An apparatus and method for separating breathable oxygen gas from a source
of gas and then humidifying the oxygen gas while preventing over
humidification of the oxygen gas, the apparatus comprising a gas pathway
located on a first side of a water transfer member, an oxygen gas pathway
located on a second side of the water transfer member and a separator for
separating the breathable oxygen gas from a gas located on the first side
of the water transfer member and directing the breathable oxygen gas past
the second side of the water transfer member while maintaining the
pressure of the gas substantially equal to the pressure of the breathable
oxygen gas to thereby humidify the breathable oxygen gas while preventing
a moisture condensation in the breathable oxygen gas.