The history of the development of humidifiers as a necessaryaccompaniment to mechanical ventilation is a fascinating one. In New Zealand in the 1960s, Fisher and Paykel, an established importer of a variety of household appliances, launched into the design and manufacture of humidifiers following the requirements envisaged at that time, for optimal use in the intensive care setting. This was a completely new venture for the company and led to the establishment of a separate Fisher and Paykel Health Care company for medical equipment manufacture, which has continued successfully to the present day.