Abstract: A monitoring connector for a patient ventilation system serves for connecting to a heatable breathing air tube portion for conducting ventilation air from a breathing air source to a patient. The connector further serves for connecting the breathing air tube portion to a patient air interface. The connector has a control/regulation unit and at least one light source that is in signal communication therewith, for visualizing a duration of use of at least one component of the patient ventilation system. The result is a monitoring connector in which reliable operation of the ventilation system without undesirable germ load is ensured with as little undesirable interference as possible.