A surgical access apparatus, which comprises: an access member dimensioned for insertion within tissue, the access member having proximal and distal ends and defining a longitudinal axis, and having a longitudinal opening to permit introduction of a surgical instrument through the access member to perform a procedure on underlying tissue and a seal member comprising an elastomeric material and being mounted across the longitudinal opening of the access member, the seal member including a first outer seal portion having an outer periphery secured relative to the access member, the first outer seal portion extending in at least a distal longitudinal direction to a central seal area, the central seal area defining a seal passage and being configured to engage the surgical instrument such that a substantially fluid tight seal is formed therewith, and a second inner seal portion extending in at least a proximal longitudinal direction from the central seal area such that the central area interconnects the first outer seal portion and the second inner seal portion, the second inner seal portion being at least partially disposed within the first outer seal portion, the second inner seal portion defining an inner seal end suspended relative to the access member whereby a proximal end of the inner seal portion is adapted for longitudinal movement within the longitudinal opening of the access member upon passage or the surgical instrument.
