If you've signed-up to your PADI Discover Scuba Diving or PADI Open Water Course, the first thing that you should think about is purchasing a scuba diving mask! The scuba diving mask is an important piece of equipment for all divers, getting a mask that's comfortable and fits, will ease the training process. The mask has two main purposes: it allows you to see underwater and helps to equalize the pressure that builds up in your ears as you descend into a low-pressure environment. Your mask should always fit properly on your face and provide a good seal without being too tight or too loose.
Key Takeaways
Choose the right size. Make sure the mask fits snugly on your face and doesn't leak.
Look for a comfortable fit. Most masks have adjustable straps or buckles, so you can make sure the mask fits comfortably.
Make sure the lenses are scratch-resistant. Scratches can reduce visibility and make it difficult to see underwater.
Choose a mask with tempered glass lenses. Tempered glass lenses are stronger and more durable than regular glass lenses.
Check for a silicone skirt. A silicone skirt will provide a better seal and help keep water out of the mask.
Consider your diving conditions. Make sure the mask is suitable for the type of diving you plan to do.
Consider getting a prescription mask. If you wear glasses or contacts, a prescription mask can help you see more clearly underwater.
Go straight to the following sections:
Why your mask is a very important piece of scuba equipment
Your scuba diving mask is a very important piece of scuba equipment, so it's worth taking the time to ensure that you've got the right one. The mask serves two main functions: it is your window to the underwater world, and it protects you from any water that could enter your eyes. Having this barrier between your eyes and the water means not only will you be able to see more clearly but also that your eyes won't be affected by saltwater or dust kicked up by other divers nearby. The mask also helps protect against any potential damage caused by pressure changes as well.
What to look for when buying a mask
When you are buying a mask, there are several things to look for:
Comfort. The mask should fit comfortably on your face and not pinch or pull when you’re wearing it. It should also be relatively low profile so that it doesn't stick out too far from your head or body.
Visibility. The glass in the mask should be clear and allow you to see as much around you as possible while underwater without distortion or fogging up (if possible).
Clearing system options. Some masks come with cleaning systems built in—these can help keep your vision clear by preventing water from entering between the lens and faceplate during dives, which can cause fogging up issues if left unchecked over time.
The best masks for smaller faces
If you have a smaller face, the best masks for you are those designed specifically for children and women. These "smaller" sized masks fit most women (and many men) comfortably because they're designed to sit closer to your face.
Many of these "women's" scuba diving masks will also feature larger eye cavities, which means more vision and less obstruction in your line of sight when looking down into the water while scuba diving.
How to overcome Scuba Diving Mask Leakage
If you've bought a scuba diving mask already and finding that it always leaks. There are a few ways that you can try to resolve this issue instead of buying a brand new mask.
Firstly, make sure that the straps are tight enough (not too tight - otherwise there's the risk of mask squeeze). Make sure the positioning of the mask is above your ears and centered around the back.
One of the most common causes for mask leaks is small hair strands getting into the mask. If you have a fringe, make sure you remove all the hair as any tiny space can let in water. This can be a real issue for women with longer hair - check-out our podcast on 'women issues whilst scuba diving' for more tips and tricks.
For men, the most common issue are beards! There's two options here - a) shave it off. b) Try mask seal – applying silicon grease to the part of the dive mask skirt that touches your moustache or beard can help seal tiny gaps and stop leaks. It takes some practice to use the right amount but stick with it. A word of warning though – don’t use Vaseline or other petroleum-based grease as these can weaken the silicon and damage your mask.
Travel & Renting Masks
When it comes to travel masks, you're going to have a few options. The first thing you should do is check the mask size. If you're looking for a recreational or intermediate dive mask, then there's no need to worry about sizing—you'll be fine with any of them. But if you want something more advanced (like an instructor-level model), then get your measurements and make sure that what you choose fits properly on your face.
You may also want to consider how much money you want to spend on your new scuba diving mask: travel and entry-level models tend to be smaller and less expensive than their professional counterparts; however, they can sometimes feel cheap or flimsy as well as being more difficult to adjust if they don't fit correctly on your face (and potentially leak).
How to defog a mask?
Once you've bought a mask, it's important to know how to defog. If you don't do this, you may spoil the dive and it may cause discomfort and you might miss out on seeing something awesome!
Here's a few tips on how to defog your mask:
You can also use a defogging agent, which you can buy at any scuba shop or online.
Alternatively, dilute a few drops of baby shampoo in water and pour it into a spray bottle. Then use it the same way as commercial defog: spray, swish, and rinse.
One of the most common ways people remove a foggy mask is by spitting on it and rubbing it in with their fingers. While this won’t clear all of the fog from your lens, it should help get rid of some if not most of it. Just remember not to put too much spit into your mask – just enough to be able to see clearly!
Another common method is using toothpaste, which works almost as well as spit but has less risk involved since there isn’t much liquid being used up inside your mask (which could potentially cause flooding). The only downside here is that toothpaste may leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth after diving for hours on end – so if possible try using another option instead!
We hope we’ve given you some ideas on what to look for in a mask. It’s important to remember that every person is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. But with all the options out there these days, we think you’re sure to find a mask that fits your face and lifestyle perfectly!
Get in touch with our team if you'd like to purchase a mask - we'd be happy to assist with any questions! :)
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