Abstract: A method for operating a humidifier coupled to a gas flow generator. The humidifier has a pump providing a supply of water to a heater plate. The method includes: providing power to the gas flow generator; raising the temperature of the heater plate from an ambient temperature to about a first predetermined temperature; powering the pump at about a predetermined first duty cycle; monitoring the temperature of the heater plate until one of: a drop in temperature is detected, or a predetermined period of time has elapsed; and one of: increasing the duty cycle of the pump if the drop in temperature is detected, or turning off the pump if the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A humidifier for an airway pressure support system is implemented for delivering a humidified flow of breathing gas to a patient. The humidifier includes a water chamber, a conduit, a nozzle, a heater plate, and a separator feature. The conduit includes first and second ends, and a wall portion defining an interior pathway between the first and second ends and structured to convey the flow of breathing gas between the first and second ends. The nozzle is fluidly connected to the water chamber and configured to produce a water droplet from water received from the water chamber. The heater plate is coupled to the wall portion, exposed to the interior pathway, and positioned to receive the water droplet from the nozzle. The separator feature is coupled to the wall portion and configured to shield the water droplet from the flow of breathing gas.