US Patent 8720439 Humidification for continuous positive airway pressure systems

The present invention encompasses the inclusion of non-heat, active-force humidifiers into CPAP devices. These humidifier modules use for example ultrasonics, atomization, and nebulization to increase the relative humidity of the air being delivered to the patient. Humidity is important in CPAP devices because it is vital to patient comfort and optimum health. All of these various, non-heat active humidifier modules are components or attachments to a CPAP device, and all optionally employ various procedures and devices for dealing with excess condensation. Most importantly, these humidification modules avoid the main problems associated with heat-requiring humidifiers, such as the added cost and time needed to operate these humidifiers, the excess condensation produced, and the increased likelihood of microbial growth.