Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the generation of directed vapor from a liquid source. Vaporization takes place within a device capable of confining boiling to a geometrically small volume, and expelling it as heated vapor via capillary vaporization. The foregoing is accomplished through the use of a lightweight compact and portable personal vaporization device that generates heated vapor by the flash boiling of small volumes of aqueous liquid in a safe and energy-efficient manner. The flash boiling takes place at the interface between a disk heater and a non-fibrous wick that receives liquid at one surface and generates vapor that is collected and pressurized in grooves at an opposing surface. In an alternate configuration, a heat distributor may be used between the heater and wick. The apparatus and methods are directed toward personal humidification for comfort and therapeutic purposes in the case of aqueous liquids, but may also be used with other, non-aqueous liquids.