Cushions (10) for respiratory face masks have a frame-connecting portion (12.1),a face-contacting portion (14), and a gusset portion (16) disposed between andjoining the frame-connecting (12.1) and face-contacting portions (14). Thegusset portion (16) preferably includes at least one perimetrical region whichhaving a laterally projecting exterior gusset section (40) and a laterally projectinginterior gusset section (42). According to one aspect, the laterally projectingexterior and interior gusset sections (40, 42) are disposed about the entireperimeter to the gusset portion (16) so as to establish a substantially constantwidthwise dimension thereof about the gussets entire perimeter.
