Patent ID: 7004162

Claim:
A mask for the inhalation of medication comprising: a front portion having an inlet adapted for connection to a source for providing an aerosol medication, wherein said mask has minimal dead space inside yet provides efficient inhalation and exhalation flow paths that purge said mask of exhaled air; a side wall expanding outwardly from said front portion to a rear portion adapted to fit sealingly on a human face; a wall located adjacent said front portion, and a valve integrally formed in an opening in said wall, wherein said wall and said valve form a single piece of material, said valve adapted for positioning adjacent nostrils of a nose; and wherein said valve is adapted to permit air flow through said opening upon a patient breathing in a first direction, and to prevent air flow through said opening upon the patient breathing in a second direction opposite the first direction and wherein said valve comprises an exhalation valve in fluid communication with an extension projecting from said side wall.