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An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to

An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; and a wicking element and/or a flat, elongate heating element provided at least in the humidifier chamber. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes generating a flow of breathable gas; and humidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water. Humidifying the flow includes heating the supply of water and/or the flow with a heating element in thermal contact with the water and/or the flow before passing the supply of water, the flow over the supply of water, and/or the flow after passing the supply of water; and controlling a voltage applied to the heating element to control the humidity of the flow. A tube for use in delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a circuit including electrically conductive ink provided on an inner surface and/or an outer surface.

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1. An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient, comprising: a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas;a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water;a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber;a second flow path

1. An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient, comprising: a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas;a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water;a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber;a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; anda heating element extending through the first flow path, the humidifier chamber and into the second flow path. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises: at least one resistive wire having a first end and a second end;an insulating layer between the first and second ends; andan outer coating surrounding the at least one resistive wire and the insulating layer. 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one resistive wire comprises two resistive wires that are electrically connected. 4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one resistive wire comprises a ribbon wire. 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a wicking element provided in at least one of the humidifier chamber and/or the second flow path. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path comprises a conduit having an inner wall and an outer wall, and the heating element is provided between the inner wall and the outer wall. 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the inner wall is semi-permeable or perforated. 8. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the wicking element is provided in at least two of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the humidifier chamber. 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the wicking element is provided around at least a portion of the heating element. 10. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the wicking element absorbs condensed water within at least the second flow path. 11. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the wicking element comprises a woven material, a thread, or a hygroscopic sponge material. 12. An apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a support in the humidifier chamber to support the wicking element. 13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the support is a tubular support and the wicking element is provided on an outer surface of the tubular support. 14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the heating element is provided around the tubular support. 15. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the heating element is provided inside the tubular support. 16. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the support is configured to selectively vary the amount of the wicking element exposed to the flow of breathable gas. 17. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the humidifier chamber comprises a tub of a humidifier, and the humidifier comprises a second heating element to heat the water supply. 18. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply and controller configured to supply and control power to the heating element. 19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the heating element comprises a plurality of segments or zones. 20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to supply and control power independently to each segment or zone. 21. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to supply power to the heating element prior to and/or after operation of the flow generator to generate the flow of breathable gas. 22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to supply power to the heating element so that the heating element is heated to a temperature sufficient to kill bacteria and/or disinfect a wicking element provided in at least one of the humidifier chamber and/or the second flow path. 23. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to heat a wicking element provided in at least one of the humidifier chamber and/or the second flow path to a temperature of about 45°-65° C. for about 5-60 minutes. 24. An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to heat the wicking element to about 60° C. for about 5 minutes. 25. An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to heat the wicking element to about 45° C. for about 15 minutes. 26. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient, comprising: generating a flow of breathable gas; andhumidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water, wherein humidifying the flow comprises heating the flow with a heating element in thermal contact with a) the flow before passing the supply of water, b) the supply of water, and/or c) the flow after passing the supply of water, the heating element extending from upstream of the supply of water to downstream of the supply of water. 27. A method according to claim 26, wherein humidifying the flow further comprises supplying water to the flow of breathable gas by wicking water from the supply of water. 28. A method according to claim 27, wherein wicking water from the supply of water comprises providing a wicking element in contact with the supply of water. 29. A method according to claim 28, wherein the wicking element extends into the flow before the supply of water and/or the flow after the supply of water. 30. A method according to claim 28, further comprising adjusting an amount of the wicking element in contact with the supply of water. 31. A method according to claim 28, wherein the wicking element surrounds at least a portion of the heating element. 32. A method according to claim 26, further comprising, before and/or after generating the flow of breathable gas, supplying power to the heating element. 33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the power supplied to the heating element heats the heating element to a temperature sufficient to kill bacteria and/or disinfect a wicking element. 34. A method according to claim 32, wherein the power supplied to the heating element heats a wicking element to a temperature of about 45°-65° C. for about 5-60 minutes. 35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the temperature of the wicking element is raised to about 60° C. for about 5 minutes. 36. A method according to claim 34, wherein the temperature of the wicking element is raised to about 45° C. for about 15 minutes. 37. A humidifier, comprising: a tub to contain a supply of water;an inlet to receive a flow of breathable gas, the inlet configured to direct the flow over the supply of water to humidify the flow;an outlet connectable to a conduit;a wicking element provided in the tub; anda heating element extending from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the heating element is configured to contact the supply of water. 38. A humidifier according to claim 37, wherein the wicking element extends from the tub toward the inlet and/or the outlet. 39. A humidifier according to claim 37, wherein the heating element comprises at least one resistive wire having a first end and a second end; an insulating layer between the first and second ends; and an outer coating surrounding the at least one resistive wire and the insulating layer. 40. A humidifier according to claim 39, wherein the at least one resistive wire comprises two resistive wires that are electrically connected. 41. A humidifier according to claim 39, wherein the at least one resistive wire comprises a ribbon wire. 42. A humidifier according to claim 38, wherein the wicking element is provided around at least a portion of the heating element. 43. A humidifier according to claim 37, wherein the wicking element comprises a woven material, a thread, or a hygroscopic sponge material. 44. A humidifier according to claim 37, further comprising a support in the tub to support the wicking element. 45. A humidifier according to claim 44, wherein the support is a tubular support and the wicking element is provided on an outer surface of the tubular support. 46. A humidifier according to claim 45, wherein the heating element is provided around the tubular support. 47. A humidifier according to claim 44, wherein the support is configured to selectively vary the amount of the wicking element exposed to the flow of breathable gas. 48. A humidifier according to claim 37, further comprising a second heating element to heat the tub. 49. A humidifier according to claim 38, further comprising a power supply and controller configured to supply and control power to the heating element. 50. A humidifier according to claim 49, wherein the heating element comprises a plurality of segments or zones. 51. A humidifier according to claim 50, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to supply and control power independently to each segment or zone. 52. A humidifier according to claim 49, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to supply power to the heating element prior to and/or after operation of the flow generator to generate the flow of breathable gas. 53. A humidifier according to claim 52, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to supply power to the heating element so that the heating element is heated to a temperature sufficient to kill bacteria and/or disinfect the wicking element. 54. A humidifier according to claim 52, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to heat the wicking element to a temperature of about 45°-65° C. for about 5-60 minutes. 55. A humidifier according to claim 54, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to heat the wicking element to about 60° C. for about 5 minutes. 56. A humidifier according to claim 54, wherein the power supply and controller is configured to heat the wicking element to about 45° C. for about 15 minutes. 57. An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient, comprising: a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas;a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water;a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber;a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; anda flat wire heating element provided at least in the humidifier chamber. 58. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the heating element is further provided in the first flow path and/or the second flow path. 59. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the flat wire is formed of an alloy. 60. An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein the alloy is a nickel chrome alloy, or a nickel chrome iron alloy. 61. An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein percentages of each metal in the alloy are selected to provide a predetermined maximum power and a predetermined maximum temperature of the flat wire. 62. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the flat wire is formed of metal. 63. An apparatus according to claim 62, wherein the metal is copper or silver. 64. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the flat wire is formed of a positive thermal coefficient material. 65. An apparatus according to claim 64, wherein the positive thermal coefficient material is selected so that a maximum temperature of the flat wire may be attained upon application of a constant voltage. 66. An apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the maximum temperature is about 70° C. 67. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the heating element comprises a polymer thin film comprising a circuit. 68. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the polymer thin film comprises polyimide, silicone rubber, polycarbonate, polyester, polypropylene or PTFE. 69. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the circuit is printed on the polymer thin film. 70. An apparatus according to claim 69, wherein the circuit is printed by etching or vacuum deposition. 71. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the heating element comprises a second polymer thin film over the circuit. 72. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the circuit comprises electrically conductive ink. 73. An apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the electrically conductive ink comprises silver ink, carbon ink, or a combination thereof. 74. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the circuit comprises a wire, a ribbon, and/or a resistive conductor. 75. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the circuit comprises a positive thermal coefficient material. 76. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the circuit comprises a negative thermal coefficient material. 77. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the heating element comprises a plurality of circuits. 78. An apparatus according to claim 77, wherein the plurality of circuits are provided in series and/or parallel. 79. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the heating element comprises a polymer thin film wrapped by a wire. 80. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the heating element has a width of about 1-10 mm. 81. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the heating element has a width of about 5 mm. 82. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the heating element has a thickness of about 0.1 to 1 mm. 83. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the heating element has a thickness of about 0.2 to 0.5 mm. 84. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein at least a portion of the heating element is covered by an insulating material. 85. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein at least a portion of the heating element is covered by a wicking element. 86. An apparatus according to claim 57, further comprising a power supply and controller configured to apply a voltage to the heating element. 87. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient, comprising: generating a flow of breathable gas; andhumidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water, wherein humidifying the flow comprises heating the supply of water and/or the flow with a heating element in thermal contact with the water and/or the flow before passing the supply of water, the flow over the supply of water, and/or the flow after passing the supply of water, the heating element being a continuous strip in direct contact with the flow upstream of the supply of water and in direct contact with the flow downstream of the supply of water; andcontrolling a voltage applied to the heating element to adjust a temperature of the heating element and the humidity of the flow. 88. A method according to claim 87, wherein the heating element comprises a flat, elongate heating element. 89. A method according to claim 87, wherein the heating element has a width of about 1-10 mm. 90. A method according to claim 87, wherein the heating element has a width of about 5 mm. 91. A method according to claim 87, wherein the heating element has a thickness of about 0.1 to 1 mm. 92. A method according to claim 88, wherein the heating element has a thickness of about 0.2 to 0.5 mm. 93. A method according to claim 87, wherein the voltage is controlled to provide a relative humidity greater than 50%. 94. A method according to claim 87, wherein humidifying the flow further comprises wicking water from the supply of water. 95. A tube for use in delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient comprising a circuit comprising electrically conductive ink provided on an inner surface and/or an outer surface, the tube defining the first and/or second flow path of the apparatus of claim 57. 96. A tube according to claim 95, wherein the electrically conductive ink is carbon ink, silver ink, or a combination thereof. 97. A tube according to claim 95, wherein the electrically conductive ink is provided in a predetermined pattern configured to provide a predetermined heating pattern when a predetermined voltage is applied to the circuit. 98. A method of disinfecting an apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient comprising a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; and a flat, elongate heating element provided in the humidifier chamber, the first flow path, and/or the second flow path, the method comprising: prior to and/or after operation of the flow generator, heating the heating element to a temperature sufficient to kill bacteria and/or disinfect a wicking element. 99. An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient, comprising: a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas;a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water;a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber;a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface;a wicking element provided at least in the humidifier chamber;a heating element extending through the first flow path, the humidifier chamber and into the second flow path; anda power supply and control configured to supply and control power to the heating element, wherein the power supply and control is configured to supply and control power to the heating element prior to and/or after operation of the flow generator to heat the heating element to a temperature sufficient to kill bacteria and/or disinfect the wicking element. 100. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises: at least two opposing surfaces;an insulating layer, at least a portion of the insulating layer being positioned between the at least two opposing surfaces; andan outer coating surrounding the at least two opposing surfaces. 101. An apparatus according to claim 100, wherein the at least two opposing surfaces are part of a single resistive wire folded over upon itself. 102. An apparatus according to claim 101, wherein the insulating layer surrounds the at least two opposing surfaces. 103. An apparatus according to claim 102, wherein the insulating layer includes opposing surfaces. 104. An apparatus according to claim 103, wherein the at least two opposing surfaces of the single resistive wire and the insulation layer are encapsulated by a protective coating. 105. An apparatus according to claim 100, wherein the at least two opposing surfaces are surfaces of at least two different resistive wires, the at least two different resistive wires being electrically connected. 106. An apparatus according to claim 105, wherein the insulating layer surrounds the at least two opposing surfaces. 107. An apparatus according to claim 106, wherein the insulating layer includes opposing surfaces. 108. An apparatus according to claim 107, wherein the at least two opposing surfaces of the at least two different resistive wires and the insulation layer are encapsulated by a protective coating.