The study aim was to establish how recruitment maneuvers (RMs) influence lung mechanics and to determine whether RMs produce lung injury. Healthy BALB/c mice were allocated to receive positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) at 2 or 6cmH 2 O and volume- (20 or 40mL/kg) or pressure-controlled (25cmH 2 O) RMs every 5 or 75min for 150min. The low-frequency forced oscillation technique was used to measure respiratory input impedance. Large RMs resulting in peak airway opening pressures (P ao )>30cmH 2 O did not increase inflammatory response or affect transcutaneous oxygen saturation but significantly lowered airway resistance, tissue damping and tissue elastance; the latter changes are likely associated with the bimodal pressure–volume behavior observed in mice. PEEP increase alone and application of RMs producing peak P ao below 25cmH 2 O did not prevent or reverse changes in lung mechanics; whereas frequent application of substantial RMs on top of elevated PEEP levels produced stable lung mechanics without signs of lung injury.