Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition associated with high morbidity and mortality, often requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) during acute exacerbations. Recent studies show a decline in IMV use, likely due to the increased adoption of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) as the first-line treatment. However, some COPD patients will still require IMV, particularly those with severe illness or comorbidities like malignancy, which are linked to higher mortality rates. Prolonged ventilation is another significant risk factor for increased mortality. This highlights the importance of developing strategies for earlier weaning from IMV. Physiological factors such as respiratory muscle weakness, abnormal lung mechanics, increased intrinsic PEEP, and pulmonary resistance can contribute to prolonged ventilation and ventilator dependence. Additionally, the mismatch between respiratory workload and inspiratory muscle capacity may lead to respiratory distress and CO2 retention, complicating the weaning process. Future research should focus on standardizing protocols and conducting high-quality randomized controlled trials to define the role of IMV and NIV in clinical practice for COPD patients.