# US 10,500,362 B2 · Delivery of respiratory therapy using collapsible inlet conduits

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- Number: US 10,500,362 B2
- Document ID: US10500362B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/239,175
- Filed: 2019-01-03
- Published: 2019-05-09
- Granted: 2019-12-10
- Earliest claimed: 2006-07-28
- Assignees: ResMed Pty Ltd
- Applicants: ResMed Pty Ltd
- Inventors: Robert Edward Henry; Gregory Robert Peake
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10500362B2

## CPC

- A61M 16/0611: {with a gusset portion}
- A61M 16/06: Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
- A61M 16/0616: {with face sealing means comprising a flap or membrane projecting inwards, such that sealing increases with increasing inhalation gas pressure}
- A61M 16/0633: {with forehead support}
- A61M 16/0666: {Nasal cannulas or tubing (devices for improving normal breathing through the nose A61F5/08; nose filters A62B23/06; outside holding devices A61M25/02)}
- A61M 16/0683: {Holding devices therefor}
- A61M 16/0694: {Chin straps}
- A61M 16/08: Bellows; Connecting tubes {(having means for taking samples G01N1/22); Water traps; Patient circuits}
- A61M 16/0825: {with ball-sockets}
- A61M 16/0833: {T- or Y-type connectors, e.g. Y-piece}
- A61M 16/0875: {Connecting tubes}
- A61M 39/08: Tubes; Storage means specially adapted therefor
- A62B 18/025: {Halfmasks (A62B23/02 takes precedence; surgical face masks A41D13/11)}
- A62B 18/084: {Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets}
- A61M 16/0622: {having an underlying cushion}
- A61M 16/1045: {Devices for humidifying or heating the inspired gas by using recovered moisture or heat from the expired gas}
- A61M 16/20: Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
- A61M 2205/02: characterised by a particular materials
- A61M 2205/0238: the material being a coating or protective layer
- A61M 2205/273: preventing reuse, e.g. of disposables
- A61M 2205/583: by visual feedback
- A61M 2205/588: by olfactory feedback, i.e. smell
- A61M 2205/59: Aesthetic features, e.g. distraction means to prevent fears of child patients
- A61M 2209/06: Packaging for specific medical equipment
- A61M 2209/082: Mounting brackets, arm supports for equipment
- A61M 2209/088: on the body
- A61M 2210/0618: Nose
- A61M 2210/0625: Mouth
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}
- A62B: DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING (valves specially adapted for medical use A61M39/00; life-saving devices, apparatus or methods specially adapted for use in water B63C9/00; divers' equipment B63C11/00; specially adopted for use with aircraft, e.g. parachutes, ejector seats, {B64D17/00, B64D25/10}; rescue devices peculiar to mining E21F11/00)

## Abstract

An air delivery system for providing a supply of air from a source of air at positive pressure to an interfacing structure located at the entrance to the airways of a patient includes a manifold adapted to connect with the supply of positive air pressure and at least one tube connected to the manifold and adapted to deliver the supply of air to the interfacing structure. Each tube is structured to allow movement between an open phase in which the tube allows the passage of air and a collapsed phase in which the tube is collapsed. Each tube is structured such that weight of a typical patient's head against bedding apparel is sufficient to collapse the tube from the open phase to the collapsed phase.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A mask system to deliver respiratory therapy to a patient, the mask system comprising:
a patient interface that defines a breathing chamber and is shaped to seal against a face of the patient and deliver pressurized air from the breathing chamber into airways of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, the patient interface defining a first inlet port for introduction of pressurized air into the breathing chamber at a first location and a second inlet port for introduction of pressurized air into the breathing chamber at a second location that is spaced apart from the first location;
a first collapsible inlet conduit to extend across a first side of a head of the patient between a first ear of the patient and a first eye of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, and to connect with the first inlet port to deliver pressurized air to the breathing chamber, the first collapsible inlet conduit structured to move between a first conduit open condition in which the first collapsible inlet conduit allows passage of pressurized air and a first conduit collapsed condition in which the first collapsible inlet conduit substantially prevents passage of pressurized air upon the head of the patient resting on the first collapsible inlet conduit against bedding, the first collapsible inlet conduit being biased toward the first conduit open condition without being pressurized; and
a second collapsible inlet conduit to extend across a second side of the head of the patient between a second ear of the patient and a second eye of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, and to connect with the second inlet port to deliver pressurized air to the breathing chamber, the second collapsible inlet conduit structured to move between a second conduit open condition in which the second collapsible inlet conduit allows passage of pressurized air and a second conduit collapsed condition in which the second collapsible inlet conduit substantially prevents passage of pressurized air upon the head of the patient resting on the second collapsible inlet conduit against bedding, the second collapsible inlet conduit being biased toward the second conduit open condition without being pressurized.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The mask system of claim 1, wherein:
opposing inner walls of the first collapsible inlet conduit engage each other when the first collapsible inlet conduit is in the first conduit collapsed condition; and
opposing inner walls of the second collapsible inlet conduit engage each other when the second collapsible inlet conduit is in the second conduit collapsed condition.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The mask system of claim 2, further comprising a manifold to receive pressurized air from a flow generator and provide pressurized air to the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit, the manifold shaped to connect to the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The mask system of claim 3, wherein the manifold is shaped to mount atop the head of the patient.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The mask system of claim 4, wherein the manifold is structured to not collapse when bodyweight is applied thereto to ensure that pressurized air received by the manifold from the flow generator is provided to at least one of the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The mask system of claim 5, wherein the patient interface is structured to not collapse when bodyweight is applied thereto to ensure that pressurized air is received by the breathing chamber through at least one of the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit, and is provided from the breathing chamber into the airways of the patient.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The mask system of claim 6, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit includes a first elongate section that extends between the first ear of the patient and the first eye of the patient, the first elongate section being formed of silicone; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit includes a second elongate section that extends between the second ear of the patient and the second eye of the patient, the second elongate section being formed of silicone.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The mask system of claim 7, further comprising a back strap to extend across an occiput of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, the back strap connectable with the first collapsible inlet conduit above the first ear of the patient and connectable with the second collapsible inlet conduit above the second ear of the patient.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The mask system of claim 8, wherein the mask system lacks a headgear strap other than the first collapsible inlet conduit, the second collapsible inlet conduit, and the back strap to maintain the patient interface in a desired position on the head of the patient.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The mask system of claim 1, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape such that a relatively flat, inwardly-facing portion of the D-shaped cross-sectional shape of the first collapsible conduit is oriented to sit substantially flush against the face of the patient during use while a curved, outwardly-facing portion of the D-shaped cross-sectional shape of the first collapsible conduit is oriented away from the face of the patient during use; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape such that a relatively flat, inwardly-facing portion of the D-shaped cross-sectional shape of the second collapsible conduit is oriented to sit substantially flush against the face of the patient during use while a curved, outwardly-facing portion of the D-shaped cross-sectional shape of the second collapsible conduit is oriented away from the face of the patient during use.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The mask system of claim 10, further comprising a back strap to extend across an occiput of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, the back strap connectable with the first collapsible inlet conduit above the first ear of the patient and connectable with the second collapsible inlet conduit above the second ear of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The mask system of claim 11, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit defines a concave curvature with ends oriented away from the rear strap along a longitudinal direction of the first collapsible inlet conduit when the mask assembly is worn by the patient; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit defines a concave curvature with ends oriented away from the rear strap along a longitudinal direction of the second collapsible inlet conduit when the mask assembly is worn by the patient.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The mask system of claim 12, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit is arcuate such that the concave curvature of the first collapsible inlet conduit is continuous between a location at which the first collapsible inlet conduit is structured to connect to the patient interface and a location at which the first collapsible inlet conduit is structured to connect to a manifold; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit is arcuate such that the concave curvature of the second collapsible inlet conduit is continuous between a location at which the second collapsible inlet conduit is structured to connect to the patient interface and a location at which the second collapsible inlet conduit is structured to connect to the manifold.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The mask system of claim 13, further comprising the manifold, the manifold being shaped to mount atop the head of the patient and connect the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit with a source of pressurized air, the manifold structured to prevent collapse of the manifold when worn by the patient.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The mask system of claim 14, wherein the mask system lacks a headgear strap other than the first collapsible inlet conduit, the second collapsible inlet conduit, and the back strap to maintain the patient interface in a desired position on the head of the patient.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The mask system of claim 15, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit maintains an approximately constant hydraulic diameter along a longitudinal length of the first collapsible inlet conduit when in the first conduit open condition; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit maintains an approximately constant hydraulic diameter along a longitudinal length of the second collapsible inlet conduit when in the second conduit open condition.

### Claim 17 (depends on 16)

The mask system of claim 16, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit is removably attachable to the patient interface at a first joint, and the first collapsible inlet conduit and the patient interface provide no visible step change from the first collapsible inlet conduit to the patient interface across the first joint when the first collapsible inlet conduit is attached to the patient interface; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit is removably attachable to the patient interface at a second joint, and the second collapsible inlet conduit and the patient interface provide no visible step change from the second collapsible inlet conduit to the patient interface across the second joint when the second collapsible inlet conduit is attached to the patient interface.

### Claim 18 (depends on 15)

The mask system of claim 15, wherein the patient interface is shaped to seal entirely below a nasal bridge of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The mask system of claim 18, wherein the patient interface is shaped to seal entirely above a mouth of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient.

### Claim 20 (depends on 18)

The mask system of claim 18, wherein surfaces of the patient interface that seal against the face of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient are formed of silicone.

### Claim 21 (depends on 1)

The mask system of claim 1, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit includes means for collapsing when weight is applied thereto; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit includes means for collapsing when weight is applied thereto.

### Claim 22 (depends on 21)

The mask system of claim 21, further comprising a back strap to extend across an occiput of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient;
wherein the first collapsible inlet conduit includes means for attaching with the back strap; and
wherein the second collapsible inlet conduit includes means for attaching with the back strap.

### Claim 23 (depends on 22)

The mask system of claim 22, wherein the patient interface includes means for sealing against the face of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient.

### Claim 24 (depends on 23)

The mask system of claim 23, wherein the patient interface includes means for connecting the first collapsible inlet conduit to the patient interface, and means for connecting the second collapsible inlet conduit to the patient interface.

### Claim 25 (depends on 1)

The mask system of claim 1, wherein:
a width of the first collapsible inlet conduit at a first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit is greater than a width of the first collapsible inlet conduit at a second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit;
a height of the first collapsible inlet conduit at the first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit is less than a height of the first collapsible inlet conduit at the second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit;
a width of the second collapsible inlet conduit at a first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit is greater than a width of the second collapsible inlet conduit at a second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit; and
a height of the second collapsible inlet conduit at the first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit is less than a height of the second collapsible inlet conduit at the second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit.

### Claim 26 (depends on 25)

The mask system of claim 25, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape at the first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit and at the second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape at the first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit and at the second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit.

### Claim 27 (depends on 25)

The mask system of claim 25, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit tapers in width from the first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit to the second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit;
the first collapsible inlet conduit tapers in height from the second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit to the first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit;
the second collapsible inlet conduit tapers in width from the first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit to the second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit tapers in height from the second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit to the first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit.

### Claim 28

A mask system to deliver respiratory therapy to a patient, the mask system comprising:
a patient interface that defines a breathing chamber and is shaped to seal against a face of the patient and deliver pressurized air from the breathing chamber into airways of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, the patient interface defining a first inlet port for introduction of pressurized air into the breathing chamber at a first location and a second inlet port for introduction of pressurized air into the breathing chamber at a second location that is spaced apart from the first location, wherein the patient interface is shaped to seal entirely below a nasal bridge of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient;
a first collapsible inlet conduit to extend across a first side of a head of the patient between a first ear of the patient and a first eye of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, and to connect with the first inlet port to deliver pressurized air to the breathing chamber, the first collapsible inlet conduit structured to move between a first conduit open condition in which the first collapsible inlet conduit allows passage of pressurized air and a first conduit collapsed condition in which the first collapsible inlet conduit substantially prevents passage of pressurized air upon the head of the patient resting on the first collapsible inlet conduit against bedding, the first collapsible inlet conduit being biased toward the first conduit open condition without being pressurized;
a second collapsible inlet conduit to extend across a second side of the head of the patient between a second ear of the patient and a second eye of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, and to connect with the second inlet port to deliver pressurized air to the breathing chamber, the second collapsible inlet conduit structured to move between a second conduit open condition in which the second collapsible inlet conduit allows passage of pressurized air and a second conduit collapsed condition in which the second collapsible inlet conduit substantially prevents passage of pressurized air upon the head of the patient resting on the second collapsible inlet conduit against bedding, the second collapsible inlet conduit being biased toward the second conduit open condition without being pressurized; and
a manifold that is shaped to mount atop the head of the patient to receive pressurized air from a flow generator and connect with the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit to provide pressurized air to the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit, wherein the manifold is structured to not collapse when bodyweight is applied thereto to ensure that pressurized air received by the manifold from the flow generator is provided to at least one of the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit.

### Claim 29 (depends on 28)

The mask system of claim 28, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit maintains an approximately constant hydraulic diameter along a longitudinal length of the first collapsible inlet conduit when in the first conduit open condition; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit maintains an approximately constant hydraulic diameter along a longitudinal length of the second collapsible inlet conduit when in the second conduit open condition.

### Claim 30 (depends on 29)

The mask system of claim 29, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit is arcuate such that a curvature of the first collapsible inlet conduit is continuous between a location at which the first collapsible inlet conduit is structured to connect to the patient interface and a location at which the first collapsible inlet conduit is structured to connect to the manifold; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit is arcuate such that a curvature of the second collapsible inlet conduit is continuous between a location at which the second collapsible inlet conduit is structured to connect to the patient interface and a location at which the second collapsible inlet conduit is structured to connect to the manifold.

### Claim 31 (depends on 28)

The mask system of claim 28, wherein:
opposing inner walls of the first collapsible inlet conduit engage each other when the first collapsible inlet conduit is in the first conduit collapsed condition; and
opposing inner walls of the second collapsible inlet conduit engage each other when the second collapsible inlet conduit is in the second conduit collapsed condition.

### Claim 32 (depends on 28)

The mask system of claim 28, wherein:
the first collapsible inlet conduit maintains an approximately constant hydraulic diameter along a longitudinal length of the first collapsible inlet conduit when in the first conduit open condition; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit maintains an approximately constant hydraulic diameter along a longitudinal length of the second collapsible inlet conduit when in the second conduit open condition.

### Claim 33 (depends on 32)

The mask system of claim 32, wherein the patient interface is structured to not collapse when bodyweight is applied thereto to ensure that pressurized air is received by the breathing chamber through at least one of the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit, and is provided from the breathing chamber into the airways of the patient.

### Claim 34 (depends on 28)

The mask system of claim 28, wherein the mask system lacks a headgear strap other than the first collapsible inlet conduit, the second collapsible inlet conduit, and the back strap to maintain the patient interface in a desired position on the head of the patient.

### Claim 35 (depends on 34)

The mask system of claim 34, wherein:
a width of the first collapsible inlet conduit at a first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit is greater than a width of the first collapsible inlet conduit at a second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit;
a height of the first collapsible inlet conduit at the first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit is less than a height of the first collapsible inlet conduit at the second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit;
the first collapsible inlet conduit tapers in width from the first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit to the second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit;
the first collapsible inlet conduit tapers in height from the second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit to the first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit;
a width of the second collapsible inlet conduit at a first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit is greater than a width of the second collapsible inlet conduit at a second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit;
a height of the second collapsible inlet conduit at the first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit is less than a height of the second collapsible inlet conduit at the second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit;
the second collapsible inlet conduit tapers in width from the first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit to the second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit tapers in height from the second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit to the first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit.

### Claim 36

A mask system to deliver respiratory therapy to a patient, the mask system comprising:
a patient interface that defines a breathing chamber and is shaped to seal against a face of the patient and deliver pressurized air from the breathing chamber into airways of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, the patient interface defining a first inlet port for introduction of pressurized air into the breathing chamber at a first location and a second inlet port for introduction of pressurized air into the breathing chamber at a second location that is spaced apart from the first location;
a first collapsible inlet conduit to extend across a first side of a head of the patient between a first ear of the patient and a first eye of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, and to connect with the first inlet port to deliver pressurized air to the breathing chamber, the first collapsible inlet conduit structured to move between a first conduit open condition in which the first collapsible inlet conduit allows passage of pressurized air and a first conduit collapsed condition in which the first collapsible inlet conduit substantially prevents passage of pressurized air upon the head of the patient resting on the first collapsible inlet conduit against bedding, the first collapsible inlet conduit being biased toward the first conduit open condition without being pressurized, wherein the first collapsible inlet conduit comprises means for collapsing when weight is applied thereto;
a second collapsible inlet conduit to extend across a second side of the head of the patient between a second ear of the patient and a second eye of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, and to connect with the second inlet port to deliver pressurized air to the breathing chamber, the second collapsible inlet conduit structured to move between a second conduit open condition in which the second collapsible inlet conduit allows passage of pressurized air and a second conduit collapsed condition in which the second collapsible inlet conduit substantially prevents passage of pressurized air upon the head of the patient resting on the second collapsible inlet conduit against bedding, the second collapsible inlet conduit being biased toward the second conduit open condition without being pressurized, wherein the second collapsible inlet conduit comprises means for collapsing when weight is applied thereto; and
means for receiving pressurized air from a flow generator and providing pressurized air to the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit.

### Claim 37 (depends on 36)

The mask system of claim 36, wherein the patient interface includes means for sealing against the face of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient.

### Claim 38 (depends on 36)

The mask system of claim 36, wherein:
the patient interface includes means for connecting the patient interface to the first collapsible inlet conduit;
the patient interface includes means for connecting the patient interface to the second collapsible inlet conduit;
the first collapsible inlet conduit includes means for attaching the first collapsible inlet conduit with a back strap that extends across an occiput of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient; and
the second collapsible inlet conduit includes means for attaching the second collapsible inlet conduit with the back strap.

### Claim 39

A mask system to deliver respiratory therapy to a patient, the mask system comprising:
a patient interface that defines a breathing chamber and is shaped to seal against a face of the patient and deliver pressurized air from the breathing chamber into airways of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, the patient interface defining a first inlet port for introduction of pressurized air into the breathing chamber at a first location and a second inlet port for introduction of pressurized air into the breathing chamber at a second location that is spaced apart from the first location, wherein the patient interface is shaped to seal entirely below a nasal bridge of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient;
a first collapsible inlet conduit to extend across a first side of a head of the patient between a first ear of the patient and a first eye of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, and to connect with the first inlet port to deliver pressurized air to the breathing chamber, the first collapsible inlet conduit structured to move between a first conduit open condition in which the first collapsible inlet conduit allows passage of pressurized air and a first conduit collapsed condition in which the first collapsible inlet conduit substantially prevents passage of pressurized air upon the head of the patient resting on the first collapsible inlet conduit against bedding, the first collapsible inlet conduit being biased toward the first conduit open condition without being pressurized, wherein the first collapsible inlet conduit maintains an approximately constant hydraulic diameter along a longitudinal length of the first collapsible inlet conduit when in the first conduit open condition, wherein a width of the first collapsible inlet conduit at a first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit is greater than a width of the first collapsible inlet conduit at a second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit, wherein a height of the first collapsible inlet conduit at the first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit is less than a height of the first collapsible inlet conduit at the second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit, wherein the first collapsible inlet conduit tapers in width from the first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit to the second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit, wherein the first collapsible inlet conduit tapers in height from the second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit to the first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit, wherein the first collapsible inlet conduit has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape at the first location of the first collapsible inlet conduit and at the second location of the first collapsible inlet conduit; and
a second collapsible inlet conduit to extend across a second side of the head of the patient between a second ear of the patient and a second eye of the patient when the mask system is worn by the patient, and to connect with the second inlet port to deliver pressurized air to the breathing chamber, the second collapsible inlet conduit structured to move between a second conduit open condition in which the second collapsible inlet conduit allows passage of pressurized air and a second conduit collapsed condition in which the second collapsible inlet conduit substantially prevents passage of pressurized air upon the head of the patient resting on the second collapsible inlet conduit against bedding, the second collapsible inlet conduit being biased toward the second conduit open condition without being pressurized, wherein the second collapsible inlet conduit maintains an approximately constant hydraulic diameter along a longitudinal length of the second collapsible inlet conduit when in the second conduit open condition, wherein a width of the second collapsible inlet conduit at a first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit is greater than a width of the second collapsible inlet conduit at a second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit, wherein a height of the second collapsible inlet conduit at the first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit is less than a height of the second collapsible inlet conduit at the second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit, wherein the second collapsible inlet conduit tapers in width from the first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit to the second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit, wherein the second collapsible inlet conduit tapers in height from the second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit to the first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit, wherein the second collapsible inlet conduit has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape at the first location of the second collapsible inlet conduit and at the second location of the second collapsible inlet conduit; and
a manifold that is shaped to mount atop the head of the patient to receive pressurized air from a flow generator and connect with the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit to provide pressurized air to the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit, wherein the manifold is structured to not collapse when bodyweight is applied thereto to ensure that pressurized air received by the manifold from the flow generator is provided to at least one of the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit,
wherein the patient interface is structured to not collapse when bodyweight is applied thereto to ensure that pressurized air is received by the breathing chamber through at least one of the first collapsible inlet conduit and the second collapsible inlet conduit, and is provided from the breathing chamber into the airways of the patient,
wherein the mask system lacks a headgear strap other than the first collapsible inlet conduit, the second collapsible inlet conduit, and the back strap to maintain the patient interface in a desired position on the head of the patient.