Disclosed is an apparatus for delivering humidified breathable gas to a patient. The apparatus comprises a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface a wicking element and a heating element. The wicking element is wrapped around and supported by at least a portion of the heating element or wrapped around and supported by a wicking element support that also supports the heating element. The heating element is in the form of an elongated strip or ribbon.
