The invention provides an artificial airway device to facilitate lung ventilation of a patient comprising at least one airway tube (2) and a mask (3) carried at one end of the at least one airway tube the mask having a peripheral formation (7) capable of conforming to and of readily fitting within the actual and potential space behind the larynx of the patient so as to form a seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet the peripheral formation surrounding a hollow interior space or lumen of the mask and the at least one airway tube opening into the lumen of the mask wherein the mask is arranged to provide a space within the pharynx of the patient for the drainage of gastric matter leaving the oesophagus which space ...
