Patent ID: 7870860

Claim:
A respiratory mask, comprising: a substantially bowed, intraoral mouthpiece comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a top portion, a bottom portion, an upper edge, and a lower edge, the mouthpiece extending between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the mouthpiece defining a central orifice through an approximate center of the first and second lateral edges; a tubular extension having a proximal end, a distal end, and a conduit, wherein the conduit of the tubular extension at the proximal end of the tubular extension feeds into the central orifice of the mouthpiece, the proximal end of the tubular extension terminating substantially coextensive with the inner surface of the mouthpiece; and an external shield to enhance the sealing of the mask to a patient's mouth, the external shield comprising at least first and second side edges and a central orifice through an approximate center of the first and second side edges, wherein the tubular extension passes through the central orifice of the external shield and the external shield is removably attached to the respiratory mask; wherein the mouthpiece is configured to fit between the patient's gums and lips, extends upward and downward substantially parallel to the patient's teeth and gums, and extends posteriorly in the mouth.