Abstract: An insertable airway member (700, 1200, 1300) provides an escape path for air during evacuation of a heat-sealable bag (600) to protect a perishable or vacuum-packable item (1000). The member (700) extends from the open edge (602) of the bag inwardly to the contents being sealed in the bag. The member is made of flexible, woven plastic mesh with open cells (800) comprising fiber strands (705) and knots (805) with holes (900). In an alternative embodiment, the airway member (1200, 1300) is rigid or semi-rigid and provided with channels (1205) or grooves (1305) to permit the escape of air from the bag during evacuation. The bag is evacuated and then heat-sealed. During heat-sealing of the bag, the sandwich comprising the airway member and the opposed sides of the bag near its open edge are forced together by heated clamps (22) of a known heat-sealing apparatus (400).