A system and method for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient that includes a gas flow generator and a patient circuit that communicates the flow of gas to an airway of a patient. A sensor measures a characteristic associated with the flow of gas, such as flow rate. A controller determines a first characteristic based on the measured characteristic and a target of the flow of gas to be delivered to the patient. The controller controls the delivery of gas to the patient by 1) providing a baseline positive pressure support amount to the patient and 2) providing a modified pressure support amount by reducing the baseline amount by a given amount if the first characteristic is above the target. The baseline pressure includes a pressure provided during inspiration that is higher than a pressure provided during expiration.