breathing equipment. Patients also described different strategies to endure the treatment in order to recover.

Conclusion: A patient who receives respiratory aid might experience painful and uncomfortable sensations. Nurses can alleviate many of these feelings. Nurses should try to help the patient feel safe through person-centred care.