The present invention may include an integral, separable or separate
humidifier (100) which may be selectively configured to an inoperative or
operative state. The switch over is dependent on the user or the seller
having access to an actuation tool to activate the humidifier. The
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is initially available
for use as a standalone CPAP (100). The heater plate being isolated by a
covering shroud (102), the shroud (102) also forms a connection port for
the CPAP blower outlet (104). The heated humidification hardware being
disabled by the absence of the activation tool. Upgrade to a CPAP device
including heated humidification is completed by the installation of the
actuation tool. Removal of the heater plate isolating shroud and/or
installing the actuation tool enables the software controlled heated
humidification hardware for heated humidifier operation. Other upgrades
to functionality are also disclosed.