System for sensing the delivery of gases to a patient

The present invention provides improvements in the feedback and control systems employed in the field of ventilation therapy. In particular, a system for delivering a supply of gases to a patient is described which incorporates a detachable cartridge or open tubular section used to house a mechanism which senses the humidity, temperature, flow and other attributes of the flowing gas. Information obtained from the sensor may be used to provide feedback to a controller which controls the humidification mechanism in order to provide optimally humidified gases to a patient. It will be appreciated that the feedback and control system as described in the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be used in respiratory care generally or with a ventilator.