Mask system

• US 9,119,931 B2
• Filed: 07/31/2014
• Issued: 09/01/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Eves, Matthew, Valcic, Zoran, Wehbeh, Jamie Graeme, D'Souza, Errol Savio Alex, Lockwood, David James
• Primary Examiner(s): MATTER, KRISTEN CLARETTE
• Application Number:
  US14/447,673
• Publication Number:
  US 20140338672A1
• Time in Patent Office: 397 Days
• Field of Search: 128/205.25, 128/206.21, 128/206.24, 128/206.28, 128/207.11
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0057 Pumps therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0066 Blowers or centrifugal pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0611 with a gusset portion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0616 with face sealing means comprising a flap or membrane projecting inwards, such that sealing increases with increasing inhalation gas pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0622 having an underlying cushion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0633 with forehead support
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0694 Chin straps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0825 with ball-sockets
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0841 for sampling
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0858 Pressure sampling ports
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0875 Connecting tubes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/20 Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/208 Non-controlled one-way valves, e.g. exhalation, check, pop-off non-rebreathing valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0661 with customised shape
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/0085 product washed out
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/0225 Carbon oxides, e.g. Carbon dioxide

Abstract

A mask system has a shroud module with headgear connectors adapted to removably attach to respective headgear straps of headgear; and a cushion module, including a frame defining a breathing chamber; and a cushion to form a seal with the patient'"'"'s face in a nasal bridge region, a cheek region and a lower lip/chin region of the patient'"'"'s face. The cushion is constructed of a first, relatively soft, elastomeric material and the frame is constructed of a second material that is more rigid than the cushion, and a nasal bridge portion of the cushion includes one or more folds to provide in use a higher level of adaptability or flexibility to the nasal bridge region of the cushion module relative to another region of the cushion module. The shroud module and the cushion module are configured to be removably coupleable to one another.

Claims

1. A mask system, comprising:

(i) a shroud module;

wherein the shroud module includes headgear connectors adapted to removably attach to respective headgear straps of headgear; and

(ii) a cushion module, comprising;

a rigid or semi-rigid frame defining a breathing chamber; and

a cushion to form a seal with the patient'"'"'s face in a nasal bridge region, a cheek region and a lower lip/chin region of the patient'"'"'s face,

wherein the cushion is constructed of a first, relatively soft, elastomeric material and the frame is constructed of a second material that is more rigid than the cushion,

wherein the shroud module and the cushion module are configured to be removably and non-rotatably coupleable to one another; and

wherein the frame includes a protruding vent arrangement having a plurality of holes, wherein the shroud module includes a first opening to accommodate said protruding vent arrangement, and further wherein the shroud module includes a second opening positioned to align with a frame opening of the frame leading to the breathing chamber.

2. The mask system of claim 1 wherein the cushion comprises one or more folds in a lower lip/chin region of the cushion.

3. The mask system of claim 2, wherein a nasal bridge portion of the cushion includes one or more folds to provide in use a higher level of adaptability or flexibility to the nasal bridge region of the cushion module relative to another region of the cushion module;

and further wherein the one or more folds in the nasal bridge region has a relatively high degree of flexibility and the one or more folds in the lower lip/chin region has a relatively low degree of flexibility.

4. The mask system of claim 1, wherein a nasal bridge portion of the cushion includes one or more folds to provide in use a higher level of adaptability or flexibility to the nasal bridge region of the cushion module relative to another region of the cushion module;

and further wherein each of said one or more folds comprises adjacent first side walls interconnected by a second side wall.

5. The mask system of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a collar surrounding said frame opening, and wherein the shroud includes a retaining portion with a plurality snap fingers structured to engage the collar with a snap-fit.

6. The mask system of claim 1, wherein the shroud module includes upper and lower headgear connectors on each side of the shroud module.

7. The mask system of claim 6, wherein each upper headgear connector includes a slot adapted to receive a respective headgear strap in use.

8. The mask system of claim 7, wherein each lower headgear connector is adapted to be removably interlocked with a headgear clip associated with a respective headgear strap.

9. The mask system of claim 6, wherein the upper headgear connectors and the lower headgear connectors define a fulcrum point or moment of pivoting that is positioned between the upper headgear connectors and the lower headgear connectors.

10. The mask system of claim 1, wherein the shroud module includes an annular or part annular cushion retaining portion structured to retain the cushion module.

11. The mask system of claim 1, further comprising an elbow module adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to the patient.

12. The mask system of claim 11, wherein the elbow module is provided to the shroud module.

13. The mask system of claim 11, wherein the elbow module comprises polycarbonate.

14. The mask system of claim 11, wherein the elbow module and the shroud module are directly connected with a mechanical interlock while allowing 360 degree rotation of the elbow module.

15. The mask system of claim 11, wherein the elbow module includes an anti-asphyxia valve and wherein the anti-asphyxia valve includes a flap portion adapted to selectively close a port provided in the elbow module.

16. The mask system of claim 1, wherein the cushion module includes at least first and second cushion modules adapted to be provided to the shroud module, said at least first and second cushion modules being different from one another in at least one aspect.

17. The mask system of claim 1 comprising a small cushion module, a medium cushion module and a large cushion module, wherein each of said small cushion module, said medium cushion module and said large cushion module is removably coupleable to the same shroud module.

18. The mask system of claim 1, wherein the shroud module and the frame comprise polycarbonate and the cushion comprises silicone.

19. The mask system of claim 1, wherein:

the headgear includes a pair of upper straps and a pair of lower straps, with the upper straps being removably attached to respective ones of the headgear connectors and the lower straps being connected to respective ones of the headgear connectors,

a free end of each of the upper straps and the lower straps includes a hook tab structured to engage a remainder of the respective upper strap and respective lower strap to secure the upper and lower straps in place in a length adjustable manner,

the upper straps split to form a pair of top straps and a pair of rear straps, the top straps being connected together by a buckle and configured to pass over the top of the patient'"'"'s head in use, the rear straps being adapted to pass behind the patient'"'"'s head in use, and

a free end of each of the top straps has a hook tab threaded through the buckle to engage a remainder of the respective top strap to secure the top straps in place relative to the buckle in a length adjustable manner.

20. The mask system of claim 19, wherein the upper straps provide padding to the respective headgear connectors of the shroud module on the patient'"'"'s face in use.

21. The mask system of claim 19, wherein the rear straps and the top straps form a closed loop to encircle a rear portion of the patient'"'"'s head when in use.

22. The mask system of claim 19, wherein the frame includes a frame opening leading to the breathing chamber, and wherein the front opening of the shroud module and the frame opening of the frame are aligned along a common longitudinal axis, and wherein the shroud module and the cushion module are removably snap-fit attached to one another by moving the shroud module and the cushion module towards one another along the longitudinal axis.

23. The mask system of claim 22, wherein the headgear connectors are configured and arranged to allow pivoting of the cushion module, when attached with the shroud module, about a fulcrum point or moment of pivoting that is positioned between the upper connectors and the lower connectors.

24. The mask system of claim 23, wherein the frame is rigid.

25. The mask system of claim 19, wherein the frame is rigid.

26. The mask system of claim 1, wherein the second opening of the shroud module and the frame opening of the frame are aligned along a common longitudinal axis, and wherein the mask system further comprises a snap-fit arrangement to removably snap-fit attach the shroud module and the cushion module to one another by moving the shroud module and the cushion module towards one another along the longitudinal axis.

27. The mask system of claim 26, wherein the headgear connectors are configured and arranged to allow pivoting of the cushion module, when attached with the shroud module, about a fulcrum point or moment of pivoting that is positioned between the upper connectors and the lower connectors.

28. The mask system of claim 1, wherein:

the frame includes a collar surrounding said frame opening, and wherein the shroud includes a retaining portion with at least one snap finger structured to engage the collar with a snap-fit,

the shroud module includes upper and lower headgear connectors on each side of the shroud module,

each upper headgear connector includes a slot adapted to receive a respective headgear strap in use,

each lower headgear connector is adapted to be removably interlocked with a headgear clip associated with a respective headgear strap,

the mask assembly further comprises an elbow module adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to the patient, and

the elbow module is rotatably attached to the shroud module while allowing 360 degree rotation of the elbow module.

29. The mask system of claim 28, wherein each of the shroud module and the frame comprises polycarbonate, and the cushion comprises silicone.

30. The mask system of claim 28, wherein the frame is rigid.

31. The mask system of claim 1, wherein the frame is rigid.

32. A system for treating a patient with sleep disordered breathing, comprising:

the mask system of claim 1;

a flow generator to generate a supply of air at positive pressure to be delivered to the mask system; and

an air delivery tube configured to deliver the supply of air from the flow generator to the mask system.

33. A mask system, comprising:

(i) a shroud module;

wherein the shroud module includes headgear connectors adapted to removably attach to respective headgear straps of headgear; and

(ii) a cushion module, comprising;

a frame defining a breathing chamber; and

a cushion to form a seal with the patient'"'"'s face in at least a nasal bridge region and a cheek region of the patient'"'"'s face,

wherein the cushion is constructed of a first, relatively soft, elastomeric material and the frame is constructed of a second material that is more rigid than the cushion, and a nasal bridge portion of the cushion includes one or more folds to provide in use a higher level of adaptability or flexibility to the nasal bridge region of the cushion module relative to another region of the cushion module;

wherein the shroud module and the cushion module are configured to be removably coupleable to one another, and

wherein the shroud module includes a front opening of substantively circular shape and a retaining portion extending rearwardly from the front opening, towards the frame, and structured to snap-fit with the cushion module.

34. The mask system of claim 33, further comprising an elbow module directly mechanically interlocked with the shroud module while allowing 360 degree rotation of the elbow module.

35. The mask system of claim 33, wherein the shroud module includes upper and lower headgear connectors on each side of the shroud module;

wherein each upper headgear connector includes a slot adapted to receive a respective headgear strap in use; and

wherein each lower headgear connector is adapted to be removably interlocked with a headgear clip associated with a respective headgear strap.

36. The mask system of claim 33, further comprising an elbow module adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to the patient, wherein the shroud module is structured to directly retain and carry the elbow module.

37. The mask system of claim 33, wherein the frame includes a frame opening leading to the breathing chamber, and wherein the front opening of the shroud module and the frame opening of the frame are aligned along a common longitudinal axis, and wherein the shroud module and the cushion module are removably snap-fit attached to one another by moving the shroud module and the cushion module towards one another along the longitudinal axis.

38. The mask system of claim 37, wherein the headgear connectors are configured and arranged to allow pivoting of the cushion module, when attached with the shroud module, about a fulcrum point or moment of pivoting that is positioned between the upper connectors and the lower connectors.

39. The mask system of claim 38, wherein the frame is rigid.

40. The mask system of claim 33, wherein the frame is semi-rigid or rigid.

41. The mask system of claim 40, wherein the frame is rigid.

42. A system for treating a patient with sleep disordered breathing, comprising:

the mask system of claim 33;

a flow generator to generate a supply of air at positive pressure to be delivered to the mask system; and

an air delivery tube configured to deliver the supply of air from the flow generator to the mask system.

43. A mask system for delivery of a supply of air at positive pressure to a patient'"'"'s airway, the mask system comprising:

a cushion module comprising a frame defining a breathing chamber configured to receive the positive pressure air, and a cushion to form a seal with the patient'"'"'s face in a nasal bridge region, a cheek region and a lower lip/chin region of the patient'"'"'s face, wherein the cushion is constructed of a first, relatively soft, elastomeric material and the frame is constructed of a second material that is more rigid than the cushion, the frame including a washout vent, the frame including an opening;

headgear to maintain the mask system in a desired position on the patient'"'"'s face, the headgear comprising a pair of upper headgear straps each configured to extend above a respective one of the patient'"'"'s ears in use and a pair of lower headgear straps each configured to extend below a respective one of the patient'"'"'s ears in use, wherein a free end of each of the upper headgear straps and the lower headgear straps includes a hook tab structured to engage a remainder of the respective upper headgear strap and respective lower headgear strap to secure the upper and lower straps in place in a length adjustable manner, wherein the headgear includes a pair of top straps and a pair of rear straps, each said top strap being configured to extend from generally above a respective ear of the patient such that the top straps cross over the top of the patient'"'"'s head in use, the rear straps being adapted to pass behind the patient'"'"'s head in use, and wherein the rear straps and the top straps together at least partly form a closed loop to encircle a rear portion of the patient'"'"'s head when in use;

a shroud module including headgear connectors adapted to removably attach to the headgear, wherein the headgear connectors include two upper connectors associated with the upper headgear straps, the shroud module having an opening of circular shape, and two lower connectors associated with the lower headgear straps, each said upper headgear connector including a slot or receiving hole adapted to receive one of the upper headgear straps, wherein the shroud module and the frame of the cushion module are configured to be removably snap-fit attached to one another in a non-rotatable manner by pushing the shroud module towards the frame along a longitudinal axis of both the opening of the frame and the opening of the shroud; and

an elbow rotatably attached to and carried by the shroud module or the frame of the cushion module, the elbow being configured to deliver the positive pressure air to the breathing chamber, the elbow including a swivel adapted to connect to an air delivery tube, the elbow including an anti-asphyxia valve (AAV) and a port that is selectively closed by a flap portion of the AAV.

44. The mask system of claim 43, wherein:

each upper headgear connector includes a laterally elongated arm and the slot or receiving hole is positioned at a free end of the arm,

each arm is contoured to extend along the patient'"'"'s cheek, curving below the patient'"'"'s field of vision or eyes, and then curves upwards at an angle relative to a horizontal axis in use,

the arms are at least semi-rigid to help prevent up and down movement of the arms relative to the face of the patient,

the top straps are integral with one another,

the frame, the shroud module and the headgear are structured to control rotation of the mask system in the sagittal and coronal planes of the patient in use, without a forehead support, and

the elbow is rotatably snap-fit to the frame of the cushion module.

45. The mask system of claim 43, wherein:

each upper headgear connector includes a laterally extending arm and the slot or receiving hole is positioned at a free end of the arm,

the arms are at least semi-rigid to help prevent up and down movement of the arms relative to the face of the patient,

the elbow is rotatably snap-fit to the frame of the cushion module,

the top straps are integral with one another, and

the frame includes a co-molded ring-shaped lip seal to seal against the elbow when connected.

46. The mask system of claim 43, wherein:

the elbow is rotatably attached the shroud module,

the upper headgear straps provide padding to the respective headgear connectors of the shroud on the patient'"'"'s face in use,

the frame includes a protruding vent arrangement having a plurality of holes, wherein the shroud module includes a first opening to accommodate said protruding vent arrangement, further wherein the shroud module includes a second opening to accommodate the elbow,

the frame includes an opening and the frame further includes a collar surrounding said opening, and wherein the shroud module includes a retaining portion with one or more rearward extending snap fingers structured to engage the collar with a snap-fit, and

the top straps are connected together with a buckle allowing independent adjustment of each of the top straps.

47. The mask system of claim 43, wherein the mask system is configured and arranged to pivot about a fulcrum point or moment of pivoting that is positioned between the upper connectors and the lower connectors.

48. The mask system of claim 43, wherein the frame is semi-rigid or rigid.

49. The mask system of claim 48, wherein the frame is rigid.

50. A system for treating a patient with sleep disordered breathing, comprising:

the mask system of claim 43; and

a flow generator to generate a supply of air at positive pressure to be delivered to the mask system, wherein

the air delivery tube is configured to deliver the supply of air from the flow generator to the mask system.

51. A mask system for delivery of a supply of air at positive pressure to a patient'"'"'s airway, the mask system comprising:

a cushion module comprising a frame defining a breathing chamber configured to receive the positive pressure air, and a cushion to form a seal with the patient'"'"'s face in a nasal bridge region, a cheek region and a lower lip/chin region of the patient'"'"'s face, wherein the cushion is constructed of a first, relatively soft, elastomeric material and the frame is constructed of a second material that is more rigid than the cushion, the frame including a washout vent;

headgear to maintain the mask system in a desired position on the patient'"'"'s face, the headgear comprising a pair of upper headgear straps each configured to extend above a respective one of the patient'"'"'s ears in use and a pair of lower headgear straps each configured to extend below a respective one of the patient'"'"'s ears in use, wherein a free end of each of the upper headgear straps and the lower headgear straps includes a hook tab structured to engage a remainder of the respective upper headgear strap and respective lower headgear strap to secure the upper and lower straps in place in a length adjustable manner, wherein the headgear includes a pair of top straps and a pair of rear straps, each said top strap being configured to extend from generally above a respective ear of the patient such that the top straps cross over the top of the patient'"'"'s head in use, the rear straps being adapted to pass behind the patient'"'"'s head in use, and wherein the rear straps and the top straps together at least partly form a closed loop to encircle a rear portion of the patient'"'"'s head when in use;

a shroud module including headgear connectors adapted to removably attach to the headgear, wherein the headgear connectors include two upper connectors associated with the upper headgear straps and two lower connectors associated with the lower headgear straps, each said upper headgear connector including a slot or receiving hole adapted to receive one of the upper headgear straps, wherein the shroud module and the frame of the cushion module are configured to be removably snap-fit attached to one another in a non-rotatable manner; and

an elbow rotatably attached to and carried by the shroud module or the frame of the cushion module, the elbow being configured to deliver the positive pressure air to the breathing chamber, the elbow including a swivel adapted to connect to an air delivery tube, the elbow including an anti-asphyxia valve (AAV) and a port that is selectively closed by a flap portion of the AAV;

the elbow is rotatably attached the shroud module,

the upper headgear straps provide padding to the respective headgear connectors of the shroud on the patient'"'"'s face in use,

the frame includes a protruding vent arrangement having a plurality of holes, wherein the shroud module includes a first opening to accommodate said protruding vent arrangement, further wherein the shroud module includes a second opening to accommodate the elbow,

the frame includes a frame opening and the frame further includes a collar surrounding said frame opening, and wherein the shroud module includes a retaining portion with one or more rearward extending snap fingers structured to engage the collar with a snap-fit, and

the top straps are connected together with a buckle allowing independent adjustment of each of the top straps.

52. The mask system of claim 51, wherein the mask system is adapted to pivot about a fulcrum point or moment of pivoting that is positioned between the upper connectors and the lower connectors.

53. The mask system of claim 51, wherein the second shroud opening and the frame opening are aligned along a common longitudinal axis, and wherein the shroud and the frame are removably snap-fit attached to one another by moving the shroud and the frame towards one another along the longitudinal axis.

54. The mask system of claim 51, wherein the frame is semi-rigid or rigid.

55. The mask system of claim 54, wherein the frame is rigid.

56. A system for treating a patient with sleep disordered breathing, comprising:

the mask system of claim 51; and

a flow generator to generate a supply of air at positive pressure to be delivered to the mask system, wherein

the air delivery tube is configured to deliver the supply of air from the flow generator to the mask system.

57. A mask system for treating a patient with sleep disordered breathing with a supply of air at positive pressure, comprising:

headgear including headgear straps;

a shroud module having a pair of upper headgear connectors and a pair of lower headgear connectors adapted to removably attach to the respective headgear straps of the headgear, the shroud module having a front opening;

a rotatable elbow directly attached to the shroud; and

a cushion module, the cushion module comprising a frame defining a breathing chamber, the frame having a frame opening leading to the breathing chamber; and

a cushion to form a seal with the patient'"'"'s face, wherein the cushion comprises a first, relatively soft, elastomeric material and the frame comprises a second material that is more rigid than the cushion;

wherein;

the front opening of the shroud module and the frame opening of the frame are aligned along a common longitudinal axis, and wherein the shroud module and the cushion module are structured and arranged to be removably snap-fit attached to one another by moving the shroud module and the cushion module towards one another along the longitudinal axis, and

the shroud module includes a retaining portion positioned rearwardly of the front opening, towards the frame, and structured to snap fit with the cushion module.

58. The mask system of claim 57, wherein the shroud module and the cushion module are structured and arranged to be detached from one another by moving the shroud module and the cushion module away from one another along the longitudinal axis.

59. The mask system of claim 57, wherein the upper and lower headgear connectors are configured and arranged to allow pivoting of the cushion module, when attached with the shroud module, about a fulcrum point or moment of pivoting that is positioned between the upper headgear connectors and the lower headgear connectors.

60. The mask system of claim 57, wherein each upper headgear connector includes a slot adapted to receive a respective headgear strap in use;

and

wherein each lower headgear connector is adapted to be removably interlocked with a headgear clip associated with a respective headgear strap.

61. The mask system of claim 57, wherein the elbow is adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to the patient.

62. The mask system of claim 57, wherein:

the headgear includes upper straps and lower straps,

a free end of each of the upper straps and the lower straps includes a hook tab structured to engage a remainder of the respective upper strap and respective lower strap to secure the upper and lower straps in place in a length adjustable manner,

the upper straps split to form a pair of top straps and a pair of rear straps, the top straps being connected together by a buckle and configured to pass over the top of the patient'"'"'s head in use, the rear straps being adapted to pass behind the patient'"'"'s head in use, and

a free end of each of the top straps has a hook tab threaded through the buckle to engage a remainder of the respective top strap to secure the top straps in place relative to the buckle in a length adjustable manner.

63. The mask system of claim 62, wherein the upper straps provide padding to the respective headgear connectors of the shroud module on the patient'"'"'s face in use.

64. The mask system of claim 62, wherein the rear straps and the top straps form a closed loop to encircle a rear portion of the patient'"'"'s head when in use.

65. The mask system of claim 57, wherein the frame includes a protruding vent arrangement having a plurality of gas washout holes, wherein the shroud module includes an upper opening to accommodate said protruding vent arrangement.

66. The mask system of claim 57, wherein the cushion comprises one or more folds in a lower lip/chin region of the cushion.

67. The mask system of claim 66, wherein a nasal bridge portion of the cushion includes one or more folds to provide in use a higher level of adaptability or flexibility to the nasal bridge region of the cushion module relative to another region of the cushion module;

and further wherein the one or more folds in the nasal bridge region has a relatively high degree of flexibility and the one or more folds in the lower lip/chin region has a relatively low degree of flexibility.

68. The mask system of claim 57, wherein a nasal bridge portion of the cushion includes one or more folds to provide in use a higher level of adaptability or flexibility to the nasal bridge region of the cushion module relative to another region of the cushion module;

and further wherein each of said one or more folds comprises adjacent first side walls interconnected by a second side wall.

69. The mask system of claim 57, wherein the frame includes a collar surrounding said frame opening, and wherein the retaining portion of the shroud includes a plurality of snap fingers structured to engage the collar with a snap-fit.

70. The mask system of claim 57, wherein the elbow includes an anti-asphyxia valve and wherein the anti-asphyxia valve includes a flap portion adapted to selectively close a port provided in the elbow.

71. The mask system of claim 57, wherein each of the shroud module and the frame comprises polycarbonate and the cushion comprises silicone.

72. The mask system of claim 57, wherein:

the shroud module and the cushion module are structured and arranged to be detached from one another by moving the shroud module and the cushion module away from one another along the longitudinal axis,

wherein each upper headgear connector includes a slot adapted to receive a respective headgear strap in use, and wherein each lower headgear connector is adapted to be removably interlocked with a headgear clip associated with a respective headgear strap,

the elbow is adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to the patient,

the headgear includes upper straps and lower straps, a free end of each of the upper straps and the lower straps includes a hook tab structured to engage a remainder of the respective upper strap and respective lower strap to secure the upper and lower straps in place in a length adjustable manner, the upper straps split to form a pair of top straps and a pair of rear straps, the top straps being connected together by a buckle and configured to pass over the top of the patient'"'"'s head in use, the rear straps being adapted to pass behind the patient'"'"'s head in use, and a free end of each of the top straps has a hook tab threaded through the buckle to engage a remainder of the respective top strap to secure the top straps in place relative to the buckle in a length adjustable manner,

the upper straps provide padding to the respective headgear connectors of the shroud module on the patient'"'"'s face in use,

the rear straps and the top straps form a closed loop to encircle a rear portion of the patient'"'"'s head when in use,

the frame includes a protruding vent arrangement having a plurality of gas washout holes, wherein the shroud module includes an upper opening to accommodate said protruding vent arrangement,

the cushion comprises one or more folds in a lower lip/chin region of the cushion,

a nasal bridge portion of the cushion includes one or more folds to provide in use a higher level of adaptability or flexibility to the nasal bridge region of the cushion module relative to another region of the cushion module,

the frame includes a collar surrounding said frame opening, and wherein the retaining portion of the shroud includes a plurality of snap fingers structured to engage the collar with a snap-fit,

each of the shroud module and the frame comprises polycarbonate and the cushion comprises silicone.

73. The mask system of claim 72, wherein the upper and lower headgear connectors are configured and arranged to allow pivoting of the cushion module, when attached with the shroud module, about a fulcrum point or moment of pivoting that is positioned between the upper headgear connectors and the lower headgear connectors.

74. The mask system of claim 72, wherein the elbow includes an anti-asphyxia valve and wherein the anti-asphyxia valve includes a flap portion adapted to selectively close a port provided in the elbow.

75. The mask system of claim 72, wherein the frame is semi-rigid or rigid.

76. The mask system of claim 75, wherein the frame is rigid.

77. The mask system of claim 57, wherein the frame is semi-rigid or rigid.

78. The mask system of claim 77, wherein the frame is rigid.

79. A system for treating a patient with sleep disordered breathing, comprising:

the mask system of claim 57;

a flow generator to generate a supply of air at positive pressure to be delivered to the mask system; and

an air delivery tube configured to deliver the supply of air from the flow generator to the mask system.