Compensating for the effect of inlet gas temperature on heated humidifier performance

The humidity output of heated humidifiers may be compromised by inlet gas temperatures exceeding approximately 26 degrees C, with humidity dropping below the recommended levels for intubated patients. A new version of the Fisher & Paykel MR850 humidifier claims to deal with this problem by offering a humidity compensation option. The present study tested this feature by measuring humidity output using the gravimetric method and a hygrometer at different inlet gas temperatures (16.6 degrees C to 40.0 degrees C) with compensation on and off. It was found that the compensation is effective in maintaining humidity levels despite high inlet gas temperatures.