The present invention provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.

A humidifier includes a heating element including a porous structure of electrically resistive and thermally conductive material configured to substantially vaporise liquid that is passed through the porous structure. The porous structure has a liquid inlet and a vapour outlet. The humidifier further includes an outer housing surrounding at least a portion of the porous structure for containing the liquid and vapour within the porous structure. The porous structure includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, the first and second connectors being configured for receiving electrical power and applying a voltage across the porous structure to generate heat.

A CPAP device for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas. The flow generator includes an air outlet and a removable water container configured to humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator. The water container includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The CPAP device further includes a first elastomeric face seal configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet, the first elastomeric face seal being located at an intermediate position between the flow generator air outlet and the water container air inlet when the water container is placed into position to pneumatically communicate with the flow generator. In addition, the CPAP device includes a second elastomeric face seal, a portion of which is configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat external surface portion of the water container surrounding the water container air outlet.

A breathing assistance apparatus has a lid and latch assembly configured for one-handed operation. The apparatus also includes a hinge assembly that separates when over-rotated but that reengages upon closing of the lid onto the main body of the apparatus.

A breathing assistance apparatus has a lid and latch assembly configured for one-handed operation. The apparatus also includes a hinge assembly that separates when over-rotated but that reengages upon closing of the lid onto the main body of the apparatus.

An apparatus for treating a respiratory disorder in a patient, includes a respiratory pressure therapy device that generates a flow of air at positive pressure for treating the respiratory disorder. An air circuit transports the flow of air generated by the respiratory pressure therapy device to a patient interface. A nebuliser module is located at or adjacent to a proximal end of the air circuit to nebulise a liquid to form a nebula of the liquid. The nebula is admitted into the flow of air generated by the respiratory pressure therapy device. A vaporiser is located at the distal end of the air circuit to receive and vaporise the nebula to form a humidified flow of air.

An apparatus for humidification of air to be delivered to a patient's airways may include a reservoir, and a humidifier chamber. The humidifier chamber may include a humidifier wick and a heating element for heating the humidifier chamber. The humidifier wick may comprise a fibrous sheet material. The humidifier chamber and wick may be vertically oriented in use such that a first end of the wick is above the second end of the wick. A deioniser may be provided to deionise the liquid prior to the humidifier wick. The apparatus may pasteurise liquid to be delivered to the humidification wick.

A portable, efficient, integrated humidification system for use, e.g., with a positive airway pressure devices. The portable, efficient, integrated humidification system described herein offers many advantages over current humidification systems! There are many advantages to a portable respiratory humidifier. Portability reduces the amount of space the humidifier occupies in the user's bedroom environment. Portability enhances travel for the user. With less to pack, carry, and manage, the user is more likely to remain adherent to therapy when not at home. Portability allows for better utilization in recreational vehicles, while camping, in foreign countries, in the sleeping cabins of trucks or airliners, and on marine craft.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing condensation in a respiratory circuit during a delivery of humidifying agent into the respiratory circuit. A first amount of humidification agent to a first volume of gas is delivered to a patient respiratory circuit during a patient inhalation cycle or immediately after a patient exhalation cycle, and the humidification agent or the first volume of gas is heated. Condensation is removed from the respiratory circuit at least in part by providing, during a patient exhalation cycle or immediately after a patient inhalation cycle, a second amount of the humidification agent to a second volume of gas being delivered from the gas source to the patient respiratory circuit, the second amount of the humidification agent being significantly less than the first amount of the humidification agent.

A CPAP apparatus includes a blower and a humidifying tank. The humidifying tank includes a first passage, a second passage, a flow-dividing section, and a facing section. When an inlet IH is defined as an opening of the first passage on the inner space side, the flow-dividing section faces the inlet. The facing section extends toward a bottom wall from an outer peripheral surface of the first passage. When seen along a vertical axis that is a specific axis that intersects the bottom wall, the facing section includes a part that overlaps the inlet. The facing section faces the flow-dividing section.