A system for humidifying oxygen for low-flow oxygen therapy includes a volume-adaptable water reservoir that contains, in addition to water, a water-vapor-permeable membrane.

A wicking member and methods of use of the same are disclosed herein. The wicking member can be a component of a medication inhaler. The medication inhaler can include a reservoir bowl defining a reservoir wherein a volume of liquid can be received. The reservoir bowl can include a top, a bottom, and a wall extending from the top to the bottom of the reservoir bowl. The medication inhaler can further include a wicking member proximate to the wall. The wicking member can extend along the wall at least partially from the top of the reservoir bowl to the bottom of the reservoir bowl. The wicking member can wick liquid to the bottom of the reservoir bowl.

A humidifier is combined with a continuous positive airway pressure device. The continuous positive airway pressure is surrounded by a housing; the humidifier comprises a chamber defined by the continuous positive airway pressure device housing and a wall between the chamber and the continuous positive airway pressure device. The chamber includes a removable air-tight lid, wherein the chamber is filled with a mass transfer medium capable of reversibly absorbing water and wherein air can pass through the mass transfer medium and water is dissolved into the passing air. The chamber can be integrally connected within the continuous positive airway pressure device housing further including a first hose adapter to connect the chamber to an air outlet of a continuous positive airway pressure device whereby air passes from the continuous positive airway pressure device through the chamber and mass transfer medium, thereby humidifying the air, and wherein the humidified air passes through the second hose adapter towards a patient.

A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

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 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 breathing circuit having a semipermeable membrane, an outer cage, and optionally an inner cage. The semipermeable membrane contains a poly(tetrafluoroethylene) membrane and a graphene anti-bacterial compound. The semipermeable membrane is affixed to the outer cage; optionally between the inner cage and the outer cage. Breathing circuits and breathing systems may contain such a cartridge.

A nebulizer device aerosolizes (or vaporizes) liquid drawn from a liquid reservoir via a fluid flow path into a nebulization chamber. An inlet port is coupled to an external air supply and leads through a check valve and Venturi nozzle (e.g. a duckbill valve) into the chamber to direct an air stream across an opening of the fluid flow path. A discharge port leads from the chamber to a user mask, mouthpiece or canula, where the aerosol or vapor mixture can be inhaled. A filtered outlet port isolates exhaled material from the external environment. Multiple discrete heating elements may be placed around the fluid flow path to preheat the liquid. If the liquid is sufficiently volatile, heating may vaporize the material which can condense back into an aerosol after mixing with the air stream. A set of check valves direct one-way fluid flow and prevent leakage or spillage of material from the device.

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 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.