Patent ID: 8701667

Claim:
A patient interface device comprising: a support member; a sealing assembly attached to the support member, wherein the sealing assembly is adapted to contact a user and communicate a flow of gas to an airway of said user; a first contacting member operatively coupled to the support member on a first side of the sealing assembly; and a second contacting member operatively coupled to the support member on a second side of the sealing assembly opposite the first side, wherein the first contacting member and the second contacting member are each shaped, sized, configured and arranged to contact said user over only a limited contacting region, wherein the limited contacting region is located at a junction of the orbicularis oris facial muscle, the zygomaticus facial muscle, and the risorius facial muscle, and wherein the limited contacting region covers an area approximately 300 mm 2 in size and does not extend beyond the area.