Disclosed is a respiratory assistance component comprises a first and a second conduit that are each configured to supply breathable gas to an airway of a patient. The first and second conduits each comprises electro active polymer that causes the respective conduit to change shape and/or size between a first non-energized state, when no electrical voltage or current (126) is applied to the electro active polymer, and a second energized state, when voltage or current (126) is applied to the electro active polymer. The electro active polymer of the first conduit and the electro active polymer of the second conduit are selectively energisable so as to change the shape and/or size of the respective conduit so as to modify an aspect of the respiratory assistance provided to the patient.
