Automatic tube compensation (ATC) is a feature of mechanical ventilation that compensates for the additional work of breathing caused by the resistance of the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube.

When a patient is intubated, the tube can cause additional resistance, which makes it more difficult for the patient to breathe. This additional work of breathing can be particularly challenging for patients with lung disease or respiratory muscle weakness.

ATC addresses this issue by automatically adjusting the ventilator's pressure support to compensate for the resistance of the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. This means that the ventilator delivers a greater amount of pressure support during inspiration to help the patient overcome the resistance of the tube, reducing the work of breathing. It is especially beneficial during SBTs.