A respiratory humidification system includes a humidifier that is capable of electronic communication with one or more other components of the system thereby permitting transfer of data or control signals between the humidifier and other components of the system. In some systems, a flow generator, such as a ventilator, is provided to supply a flow of breathing gas. The humidifier and the flow generator are capable of electronic communication with one another. In some arrangements, an operating mode or parameter of the humidifier to be set or confirmed by the flow generator, either automatically or manually through a user interface of the flow generator. The humidifier can also utilize data provided by the flow generator or other system component, such as an incubator, to set or confirm an operating mode or parameter of the humidifier. In some arrangements, a user interface of the humidifier can display data from another system component, such as a nebulizer or pulse oximeter.

A humidifier includes a tub configured to contain a supply of water and a heater including a first polymer film having an electrically conductive circuit provided upon a surface. The first polymer film is electrically insulating and the tub is formed of molded resin and the heater is molded at least partially within the resin. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes the humidifier. A method of humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas includes passing the flow of pressurized breathable gas over a supply of water contained in a tub. The tub is formed of molded resin and a heater including a first polymer film having an electrically conductive circuit on a first surface is molded at least partially within the resin.

A respiratory humidification system for providing humidification to gases that pass through a gas passage way before being provided to an airway of a patient is disclosed. The respiratory humidification system may include a liquid flow controller providing a controlled flow of liquid, a heating system including a heating surface configured to be located in a gases passage way and provide humidification to gases passing through the passage way, wherein the heating system receives the controlled flow of liquid, and one or more hardware processors providing deterministic control of a humidity level of gases passing through the gas passage way by instructing the liquid flow controller to adjust the controlled flow of liquid received at the heating system.

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.

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 breathing assistance system is provided for delivering a stream flow of heated, humidified gases to a user. The system includes a humidifier unit which holds and heats a volume of water, and which in use receives a flow of gases from a gases source via an inlet port. The flow of gases passes through the humidifier and exits via an exit port. The system further includes a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the gases exiting the humidifier unit, an ambient temperature sensor which measures the temperature of gases before they enter the humidifier unit, and a flow sensor which measures the flow rate of the gases stream. The system also includes a controller which receives data from the temperature and flow sensors, and which determines a control output in response. The control output is configured to adjust the power to the humidifier unit to achieve a desired output at the humidifier unit exit port.

Methods and apparatus provide automated circuit disconnection monitoring such as for a respiratory apparatus or system. Disconnection of a patient circuit, including a patient interface and air delivery circuit, may be detected and a message or alarm activated. In some versions, detecting occurrences of circuit disconnection event(s), such as by a processor, may be based on an instantaneous disconnection parameter as a function of a disconnection setting. The disconnection setting may be determined based on patient circuit type. The instantaneous disconnection parameter may be determined from detected pressure and flow rate, and may be, for example, a conductance value or an impedance value. Disconnection events may be qualified by one or more detected respiratory indicators. In some cases, instantaneous impedance or conductance may be used to assess re-connection of a patient circuit, detection of flow starvation, determine breath shape for triggering and cycling and to detect patient or circuit obstructions.

An apparatus for treating sleep disordered breathing may include: a flow generator to deliver a supply of air at positive pressure to a patient; a user interface, the user interface comprising: a display configured to display a plurality of screens; and a set of controls; and a controller in communication with the user interface and configured to control operation of the flow generator, wherein the flow generator is configured to couple with at least one accessory device and during a first mode of operation of the flow generator the controller determines a first screen of the plurality of screens to display on the display based on the at least one accessory device, the first screen of the plurality of screens being configured to enable adjustment of one or more parameters related to the operation of the at least one accessory device or the flow generator using the set of controls.

A method of automatically controlling the humidity of a gas stream of a pressure support system (50) during use of the system is provided. The method includes receiving a first humidification level, and controlling operation of a humidifier (68) based on the first humidification level and at least one of: (i) one or more environmental parameters relating to environmental conditions around the pressure support system, (ii) one or more gas stream parameters relating to a gas stream output by the pressure support system to a patient circuit (56, 58), (iii) one or more respiratory demand parameters of a user of the pressure support system, and (iv) one or more operating parameters of the pressure support system that effect a flow rate that is generated by a pressure generating system (52, 60) of the pressure support system.

A nasal cannula for use in a system for providing a flow of respiratory gases to a user is described. The nasal cannula comprises a body made from a pliable material. The body has an inlet and at least one nasal prong fluidly connected to the inlet. In use a conduit providing a flow of gases to the cannula is connected to the inlet, and the nasal prong is inserted into a user's nostril. The cannula is arranged to direct the flow of gases from the nasal prong towards the front wall of the user's nasal passage within the user's nose.