Importance

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Abstract

A low contact nasal mask assembly that includes a seal member defined from a unitary piece of elastomeric material. The seal member defines a nose receiving cavity and has a first end portion and a second end portion generally opposite the first end portion. A first open is defined in the first end portion to allow at least a portion of a nose of a patient to enter the nose receiving cavity such that the nares of the patient communicate with the nose receiving cavity. The seal member also includes a neck portion defined in the second end portion and a second opening defined in the neck portion in communication with the nose receiving cavity. In addition, an outside diameter of the seal member and an inside diameter of the seal member increase generally linearly from the second end portion to the first end portion to minimize contact of the seal member with a patient and to minimize dead space. Furthermore, a collar coupled to the neck portion of the seal member provides a plurality of headgear attachment points spaced apart from the seal member. Also, a conduit coupling member is coupled to the collar and provides a mounting by which the nasal mask selectively couples to a breathing circuit.

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First Claim