A laryngeal mask (10) for establishing an artificial airway in a patient comprises a mask portion (12) having a resilient conformable peripheral portion (16) shaped such that the mask forms a seal with the larynx when the mask is positioned in the laryngopharynx, and an airway tube (14) connected to or formed with the mask for passing gas to the larynx when the mask is properly inserted into the laryngopharynx. The mask portion (12) including at least one region of reduced wall thickness or enhanced flexibility (20), and at least one region of increased wall thickness (22) (relative to the reduced wall thickness) or enhanced stiffness (relative to the region of enhanced flexibility), the at least one region of increased wall thickness or enhanced stiffness having a larger longitudinal extent then a longitudinal extent of the at least one region of reduced wall thickness or enhanced flexibility. The resilient conformable peripheral portion (16) may be an inflatable cuff.
