Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas

• US 9,545,493 B2
• Filed: 06/13/2013
• Issued: 01/17/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ResMed Humidification Technologies GmbH (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: ResMed R&D Germany GmbH (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Mayer, Wolfgang, Genger, Harald, Madaus, Stefan, Klopp, Andreas, Schatzl, Stefan, Vgele, Harald Wolfgang, Lang, Bernd Christoph
• Primary Examiner(s): WOODWARD, VALERIE LYNN
• Application Number:
  US13/916,930
• Publication Number:
  US 20130269696A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,314 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0057 Pumps therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0066 Blowers or centrifugal pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0858 Pressure sampling ports
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0875 Connecting tubes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/105 Filters A61M16/047, A61M16/22 take precedence; water traps A61M16/08
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/107 in the inspiratory path
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/109 the humidifying liquid or the beneficial agent
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/16 Devices to humidify the respiration air A61M16/1045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/162 Water-reservoir filling system, e.g. automatic
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0027 pressure meter
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/42 Reducing noise
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/08 Supports for equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 9/003 Means for influencing the temperature or humidity of the breathing gas

Abstract

A positive pressure gas supply system configured to supply positive pressure gas to a patient includes a CPAP unit configured to generate a flow of positive pressure gas. A humidifier base is positioned to receive the flow of positive pressure gas from the CPAP unit. A receiving portion of the humidifier base is configured to removably receive a refilling module. The refilling module is configured to hold a volume of water, complete a gas flow path partially defined by the humidifier base, and humidify the positive pressure gas. In addition, a respiration tube connecting portion is positioned to remain in communication with a gas discharge passage of the humidifier base when the refilling module is removed from the humidifier base. The respiration tube connecting portion is configured to be connected to a respiration tube and deliver the humidified positive pressure gas to the respiration tube.

Claims

1. A positive pressure gas supply system configured to supply positive pressure gas to a patient, the system comprising:

a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) unit configured to generate a flow of positive pressure gas;

a humidifier base located downstream of the CPAP unit and having a gas feed passage positioned to receive the flow of positive pressure gas from the CPAP unit and having a gas discharge passage, the humidifier base being integrated directly into the CPAP unit or removably joined together with the CPAP unit, the humidifier base comprising a receiving portion with a bottom wall heater plate;

a refilling module with a metallic bottom portion configured to be supported by and come into heat conducting contact with the heater plate of the humidifier base when the refilling module is at least partially inserted into the receiving portion of the humidifier base, the refilling module being removably inserted into the receiving portion of the humidifier base to complete a gas flow path from the gas feed passage to the gas discharge passage, and being configured to a) hold a volume of water and b) humidify the positive pressure gas; and

a respiration tube connecting portion positioned to remain in communication with the gas discharge passage of the humidifier base when the refilling module is removed from the humidifier base, the respiration tube connecting portion being configured to be connected to a respiration tube and deliver the humidified positive pressure gas to the respiration tube.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the humidifier base is removably joined to the CPAP unit, the system further comprising a latch configured to fix the CPAP unit and the humidifier base in a joined position when a gas outlet of the CPAP unit and a gas inlet of the humidifier base are moved completely into the joined position.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the latch is configured to be manually put into a release position that allows the CPAP unit and the humidifier base to become uncoupled from each other.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the humidifier base is removably joined to the CPAP unit, the CPAP unit further comprises a first electrical connector, and the humidifier base comprises a second electrical connector, the CPAP unit and the humidifier base being structured so that the first electrical connector engages the second electrical connector when a side face of the CPAP unit engages a side face of the humidifier base.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first electrical connector is provided in a recess in a housing of the CPAP unit.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the heater plate is configured to provide heat to the water in the refilling module via the metallic bottom portion.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the refilling module comprises at least one baffle configured to change a direction of the positive pressure gas flowing through the refill module.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the CPAP unit is box-shaped.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a display and a user input device configured to control the CPAP unit and the humidifier base.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the CPAP unit and the humidifier base are removably joined together, and wherein the CPAP unit and the humidifier base are structured to lock to each other when the CPAP unit and the humidifier base are in an upright orientation and the CPAP unit and the humidifier base are moved laterally toward each other, the CPAP unit and the humidifier base being in the upright orientation when a display on the CPAP unit faces upward.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the refilling module is removably fixed relative to the receiving portion of the humidifier base via a bayonet locking device.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the refilling module comprises a gas feed opening configured to receive the positive pressure gas from the gas feed passage of the humidifier base and comprises a gas discharge opening configured to discharge the humidified positive pressure gas to the discharge gas passage of the humidifier base.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the refilling module and the receiving portion are configured so that upon the refilling module being inserted into the receiving portion, the gas feed opening is automatically aligned with the gas feed passage and the gas discharge opening is automatically aligned with the gas discharge passage.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the gas feed passage of the humidifier base originates from a gas inlet of the humidifier base.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the refilling module has a housing portion made of translucent or transparent material.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the respiration tube connecting portion comprises a hollow tubular structure surrounded by a channel.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the CPAP unit is removably joined to the humidifier base, the system further comprises a latch configured to fix the CPAP unit and the humidifier base in a joined position when a gas outlet of the CPAP unit and a gas inlet of the humidifier base are moved completely into the joined position,

wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a first electrical connector, the humidifier base comprises a second electrical connector, and the CPAP unit and the humidifier base are structured so that the first electrical connector engages the second electrical connector when a side face of the CPAP unit engages a side face of the humidifier base in the joined position,

wherein the heater plate is configured to provide heat to the water in the refilling module via the metallic bottom portion of the refilling module,

wherein the refilling module comprises at least one baffle configured to change a direction of the positive pressure gas flowing through the refill module,

wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a display and a user input device configured to control the CPAP unit and the humidifier base,

wherein the latch is configured to be manually put into a release position that allows the CPAP unit and the humidifier base to become uncoupled from each other,

wherein the CPAP unit and the humidifier base are structured to lock to each other when the CPAP unit and the humidifier base are in an upright orientation and the CPAP unit and the humidifier base are moved laterally toward each other, the CPAP unit and the humidifier base being in the upright orientation when a display on the CPAP unit faces upward,

wherein the refilling module comprises a gas feed opening configured to receive the positive pressure gas from the gas feed passage of the humidifier base and comprises a gas discharge opening configured to discharge the humidified positive pressure gas to the discharge gas passage of the humidifier base,

wherein the refilling module and the receiving portion are configured so that upon the refilling module being inserted into the receiving portion, the gas feed opening is automatically aligned with the gas feed passage and the gas discharge opening is automatically aligned with the gas discharge passage,

wherein the gas feed passage of the humidifier base originates from the gas inlet of the humidifier base, and

wherein the refilling module has a housing portion made of translucent or transparent material.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the gas discharge passage is configured to deliver the positive pressure gas to the respiration tube connecting portion.

19. A modular positive pressure gas supply system configured to supply positive pressure gas to a patient, the system comprising:

a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) unit configured to generate a flow of positive pressure gas, the CPAP unit comprising a CPAP unit engagement face with a plurality of connection devices, the plurality of connection devices comprising a gas outlet port, a CPAP unit electrical connector and a CPAP unit connector; and

a humidifier configured to be removably coupled and locked to the CPAP unit, the humidifier comprising a humidifier engagement face configured to engage the CPAP unit engagement face, the humidifier engagement face including a plurality of connection devices, the plurality of connection devices comprising a humidifier gas inlet connecting member, a humidifier electrical connector and a humidifier connector,

wherein the CPAP unit and the humidifier are structured so that when the CPAP unit and the humidifier are moved laterally toward each other;

(1) the CPAP unit gas outlet port sealingly engages the humidifier gas inlet connecting member,

(2) the CPAP unit electrical connector engages the humidifier electrical connector, and

(3) the CPAP unit connector engages the humidifier connector and locks the CPAP unit to the humidifier.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the humidifier further comprises a base that holds a removable tank configured to contain a volume of water.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the humidifier comprises a heater plate configured to provide heat to the water in the removable tank.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the removable tank comprises at least one baffle configured to change a direction of air flowing through the removable tank.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the CPAP unit is box-shaped.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a display and a user input device on an upward facing surface.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a handle on the upward facing surface.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein a longitudinal axis of a grip portion of the handle is perpendicular to a direction in which the humidifier is moved to be locked in engagement with the CPAP unit.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the display is oriented so that a bottom portion of a displayed text or graphic is closer to an engagement face of the CPAP unit than a top portion of the displayed text or graphic, the engagement face of the CPAP unit being a portion of the CPAP unit configured to engage the humidifier.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the user input device comprises at least one button and the at least one button is positioned between the display and the CPAP unit engagement face.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the CPAP unit gas outlet port comprises a hollow tubular structure surrounded by a channel.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the humidifier gas inlet connecting member is configured to receive the hollow tubular structure of the CPAP unit gas outlet port and be received by the channel of the CPAP unit gas outlet port.

31. The system of claim 19, wherein the CPAP connector and the humidifier connector form a latching system.

32. The system of claim 19, wherein the CPAP unit engagement face has a first curved portion and the humidifier engagement face has a second curved portion, the first and second curved portions being configured to align and engage with each other when the CPAP unit is moved into engagement with the humidifier.

33. A system for supplying positive pressure respiratory gas to a patient interface, the system comprising:

a CPAP unit configured to generate a flow of respiratory gas; and

a humidifier configured to humidify the respiratory gas,

wherein the CPAP unit comprises;

a housing with a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a rear face and two side faces extending from the front face to the rear face, the front face including an opening;

a first respiratory gas outlet connecting member recessed within the opening on the front face, the first respiratory gas outlet connecting member including a first tubular structure surrounded by a first channel;

a first electrical connecting member with contact elements positioned within a recess on the front face located in a lower portion of the CPAP unit;

a first securing member configured to secure the CPAP unit to the humidifier, the first securing member being positioned in the lower portion of the CPAP unit;

a display, user input devices and a handle positioned on the top face of the housing; and

a plurality of support feet positioned on the bottom face of the housing, wherein the humidifier comprises;

a base with a connecting surface adapted to engage the front face of the CPAP unit;

a respiratory gas inlet connecting member adapted to be received within the first channel and adapted to sealingly receive the first tubular structure;

a liquid storage container removable from the base;

a heater plate in the base adapted to heat a bottom surface of the liquid storage container when the liquid storage container is attached to the base;

a second electrical connecting member adapted to engage the first electrical connecting member and provide electrical power to the heater plate when the CPAP unit and the humidifier are coupled together;

a second respiratory gas outlet connecting member including a second tubular structure surrounded by a second channel,

a second securing member configured to engage the first securing member to rigidly secure the CPAP unit to the humidifier; and

a plurality of support feet positioned on a bottom of the base, and

wherein,

the liquid storage container comprises a baffle configured to change a direction of gas flowing through the liquid storage container,

a bottom of the liquid storage container comprises thermally conductive material, and

the respiratory gas inlet connecting member of the humidifier is oriented so that a longitudinal axis of the respiratory gas inlet connecting member is parallel to a direction in which the CPAP unit and the humidifier are moved to be coupled.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the housing is box-shaped.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the liquid storage container is transparent.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the respiratory gas inlet connecting member is comprised of silicone.

37. The system of claim 36, further comprising an air delivery tube with a first end and a second end, the first end of the air delivery tube being structured to be selectively sealingly engagable with either of the first respiratory gas outlet connecting member and the second respiratory gas outlet connecting member, and the second end of the air delivery tube being structured to be sealingly engagable with the patient interface.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein a perimeter of the opening in the front face of the CPAP unit housing is defined by a C-shaped portion adjacent a U-shaped portion that is smaller than the C-shaped portion, the first respiratory gas outlet connecting member being structured to be received within the C-shaped portion.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the thermally conductive material of the liquid storage container comprises metal.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the first securing member is a latch.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein a longitudinal axis of a grip portion of the handle is perpendicular to a direction in which the humidifier is moved to be locked in engagement with the CPAP unit.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the display is oriented so that a bottom portion of a displayed text or graphic is closer to the front face of the CPAP unit housing than a top portion of the displayed text or graphic.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the user input device comprises at least one button and the at least one button is positioned between the display and the front face of the CPAP unit housing.

44. A modular positive pressure gas supply system configured to supply positive pressure gas to a patient, the system comprising:

a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) unit configured to generate a flow of positive pressure gas, the CPAP unit comprising;

a housing with a lateral face and a gas outlet port; and

a first locking portion at a lower portion of the CPAP unit housing lateral face; and

a humidifier configured to be coupled and locked to the CPAP unit, the humidifier comprising;

a housing with a lateral face;

a second locking portion at a lower portion of the humidifier housing lateral face; and

a gas inlet connecting member,

wherein the CPAP unit housing and the humidifier housing are structured to lock to each other when the CPAP unit and the humidifier are moved laterally toward each other,

wherein the CPAP unit gas outlet port and the humidifier gas inlet connecting member are positioned to sealingly engage each other when the CPAP unit and the humidifier are moved laterally toward each other, and

wherein the CPAP unit and the humidifier are structured so that the first locking portion engages the second locking portion when the CPAP unit housing lateral face engages the humidifier housing lateral face.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a first electrical connector positioned at a lower portion of the CPAP unit housing lateral face, and the humidifier comprises a second electrical connector, and the CPAP unit and the humidifier are structured so that the first electrical connector engages the second electrical connector when the CPAP unit housing lateral face engages the humidifier housing lateral face.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein the first electrical connector is provided in a recess in the CPAP unit housing.

47. The system of claim 45, wherein the humidifier further comprises a base that holds a removable tank configured to contain a volume of water.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the humidifier base comprises a heater plate configured to provide heat to the water in the removable tank.

49. The system of claim 47, wherein the removable tank comprises at least one baffle configured to change a direction of air flowing through the removable tank.

50. The system of claim 44, wherein the CPAP unit housing is box-shaped.

51. The system of claim 44, wherein the CPAP unit housing further comprises a display and a user input device.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the display is oriented so that a bottom portion of a displayed text or graphic is closer to the CPAP unit housing lateral face than a top portion of the displayed text or graphic.

53. The system of claim 51, wherein the user input device comprises at least one button and the at least one button is positioned between the display and the CPAP unit housing lateral face.

54. The system of claim 51, wherein the CPAP unit housing and the humidifier housing are structured to lock to each other when the CPAP unit and the humidifier are in an upright orientation and the CPAP unit and the humidifier are moved laterally toward each other, the CPAP unit and the humidifier being in the upright orientation when the display faces upward.

55. The system of claim 44, wherein the CPAP unit housing further comprises a handle.

56. The system of claim 55, wherein a longitudinal axis of a grip portion of the handle is perpendicular to a direction in which the humidifier is moved to be locked in engagement with the CPAP unit.

57. The system of claim 44, wherein the first locking portion and the second locking portion form a latching system.

58. The system of claim 44, wherein the CPAP unit gas outlet port comprises a hollow tubular structure surrounded by a channel.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein the humidifier gas inlet connecting member is configured to receive the hollow tubular structure of the CPAP unit gas outlet port and be received by the channel of the CPAP unit gas outlet port.

60. The system of claim 44, wherein the humidifier gas inlet connecting member extends from a surface of the humidifier housing.

61. The system of claim 44, wherein the CPAP unit housing includes an opening, a perimeter of the opening having a C-shaped portion adjacent a U-shaped portion that is smaller than the C-shaped portion.

62. The system of claim 61, wherein the CPAP unit gas outlet is recessed within the C-shaped portion.

63. The system of claim 44, wherein the CPAP unit housing lateral face and the humidifier housing lateral face are contoured to cooperate with each other to align the CPAP unit with the humidifier when the CPAP unit and the humidifier are moved laterally toward each other.

64. The system of claim 44, wherein a portion of the CPAP unit housing lateral face is convex and a portion of the humidifier housing lateral face is concave, the convex portion of the CPAP unit housing lateral face being adapted to engage the concave portion of the humidifier housing lateral face when the CPAP unit housing lateral face and the humidifier housing lateral face are aligned and engage each other.

65. The system of claim 44, wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a first electrical connector positioned at a lower portion of the CPAP unit housing lateral face, and the humidifier comprises a second electrical connector, and the CPAP unit and the humidifier are structured so that the first electrical connector engages the second electrical connector when the CPAP unit housing lateral face engages the humidifier housing lateral face,

wherein the humidifier further comprises a base that holds a removable tank configured to contain a volume of water,

wherein the humidifier comprises a heater plate configured to provide heat to the water in the removable tank,

wherein the removable tank comprises at least one baffle configured to change a direction of air flowing through the removable tank,

wherein the CPAP unit housing further comprises a display and a user input device,

wherein the CPAP unit housing further comprises a handle,

wherein a longitudinal axis of a grip portion of the handle is perpendicular to a direction in which the humidifier is moved to be locked in engagement with the CPAP unit,

wherein the display is oriented so that a bottom portion of a displayed text or graphic is closer to the CPAP unit housing lateral face than a top portion of the displayed text or graphic,

wherein the user input device comprises at least one button and the at least one button is positioned between the display and the CPAP unit housing lateral face,

wherein the first locking portion comprises a latch and the second locking portion comprises a latch receiving portion,

wherein the CPAP unit gas outlet port comprises a hollow tubular structure surrounded by a channel,

wherein the humidifier gas inlet connecting member extends from a surface of the humidifier housing,

wherein the humidifier gas inlet connecting member is configured to receive the hollow tubular structure of the CPAP unit gas outlet port and be received by the channel of the CPAP unit gas outlet port,

wherein the first electrical connector is provided in a recess in the CPAP unit housing,

wherein the CPAP unit gas outlet is recessed within an opening in the CPAP unit housing,

wherein the CPAP unit housing and the humidifier housing are structured to lock to each other when the CPAP unit and the humidifier are in an upright orientation and the CPAP unit and the humidifier are moved laterally toward each other, the CPAP unit and the humidifier being in the upright orientation when the display faces upward,

wherein the CPAP unit housing lateral face and the humidifier housing lateral face are contoured to cooperate with each other to align the CPAP unit with the humidifier when the CPAP unit and the humidifier are moved laterally toward each other, and

wherein a portion of the CPAP unit housing lateral face is convex and a portion of the humidifier housing lateral face is concave, the convex portion of the CPAP unit housing lateral face being adapted to engage the concave portion of the humidifier housing lateral face when the CPAP unit housing lateral face and the humidifier housing lateral face are aligned and engage each other.

66. A modular positive pressure gas supply system configured to supply positive pressure gas to a patient, the system comprising:

a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) unit configured to generate a flow of positive pressure gas, the CPAP unit comprising a CPAP unit engagement face with a gas outlet port and a CPAP unit electrical connector;

a humidifier configured to be removably coupled and locked to the CPAP unit, the humidifier comprising a humidifier engagement face configured to engage the CPAP unit engagement face, the humidifier engagement face including a humidifier gas inlet connecting member and a humidifier electrical connector; and

a latch configured to removably lock the CPAP unit to the humidifier,

wherein the CPAP unit and the humidifier are structured so that when the CPAP unit and the humidifier are moved laterally toward each other;

(1) the CPAP unit gas outlet port sealingly engages the humidifier gas inlet connecting member,

(2) the CPAP unit electrical connector engages the humidifier electrical connector, and

(3) the latch locks the CPAP unit to the humidifier.

67. The system of claim 66, wherein the humidifier further comprises a base that holds a removable tank configured to contain a volume of water.

68. The system of claim 67, wherein the humidifier comprises a heater plate configured to provide heat to the water in the removable tank.

69. The system of claim 68, wherein the removable tank comprises at least one baffle configured to change a direction of air flowing through the removable tank.

70. The system of claim 66, wherein the CPAP unit is box-shaped.

71. The system of claim 66, wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a display and a user input device on an upward facing surface.

72. The system of claim 71, wherein the display is oriented so that a bottom portion of a displayed text or graphic is closer to an engagement face of the CPAP unit than a top portion of the displayed text or graphic, the engagement face of the CPAP unit being a portion of the CPAP unit configured to engage the humidifier.

73. The system of claim 71, wherein the user input device comprises at least one button and the at least one button is positioned between the display and the CPAP unit engagement face.

74. The system of claim 71, wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a handle on the upward facing surface.

75. The system of claim 74, wherein a longitudinal axis of a grip portion of the handle is perpendicular to a direction in which the humidifier is moved to be locked in engagement with the CPAP unit.

76. The system of claim 66, wherein the CPAP unit gas outlet port comprises a hollow tubular structure surrounded by a channel.

77. The system of claim 76, wherein the gas inlet connecting member is configured to receive the hollow tubular structure of the CPAP unit gas outlet port and be received by the channel of the CPAP unit gas outlet port.

78. The system of claim 66, wherein the latch is configured to be manually put into a release position that allows the CPAP unit and the humidifier to become uncoupled from each other.

79. The system of claim 66, wherein the CPAP unit engagement face has a first curved portion and the humidifier engagement face has a second curved portion, the first and second curved portions being configured to align and engage with each other when the CPAP unit is moved into engagement with the humidifier.

80. The system of claim 66, wherein the humidifier further comprises a base that holds a removable tank configured to contain a volume of water,

wherein the humidifier comprises a heater plate configured to provide heat to the water in the removable tank,

wherein the removable tank comprises at least one baffle configured to change a direction of air flowing through the removable tank,

wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a display and a user input device on an upward facing surface, and

wherein the latch is configured to be manually put into a release position that allows the CPAP unit and the humidifier to become uncoupled from each other.

81. A positive pressure gas supply system configured to supply positive pressure gas to a patient, the system comprising:

a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) unit configured to generate a flow of positive pressure gas;

a humidifier base located downstream of the CPAP unit and having a gas feed passage positioned to receive the flow of positive pressure gas from the CPAP unit and having a gas discharge passage that is connected to a respiration tube connecting portion configured to be connected to and deliver the positive pressure gas to a respiration tube, the humidifier base being integrated directly into the CPAP unit or removably joined together with the CPAP unit, the humidifier base comprising a receiving portion with a bottom wall heater plate; and

a refilling module with a metallic bottom portion, the refilling module being removably inserted into the receiving portion of the humidifier base to complete a gas flow path from the gas feed passage to the gas discharge passage and being configured to a) hold a volume of water and b) humidify the positive pressure gas,

wherein the metallic bottom portion of the refilling module is supported by and comes into heat conducting contact with the heater plate of the humidifier base when the refilling module is inserted into the receiving portion of the humidifier base, and

wherein the respiration tube connecting portion remains connected to the gas discharge passage of the humidifier base when the refilling module is removed from the humidifier base.

82. The system of claim 81, wherein the refilling module comprises a gas feed opening configured to receive the positive pressure gas from the gas feed passage of the humidifier base and comprises a gas discharge opening configured to discharge the humidified positive pressure gas to the discharge gas passage of the humidifier base.

83. The system of claim 82, wherein the refilling module and the receiving portion are configured so that upon the refilling module being inserted into the receiving portion, the gas feed opening is automatically aligned with the gas feed passage and the gas discharge opening is automatically aligned with the gas discharge passage.

84. The system of claim 81, wherein the gas feed passage of the humidifier base originates from a gas inlet of the humidifier base.

85. The system of claim 81 further comprising an electrical connection between the humidifier base and the CPAP unit.

86. The system of claim 81, wherein the humidifier base is integrated directly into the CPAP unit.

87. The system of claim 81 further comprising a lock configured to movably lock the refilling module in the receiving portion of the humidifier base when the refilling module is inserted into the receiving portion.

88. The system of claim 81 further comprising an electrical connection between the humidifier base and the CPAP unit,

wherein the gas feed passage of the humidifier base originates from a gas inlet of the humidifier base,

wherein the refilling module comprises a gas feed opening configured to receive the positive pressure gas from the gas feed passage of the humidifier base and comprises a gas discharge opening configured to discharge the humidified positive pressure gas to the discharge gas passage of the humidifier base, and

wherein the refilling module and the receiving portion are configured so that upon the refilling module being inserted into the receiving portion, the gas feed opening is automatically aligned with the gas feed passage and the gas discharge opening is automatically aligned with the gas discharge passage.

89. The system of claim 88 further comprising a lock configured to removably lock the refilling module in the receiving portion of the humidifier base when the refilling module is inserted into the receiving portion.

90. The system of claim 81, wherein the humidifier base is integrated directly into the CPAP unit,

wherein the receiving portion of the humidifier base comprises a circular circumferential wall configured so that the refilling module is removably insertable in the receiving portion of the humidifier base in a vertical direction perpendicular to the heater plate,

wherein the refilling module comprises a trough element with a humidifying region in which the positive pressure gas passes over and absorbs water vapor generated from the volume of water,

wherein the refilling module comprises a gas feed opening configured to receive the positive pressure gas from the gas feed passage of the humidifier base and comprises a gas discharge opening configured to discharge the humidified positive pressure gas to the discharge passage of the humidifier base,

wherein the refilling module and the receiving portion are configured so that upon the refilling module being inserted into and locked relative to the receiving portion, the gas feed opening is automatically aligned with the gas feed passage and the gas discharge opening is automatically aligned with the gas discharge passage,

wherein the heater plate is configured to provide heat to the water in the refilling module via the metallic bottom portion of the refilling module,

wherein the metallic bottom portion of the refilling module comes into intimate contact with the heater plate of the humidifier base when the refilling module is inserted into and locked relative to the receiving portion of the humidifier base,

wherein the refilling module comprises a translucent or transparent material,

wherein the refilling module comprises at least one baffle configured to change a direction of the positive pressure gas flowing through the refilling module,

wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a display and a user input device configured to control the CPAP unit and the heater plate of the humidifier base, and

wherein the system further comprises a gripping arrangement from which the system is holdable.

91. The system of claim 90, wherein the refilling module comprises a circumferential projection that engages the circular circumferential wall of the receiving portion when the refilling module is removably inserted into the receiving portion.

92. The system of claim 91, wherein the circumferential projection is located at an upper portion of the trough element.

93. The system of claim 90 further comprising a bayonet lock configured to lock the refilling module in place within the receiving portion via a twisting action after the refilling module is inserted into the receiving portion.

94. The system of claim 81 further comprising a bayonet lock configured to lock the refilling module in place within the receiving portion via a twisting action after the refilling module is inserted into the receiving portion.

95. The system of claim 81, wherein the gas discharge passage is configured to deliver the positive pressure gas to the respiration tube connecting portion.

96. A positive pressure gas supply system configured to supply positive pressure gas to a patient, the system comprising:

a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) unit configured to generate a flow of positive pressure gas;

a humidifier base having a gas feed passage positioned to receive the flow of positive pressure gas from the CPAP unit and having a gas discharge passage, the humidifier base being integrated directly into the CPAP unit, the humidifier base comprising a receiving portion with a bottom wall heater plate;

an electrical connection between the humidifier base and the CPAP unit;

a refilling module with a metallic bottom portion configured to be supported by and come into heat conducting contact with the heater plate of the humidifier base when the refilling module is at least partially inserted into the receiving portion of the humidifier base, the refilling module being removably inserted into the receiving portion of the humidifier base to complete a gas flow path from the gas feed passage to the gas discharge passage, and being configured to a) hold a volume of water and b) humidify the positive pressure gas; and

a respiration tube connecting portion positioned to remain in communication with the gas discharge passage of the humidifier base when the refilling module is removed from the humidifier base, the respiration tube connecting portion being configured to be connected to a respiration tube and deliver the humidified positive pressure gas to the respiration tube,

wherein the refilling module comprises a gas feed opening configured to receive the positive pressure gas from the gas feed passage of the humidifier base and comprises a gas discharge opening configured to discharge the humidified positive pressure gas to the gas discharge passage of the humidifier base,

wherein the refilling module and the receiving portion are configured so that upon the refilling module being inserted into the receiving portion, the gas feed opening is automatically aligned with the gas feed passage and the gas discharge opening is automatically aligned with the gas discharge passage,

wherein the gas feed passage originates at a gas inlet of the humidifier base,

wherein the refilling module has a housing portion made of translucent or transparent material,

wherein the heater plate is configured to provide heat to the water in the refilling module via the metallic bottom portion of the refilling module,

wherein the refilling module comprises at least one baffle configured to change a direction of the positive pressure gas flowing through the refilling module,

wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a display and a user input device configured to control the CPAP unit and the humidifier base, and

wherein the respiration tube connecting portion comprises a hollow tubular structure surrounded by a channel.

97. A positive pressure gas supply system configured to supply positive pressure gas to a patient, the system comprising:

a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) unit configured to generate a flow of positive pressure gas;

a humidifier base having a gas feed passage positioned to receive the flow of positive pressure gas from the CPAP unit and having a gas discharge passage that is connected to a respiration tube connecting portion configured to be connected to and deliver the positive pressure gas to a respiration tube, the humidifier base being integrated directly into the CPAP unit, the humidifier base comprising a receiving portion with a bottom wall heater plate; and

a refilling module with a metallic bottom portion, the refilling module being removably inserted into the receiving portion of the humidifier base to complete a gas flow path from the gas feed passage to the gas discharge passage and being configured to a) hold a volume of water and b) humidify the positive pressure gas,

wherein the metallic bottom portion of the refilling module is supported by and comes into heat conducting contact with the heater plate of the humidifier base when the refilling module is inserted into the receiving portion of the humidifier base,

wherein the respiration tube connecting portion remains connected to the gas discharge passage of the humidifier base when the refilling module is removed from the humidifier base,

wherein the refilling module comprises a gas feed opening configured to receive the positive pressure gas from the gas feed passage of the humidifier base and comprises a gas discharge opening configured to discharge the humidified positive pressure gas to the discharge passage of the humidifier base,

wherein the refilling module and the receiving portion are configured so that upon the refilling module being inserted into the receiving portion, the gas feed opening is automatically aligned with the gas feed passage and the gas discharge opening is automatically aligned with the gas discharge passage,

wherein the gas feed passage originates at a gas inlet of the humidifier base,

wherein the respiration tube connecting portion comprises a hollow tubular structure surrounded by a channel,

wherein the channel is shaped so that the respiration tube is connectable to the respiration tube connecting portion in only one orientation,

wherein the refilling module comprises a trough element, a cover and a seal between the trough element and the cover,

wherein the cover is removable from the trough element,

wherein the trough element has a humidifying region in which the positive pressure gas receives water vapor from the volume of water,

wherein the system further comprises a pressure measuring port proximate the gas feed passage,

wherein the heater plate is configured to provide heat to the water in the refilling module via the metallic bottom portion of the refilling module,

wherein the metallic bottom portion of the refilling module comes into intimate contact with the heater plate of the humidifier base when the refilling module is inserted into the receiving portion of the humidifier base,

wherein at least a portion of the refilling module comprises a translucent or transparent material,

wherein the refilling module comprises at least one baffle configured to change a direction of the positive pressure gas flowing through the refilling module, and

wherein the CPAP unit further comprises a display and a user input device configured to control the CPAP unit and the heater of the humidifier base.

98. The system of claim 97 further comprising a lock configured to removably lock the refilling module in the receiving portion of the humidifier base when the refilling module is inserted into the receiving portion.