Disclosed is a device (10) for maintaining an airway in a patient. The device has a mask (11) having a peripheral portion (12) 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. An airway tube (13) is connected to or formed with the mask for passing gas to the larynx when the mask is properly inserted into the laryngo pharynx. Deformation means (14) are located on the mask, the application of force to which causes elastic deformation of the device, thereby facilitating insertion of the device into the patient.
