Removable and/or replaceable humidifier

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus, comprising:
 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, wherein the water distribution member is provided to the housing and in thermal communication with the heater apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 1 , where the water distribution member is adapted to be a removable and replaceable fitting to the housing. 
     
     
         3 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the water distribution member comprises an envelope formed by a first compartment wall and a second compartment wall joined together, and a water inlet into the envelope. 
     
     
         4 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the envelope defines a thin water layer having a thickness of less than about 10 mm. 
     
     
         5 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the envelope defines a thin water layer having a thickness of less than about 5 mm. 
     
     
         6 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the envelope has a volume of less than about 150 ml. 
     
     
         7 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the envelope has a volume of less than about 100 ml. 
     
     
         8 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the water distribution member is adapted for production of water vapour within the envelope. 
     
     
         9 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the first compartment wall is at least in part a semi-permeable membrane structured to allow water vapour to pass therethrough into the gas flow path. 
     
     
         10 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the semi-permeable membrane comprises a finely perforated material. 
     
     
         11 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the semi-permeable membrane comprises a hydrophobic material. 
     
     
         12 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the water distribution member is a removable and replaceable fitting to a base of the housing. 
     
     
         13 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the heater apparatus comprises a heater element and the second compartment wall includes a thermally conductive wall in thermal contact with the heater element. 
     
     
         14 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the heater element is incorporated in the second compartment wall. 
     
     
         15 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the heater element comprises a heater plate. 
     
     
         16 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the heater apparatus comprises an induction heater and the second compartment wall includes a thermally conductive wall in thermal contact with an induction receiving element. 
     
     
         17 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the induction receiving element is incorporated in the second compartment wall. 
     
     
         18 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the heater apparatus is a removable and replaceable fitting to a base of the housing. 
     
     
         19 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the water distribution member comprises at least one wick and/or capillary action device in communication with a water inlet. 
     
     
         20 . Humidifier apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the water distribution member comprises a wick device of hydrophilic material.