This invention provides an improved respiratory care system for patients. This system uses vapor generated by a humidifier device to provide a humidified vapor mist directly to a trachea patient via a tubing element. A vapor controller attaches to a conventional humidifier device and controls the flow rate of vapor mist from the humidifier to the patient. A tubing element attaches to the outlet of the vapor controller and channels to humidified vapor directly to the patient. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tubing element can attach directly to the trachea of the patient through a trachea mask.