Abstract: Needleless connectors are described herein. A needleless connector includes a body, a valve element at least partially disposed within the body, and a base. The valve element includes a cylindrical portion having an outwardly extending flange at a distal end. The flange has a bottom surface with an outer area and an inner area. The base includes a rim having a top surface that is in contact with an outer area of the flange of the valve element, the rim defining a recess with a bottom surface separated from the top surface of the rim, and at least one support member having a top surface spaced apart from the top surface of the rim and configured to resist deformation of the flange toward the recess.