A respiratory assistance
system can include a humidifier used for delivery of heated and humidified gases to a patient includes a humidification chamber with an inlet and associated sensor, an associated heater and sensor, an inspiratory conduit with an associated heater and sensor, and an unheated patient interface, such as a face
mask. A humidifier can include a
control system configured to change a humidification chamber outlet temperature
set point or an amount of generated
humidity, including for example, a maximum outlet temperature
set point, as a function of inlet gas temperature. The
control system can reduce and / or minimize
rainout (i.e. condensate) while maintaining a substantially consistent
humidity in the gases delivered to a patient.