Selectively altering deformation characteristics of a synthetic fabric material

A patient interface assembly comprising:

• (a) a mask component comprising:
• (1) a first portion that contacts a portion of a face of a user responsive to the patient interface assembly being donned by such user, and
• (2) a second portion that is adapted to be coupled a supply of gas such that a flow of gas is delivered to an airway of a patient responsive to the patient interface assembly being donned by such user and gas being delivered to the mask component;
• and
• (b) a headgear assembly, comprising:
• a first headgear strap having (i) a first end coupled to a first side of the mask component, (ii) a second end couped to a second side of the mask component generally opposite the first side of the mask component, and (iii) a lateral portion extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the lateral portion extends around at least a portion of a user's head responsive to the patient interface assembly being donned by such user, and wherein the lateral portion comprises:
• a strip of fabric material, wherein a stiffened portion the fabric material is physically altered to have an extension versus load characteristic that differs from a remaining portion of the fabric material, and wherein the stiffened portion of the fabric material is disposed in a lengthwise direction along the lateral portion.