A patient interface device for an ophthalmic surgical laser system includes a lens cone component for coupling to the laser system and a suction ring component having a flexible skirt for coupling to the patient's eye. The suction ring component includes a gripper integrated with the flexible skirt, formed of hard plastic material and having two jaws that face each other to define a receiving opening between them. During use, a base portion of the lens cone is inserted into the receiving opening of the gripper and retained by the clamping force of the jaws. To ensure that the gripper securely retains the lens cone, a soft thermoplastic elastomer material is provided on the outer surface of the base portion of the lens cone, and the inner surfaces of the jaws of the gripper are provided with teeth to engage the soft thermoplastic elastomer material of the lens cone.