Respiratory humidification system

A respiratory humidification system, comprising:

• a heated capillary passage adapted to receive water from a pressurized water supply, which is at least partially vaporized within the heated capillary passage to form an aerosol stream, the heated capillary passage comprising:
• a capillary passage adapted to form an aerosol when the pressurized water in the capillary passage is heated to volatilize at least some of the pressurized water therein;
• and
• a heater arranged to heat the pressurized water in the capillary passage into at least a partially vaporized state;
• a pumping unit adapted to supply the pressurized water to the capillary passage;
• a filter operable to demineralize the pressurized water;
• and
• a ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, and wherein the aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified gas stream.

A respiratory humidification system haying an enhanced capacity to operate with mineral laden water, the system comprising:

• a coated capillary passage whose operating temperature is in the range of 120 to 130 degrees Celsius, and which is in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream;
• a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage;
• and
• a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream, and wherein the aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream further comprising:
• a controller having an on-off switch and programmed such that the controller is configured to continuously operate the pump and to maintain the capillary in a heated condition when the controller switch is on;
• and
• a water recirculation arrangement to accommodate continuous operation of the pumping unit.