The present invention relates to a cushion (14) for a respiratory mask assembly (10) that delivers breathable gas to a patient. The cushion (14) comprises a non-face contacting portion (24) connectable to a frame (12) and a face-contacting portion (26) structured to engage the patients face. The cushion further comprises an intermediate portion (28) that interconnects the non-face contacting portion (24) and the face-contacting portion (26), the intermediate portion (28) including a gusset portion (50) structured to apply a first component of force to the patients face through the face-contacting portion (26). The gusset portion (50) extends radially outwardly with respect to the non-face-contacting and face-contacting portions (24, 26) to provide a larger footprint area than the face-contacting portion (26). The gusset portion (50) is curved as viewed from above to follow the contour of the patients face.
