Abstract: A respiratory mask including a flexible seal member that is formed to receive nasal and/or oral portions of a user's face. The flexible seal member is adapted to resiliently deform against the facial structure of the user to form a seal therewith when the mask is secured to the user's head by suitable straps or related headgear. The mask further includes a single block-like spacer for limiting deformation of the mask seal when the mask is engaged with the user's face and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the spacer. A presently preferred adjusting mechanism includes a flexible strap member upwardly extending from the mask and along which the spacer may be conveniently and selectively positioned.

Abstract: A self-regulating valve device adapted for use with respiratory equipment of a type which produces a pressurized flow of breathing gas. The valve device affords automatic access to the ambient atmosphere in the event of respiratory equipment malfunction and includes a primary inlet, a secondary inlet and an outlet. The primary inlet is adapted for connection to a ported exhalation valve which, in turn, is connected to one end of an elongated flexible tube, the opposite end of which is connected to a gas flow generator. The outlet, in turn, is connected to the inlet of an oral, nasal or oral/nasal respiratory mask respectively adapted to cover the patient's mouth, nose or mouth and nose. The valve device further comprises a pressure-responsive valve element for regulating gas flow into the inlet of the respiratory mask. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is additionally provided a diffuser element positioned generally at the valve outlet/mask inlet junction.