Patent ID: 8561613

Claim:
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient, the respiratory mask assembly comprising: a structure comprising a plurality of rigidly connected elements, the structure being configured to contact a) at least one point on the patient's forehead, b) two points on the patient's temples, the two temple points being on opposite sides of the patient's face, and c) two points on the patient's cheek, the two cheek points being on opposite sides of the patient's face, wherein one of the rigidly connected elements of the structure comprises a frame configured to support a cushion in contact with the patient's face, and another rigidly connected element of the structure comprises a rigid member adapted to extend across the forehead of the patient; and a plurality of straps connected to the structure and configured to hold the structure against the at least one forehead point, the two temple points, and the two cheek points in a fully constrained manner without the presence of a mask cushion or nasal pillows or prongs, wherein the rigidly connected elements of the structure form a rigid closed loop.