Airway opening pressure is a key parameter in assessing respiratory mechanics. Current practice primarily relies on indirect assessments of lung mechanics, but growing evidence suggests that direct airway opening pressure measurement could enhance individualized ventilatory strategies. Significant airway opening pressure suggests incomplete alveolar recruitment at end-expiration, which may contribute to ventilation-perfusion mismatch, increased respiratory effort, and postoperative pulmonary complications such as atelectasis and impaired gas exchange. Determining the prevalence and clinical relevance of significant airway opening pressure in post-cardiac surgery patients could contribute to more personalized respiratory strategies and improve postoperative care.