A mechanism for releasing a mask (15) from a patient's face includes a first portion (30) having a latch (45)； a second portion (35) including a latch receiving portion (55) to receive the latch when a headgear of the mask is engaged with a frame (2) of the mask； and a cord (40) secured to the latch. When the cord is pulled by the patient the latch disengages from the latch receiving portion and the mask is pulled off the patient's face. A clip assembly (10) for releasing a mask from a patient's face includes a first portion (30) adapted for releasable attachment to a frame of the mask； and a second portion (35) adapted for releasable attachment to a headgear of the mask. The first and second portions together form a disconnection arrangement. The disconnection arrangement includes a manual actuation member (40) which, when actuated by a patient, causes the first portion to disconnect from the second portion and the mask to be pulled off and away from the patient's face by a single movement of the actuation member. A mask (15) includes a frame (20) having at least one male portion (30). The male portion includes a latch (45)； a headgear (25) having at least one female portion (35), the female portion having a latch receiving portion (55) that is adapted to receive the latch when the male portion is inserted into the female portion； and a cord (40) having one end secured to the latch.
