An air delivery tube for a CPAP system includes a first end configured to connect to a flow generator of the CPAP system and a second end configured to connect to a patient interface of the CPAP system. The air delivery tube also includes a central lumen that is formed by an inner wall of the air delivery tube and is configured to convey pressurized breathable gas from the first end to the second end. In addition, a circumferential chamber surrounds the central lumen and is configured to retain a supply of water. A wick is located within the central lumen and is connected to the inner wall.

Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus includes a housing providing a gas flow path, a heater apparatus, and a water supply distribution member configured and arranged to deliver water vapour to the gas flow path. The water distribution member is provided to the housing and in thermal communication with the heater apparatus.

A humidifier for delivering humidified gases to a patient includes an inlet, an outlet, a gases flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet, a permeable wall, a liquid reservoir, and a heater. The permeable wall separates the gases flow path from the liquid reservoir. The heater heats liquid stored in the liquid reservoir to form vapour, and the vapour passes through the permeable wall to the gases flow path to humidify gases in the gases flow path. Another inline humidifier for delivering humidified gases to a patient includes an inlet and an outlet and holds a tape made of hydrophilic or hygroscopic material. The tape is pre-soaked with water and can include a heating element. The heating element heats the tape and the stored water to release the stored water as vapour and thereby humidify gases passing through the inline humidifier.

A humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.

A gas conduit for respiratory apparatus includes a lumen for passage of a breathable gas to a patient and a flexible conduit wall surrounding the lumen. The flexible conduit wall has a humidification apparatus for delivering water vapour into the gas passing through the lumen.

The invention relates to a humidifier configured to humidify an aerosol, the humidifier comprising a first water compartment (100) containing water used to humidify the aerosol; a second water compartment (300) containing water used to humidify the aerosol; an intermediate chamber (200) located between the first and the second water compartment (100, 300), the intermediate chamber (200) comprising an aerosol inlet (210) and an aerosol outlet (220) and providing first boundary surfaces of a passageway (230) through which the aerosol to be humidified passes; a first layer (10) permeable to water vapour and impermeable to liquid water, which is located between the first water compartment (100) and the intermediate chamber (200), wherein a section of the first layer provides a second boundary surface of the passageway; a second layer (20) permeable to water vapour and impermeable to liquid water, which is located between the second water compartment (300) and the intermediate chamber (200), wherein a section of the second layer provides a third boundary surface of the passageway (230) opposed to the second boundary surface.

A molded member containing a thermoplastic material and a substrate, wherein at least a portion of the substrate is coupled to the thermoplastic material via a silicon-containing linker, and a respiratory apparatus containing the molded member are disclosed. A respiratory apparatus containing a molded member, wherein the molded member contains a thermosetting material and a substrate, and wherein at least a portion of the substrate is coupled to the thermosetting material via a silicon-containing linker is also disclosed.

A method for controlling a humidifier of a CPAP device including a controller, the method including controlling a heating element in the humidifier with command signals from the controller, sensing a temperature of a fluid in the humidifier with a sensor in the humidifier that transmits signals to the controller, establishing an acceptable operating range for the signal transmitted to the controller; determining whether the transmitted signal is within the acceptable operating range, if the signal is within the acceptable operating range treating the signal as being indicative of the temperature of the fluid in the humidifier and using the signal to control the heating element, and if the signal is outside of the acceptable operating range, the controller determines the humidifier to be unavailable.

A gas conduit for respiratory apparatus includes a lumen for passage of a breathable gas to a patient and a flexible conduit wall surrounding the lumen. The flexible conduit wall has a humidification apparatus for delivering water vapour into the gas passing through the lumen.

A droplet delivery device and related methods for delivering precise and repeatable dosages to a subject for pulmonary use is disclosed. The droplet delivery device includes a housing, a reservoir, and ejector mechanism, and at least one differential pressure sensor. The droplet delivery device is automatically breath actuated by the user when the differential pressure sensor senses a predetermined pressure change within housing. The droplet delivery device is then actuated to generate a stream of droplets having an average ejected droplet diameter within the respirable size range, e.g, less than about 5 μm, so as to target the pulmonary system of the user.