Objective To investigate the current status and influencing factors of the awake prone position in patients with mild and moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods A total of 210 patients with mild to moderate ARDS admitted between December 2022 and January 2023 were investigated by general information questionnaire and self-made prone position knowledge questionnaire. The daily prone position time during hospitalization was recorded. The influencing factors of awake prone position were analyzed by univariate and multivariate linear regression. Results The 210 mild and moderate ARDS patients had an average daily prone position length of stay of (4.97±3.94)h/d, showing a low level. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that prone position knowledge score, age, waist circumference and BMI were the influencing factors of awake prone position (P<0.05). Conclusions Daily awake prone position length was at a low level in mild and moderate ARDS patients. Healthcare workers can prolong the time in the prone position by developing an individualized treatment plan for the prone position, improving the patient’s perception of the prone position, and resolving the discomfort from the prone position.