Patent ID: 7546837

Claim:
A patient interface comprising: a mask shell comprising a wall defining a cavity, wherein the wall has a first side, and wherein a first opening is defined generally in a first plane in the first side of the wall; a seal member having a first end portion adapted to contact a user's face and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the second end portion is disposed generally in the first plane; a flexible connecting member positioned between the first side of the wall and the second end portion of the seal member, wherein the flexible connecting member extends between the first side of the wall and the seal member generally in the first plane such that the flexible connecting member allows angular movement between the seal member and the mask shell and movement of the second end portion of the seal member into the cavity; and a substantially rigid ring positioned within the flexible connecting member and coupled between the flexible connecting member and the seal member, wherein the rigid ring, connecting member, and mask shell are configured such that at least a portion of the rigid ring is adapted to enter the first opening responsive to deflection of the connecting member.