Interchangeable mask assembly

Abstract

A mask assembly adapted for use with a positive airway pressure device includes a mask frame, a cushion provided to the frame, a forehead support assembly, and a neck to connect the frame to the forehead support assembly. The neck includes at least one wall including a first edge and a second edge, wherein lower ends of the first edge and the second edge converge towards one another in an upward direction and upper ends of the first edge and second edge diverge from one another in an upward direction. The mask assembly is configured so that a relatively narrow portion of the neck overlies the bridge of the nose or is between the eyes of a user. The relatively narrow portion is a portion of the neck where a distance between the first edge and second edge is smallest.

1 - 42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . A mask assembly adapted for use with a positive airway pressure device, comprising:
 a mask frame;   a cushion provided to the frame;   a forehead support assembly; and   a neck to connect the frame to the forehead support assembly, the neck comprising at least one wall comprising a first edge and a second edge, wherein   lower ends of the first edge and the second edge converge towards one another in an upward direction and upper ends of the first edge and second edge diverge from one another in an upward direction, and   the mask assembly is configured so that a relatively narrow portion of the neck overlies the bridge of the nose or is between the eyes of a user, the relatively narrow portion being a portion of the neck where a distance between the first edge and second edge is smallest.   
     
     
         44 . The mask assembly according to  claim 43 , wherein at least a portion of the neck is integrally molded with the frame. 
     
     
         45 . The mask assembly according to  claim 43 , wherein a width of the neck as seen in front view is substantially larger than a thickness of the at least one wall. 
     
     
         46 . The mask assembly according to  claim 43 , wherein the first edge and second edge of the at least one wall has a compound shape which is part parallel, part converging and/or part diverging. 
     
     
         47 . The mask assembly according to  claim 43 , wherein the neck blends with and has a continuous form with other parts of the mask. 
     
     
         48 . The mask assembly according to  claim 43 , wherein the first edge and the second edge of the at least one wall join to an edge of the frame in a smooth, congruous manner without sharp edges. 
     
     
         49 . The mask assembly according to  claim 43 , wherein the first edge and the second edge of the at least one wall are joined to a portion of the forehead support assembly in a congruous, smooth manner. 
     
     
         50 . The mask assembly according to  claim 43 , wherein the first edge and the second edge of the at least one wall both include a radiussed curvature. 
     
     
         51 . The mask assembly according to  claim 43 , wherein the cushion is a full face cushion. 
     
     
         52 . A mask assembly adapted for use with a positive airway pressure device, comprising:
 a mask frame;   a cushion provided to the frame;   a forehead support assembly; and   a neck to connect the frame to the forehead support assembly, the neck comprising at least one wall comprising a first edge and a second edge, wherein   the neck has a generally hourglass shape and is configured so that a relatively narrow portion of the neck overlies the bridge of the nose or is between the eyes of a user, the relatively narrow portion being a portion of the neck where a distance between the first edge and second edge is smallest.   
     
     
         53 . The mask assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein at least a portion of the neck is integrally molded with the frame. 
     
     
         54 . The mask assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein a width of the neck as seen in front view is substantially larger than a thickness of the at least one wall. 
     
     
         55 . The mask assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein the first edge and second edge of the at least one wall has a compound shape which is part parallel, part converging and/or part diverging. 
     
     
         56 . The mask assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein the neck blends with and has a continuous form with other parts of the mask. 
     
     
         57 . The mask assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein the first edge and the second edge of the at least one wall join to an edge of the frame in a smooth, congruous manner without sharp edges. 
     
     
         58 . The mask assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein the first edge and the second edge of the at least one wall both include a radiussed curvature. 
     
     
         59 . The mask assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein the cushion is a full face cushion.