A device for maintaining an airway in a patient, the device comprising: a mask having a peripheral portion that forms a seal with the larynx when the mask is positioned in the iaryngo pharynx to thereby prevent ingress of extraneous fluids into the larynx； an airway tube connected to or formed with the mask for passing gas to the larynx when the mask is properly inserted into the laryngo pharynx； and deformation means located on the mask, wherein the application of force to the deformation means causes elastic deformation of the device, thereby facilitating insertion of the device into the patient
