Mask assembly

A method for securing a cushion and shell in a respiratory mask assembly, comprising:

• providing a cushion on a retaining ring;
• engaging a flange portion of the retaining ring between a channel portion and retaining lip of the cushion to provide a cushion and retaining ring assembly;
• aligning the cushion and retaining ring assembly in a channel of a shell;
• and
• inserting the cushion and retaining ring assembly into the channel of the shell such that at least one clip of the cushion and retaining ring assembly passes through a channel floor of the shell to engage an underside surface of the at least one clip to the shell.

A respiratory mask assembly for use in the delivery of non-invasive positive airway pressure to a user, comprising:

• a substantially rigid shell that includes a channel portion defined by an inner wall, an outer wall and a channel floor, the channel floor has at least one slot portion allowing access from the channel portion to a surface of the shell opposite to the channel floor;
• a face-contacting cushion acting to space the shell away from the user's face, said cushion having a retaining channel and a retaining lip adjacent the retaining channel, and a sealing tab extending from the cushion to engage a portion of the shell to provide a continuous airtight seal between the cushion and the shell;
• and
• a retaining ring configured to secure the cushion to the shell, the retaining ring having a first portion including at least one clip configured to pass through the at least one slot portion such that an underside surface of the at least one clip engages a section of the shell when the retaining ring is positioned within the channel.