A composite tube 201 for use in medical circuits carrying gases is made from two separate elongate members joined together. The first elongate member is a hollow and optically transparent body 203 spirally wound to form in part an elongate tube comprising a lumen 207 and a hollow wall. The second elongate member 205 is spirally wound between the adjacent turns of the first. The second elongate member may be less flexible than the first. The composite tube provides crush-resistance whilst enabling short-radius bending without kinking, occluding or collapsing. The tube is manufactured by spirally wrapping the second elongate member onto a mandrel and then spirally wrapping the first elongate member around the second. The transparent member allows a caregiver to inspect the lumen for blockage or contaminants or the presence of moisture. The hollow walls insulate the lumen.
