Problems With My Mask in Scuba Diving?
I went scuba diving (confined pool dive) today for the first time and had a lot of problem with my mask. Water was coming in and it was coming loose every time I breathed out, so I made it super tight and then it hurt my nose really bad and still came loose when I breathed out.
My instructor just said it was either too loose or too tight and didn’t have any other suggestions. Any advice?
Your mask should be the proper fit for the shape of your face. You should place it on your face without using the strap, and very slightly inhale, that should keep it on your face.
Potential problems could include:
A cut on the skirt.
Hair between the skirt and the face.
Too loose or tight.
The strap not on the head directly behind the mask.
A bad purge valve (if equipped).
Bad seal around the lens.
The skirt not sitting properly against the face.
The nose pocket too small (if you have a large honker)
The strap retainer is missing allowing the strap to loosen.
The snorkel is adjusted wrong, breaking the seal against the face.
Try a different mask next time. Make sure the dive shop employee gets you a mask that fits you properly. I have had leaky masks, and it will certainly ruin a dive. You shouldn’t have to over tighten it either, especially to the point of discomfort.
Who is supplying your mask? If it is you instructor and you are doing a pool dive and your mask leaks, ask for another mask. If your instructor doesn’t have one, ask to reschedule until you can get one.
What he said.
Over-tightening the mask will make a leak worse. If you had livid red marks on your face after the session (or if you could feel the mask pressing against the bridge of your nose), your mask was too tight.
A poorly-fitting mask will always leak, since it’s not sealing properly against your face. The only solution is to try a different mask. Make sure you get one with a skirt made of silicone (most do, these days), which is softer than rubber and hence seals better.
If you have long hair, make sure (and/or ask your buddy to check) that you are not trapping hair under the mask skirt when you put it on, which will cause leaks.
If your mask feels like it’s coming loose every time you breathe out, you need to concentrate on two things: (1) keeping your breathing as slow and deep as possible (this will also help you to relax underwater) and (2) breathing out through your mouth instead of your nose. You only need to exhale through your nose to clear or equalise the mask.
All the best with the rest of your training.