Abstract: A patient interface includes a cushion having a body with a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has a lower opening structured to receive a flow of a treatment gas and a coupling mechanism. The rear portion is structured to engage a user's face and provide a generally continuous seal therewith. The patient interface further includes a frame having a torus shaped portion defining an opening. The opening has at least a portion of the coupling mechanism disposed therein.

Abstract: An improved patient interface (4) having a cushion (12) and a headgear (16), with the headgear having a pair of engagement elements (24) that each engage the patient with an engagement force, and with the engagement forces being directed generally toward one another. The engagement forces result in frictional forces between the headgear and the patient which resist the cushion from becoming disengaged with the patient. In one embodiment, the engagement elements each include a circumferential brace (44) that engages the head and extends about the ears. In another embodiment, the engagement elements engage the ears of the patient. In a free state, at least a portion of the headgear is of a spiral configuration which makes the patient interface collapsible and relatively easy to pack, such as for traveling.