A device for maintaining an airway in a patient includes a mask having a portion that forms a seal with the larynx when the mask is positioned in the laryngo pharynx to thereby prevent ingress of extraneous fluids into the larynx, includes an airway tube connected to or formed with the mask for passing gas to the larynx when the mask is properly inserted into the laryngo pharynx. The mask includes a proximal portion adapted to collapse or compress so that a proximal ventral part of the mask can move relatively towards a dorsal part of the mask during insertion of the mask. This facilitates insertion of the mask into the patient.
