Abstract: The technology described herein provides an apparatus and associated methods for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) systems, which can be utilized to treat breathing problems such as sleep apnea. In at least one embodiment, an airway interface mask and headgear assembly includes a mask shell housing to cover the patients nose and mouth and a pillowed, non-collapsible air cushion consisting of a continuously sealed, generally circular, and hollow cylinder which is limited in compression and which is disposed upon the mask shell housing sealingly in a generally circular manner on an underside of the mask housing to engage the patient's face. The pillowed, non-collapsible air cushion provides the sealed, cushioned engagement to the patient's face necessary, with conformity to the shape and contours of the patient's face, in the CPAP system without allowing for compression of the mask shell housing to allow the mask housing to touch the patient's face.