Abstract: A process for setting an anesthesia apparatus or respirator with a control unit controlling the respiration is wherein a) after selecting an input sector for a respiration parameter by pressing the rotary and acknowledge switch and keeping it pressed beyond a preset first time threshold and by subsequently adjusting same corresponding to the direction of rotation of the rotary and acknowledge switch, an increase or decrease in the value of the selected parameter is brought about directly via the control unit, b) the set value of the selected parameter is changed over into the presetting by releasing the rotary and acknowledge switch, c) repeated pressing of the rotary and acknowledge switch and keeping it pressed within a second preset time threshold after releasing the rotary and acknowledge switch according to b) leads to the setting of the parameter selected with an increased or decreased value according to a), so that a further adjustment of the selected parameter setting is possible, d) pressing and rele