An airway device (14), that is used to maintain a clear airway in a patient,e.g. for artificial ventilation during surgery,comprises an inflatable cuff (26), which is inflated when in position in apatients airway (24). The inflated cuff (26) provides a sealto maintain the device (14) in position in a patients airway (24), and toprevent leakage of infected oropharangeal secretions intothe patients lungs. A method and apparatus (10) for monitoring andcontrolling the pressure in the inflatable cuff (26) is described,which, in one embodiment, controls the pressure about a setpoint pressure,whilst preventing loss of sealing pressure during a patientsrespiratory cycle. In other embodiments, the method and apparatus monitorsfor: leaks in the pressure system of the device (14) thatincludes the cuff (26) blockage in the pressure system, and/or malpositioningof the airway device (14) during use.
