How Should A Snorkel Mask Fit?

To determine the right size snorkel mask for your face, take a good look at your face in the mirror and consider factors such as your face shape, eyes distance, nose size, and space under your nose. Sizing guides can help you find the right size mask for you.

When selecting a snorkel mask, ensure the right size and fit, choose the appropriate lens type for optimal visibility, and prioritize five steps to fitting your mask. Step 1: Fit Test: Once you receive your mask or have it in your hand, do the fit and comfort test. All snorkel masks, even the same sized ones, will feel if the mask stays in place with no air leaking in. Check that the mask skirt seats evenly against your skin along the entire face. A snorkel mask should fit tightly to your face and create a seal that keeps water out.

To get the perfect snorkel mask fit, measure your face, test the mask’s fit, and try on different sizes. Test the mask’s fit by inhaling through your nose and ensuring the mask creates a suction that holds it in place. If the mask falls off or leaks air, there are better fits for you.

A properly fitted snorkel mask should stay on your face, regardless of your facial gestures. Try moving the muscles of your face to work out the size that will fit you best. A general rule of thumb is that the strap should run around the widest part of your cranium. The skirt of your scuba mask fits correctly when it rests just above your upper lip, except for mustaches.

The mask must fit snugly against your face while properly corresponding with its shape. If there is no space between the silicone skirt and your chin, then this is the mask size.

How do you know what size snorkel mask to buy?

To work out the size that will fit you best, simply measure the distance between the bridge of your nose and the tip of your chin. You can do it yourself or ask someone to take the measurement.

Because different brands use different sizes as their standard, you will need to check the size chart of the specific mask model you choose. Below you can find the size charts for some of the most popular full-face snorkeling mask models.

How to fit a snorkel mask properly?

Snorkel Mask Fitting Step 4 – Put It on Fully. Good so far? Notice that a good fitting mask will stay on with just a little suction. Now try it with the mask strap on your head. You should get an airtight fit with very light strap pressure.

The strap should sit high on the back of your head, not resting on your ears. If it rests on your ears it will get painful.

If you have to pull the straps tight to get a fit, or if you have big red marks when it comes off, you have it too tight. A leaky mask is more often a case of straps too tight than too loose.

Also consider what type of mask strap the mask has. Nicole has long hair and likes to put her bun between the two parts of the mask strap, which keeps it in place on her head. Some mask straps are connected between the straps, making that not possible.

Why does my snorkel mask hurt the bottom of my nose?

• Mask Size and Fit: The mask might not be the correct size or shape for your face. If it is too tight, it can press against your face, causing discomfort or pain. The strap has to be horizontal behind your head, if you pull it up at an angle, this might cause pain under your nose.
• Equalization Issues: As you dive deeper, pressure increases. To maintain comfort and prevent barotrauma, you need to equalize the pressure in the air spaces in your body (like your ears and sinuses) with the outside pressure. This is usually done by pinching your nose and gently blowing against it (the Valsalva maneuver). If you’re not equalizing properly or frequently enough, pressure can build up and cause pain.
• Mask Squeeze: This is related to the previous point and can occur when a diver descends and doesn’t equalize the air pressure inside the mask. The increasing pressure outside the mask can cause it to press harder against the face, leading to discomfort or even bruising and bloodshot eyes in severe cases.
• Pre-existing Condition: If you have a sinus infection, nasal allergy, deviated septum, or any other condition that might make your nose or sinuses sensitive, wearing a dive mask could exacerbate these issues.
• Nose Pocket Irritation: The nose pocket of the mask, where your nose sits, might be irritating the skin on your nose, causing discomfort or pain.

If the discomfort persists even after trying to address these potential issues (like by adjusting or replacing the mask, practicing equalization techniques, or treating any pre-existing conditions), it would be a good idea to seek medical advice. Diving with discomfort or pain is not recommended and could potentially be dangerous.

How do you know if a snorkel mask fits?

It. Changes the shape of your top lips. And your cheeks as well. So your mask may have fitted before. But now it may not whenever you put something in your mouth.

Is a full face snorkel mask better for beginners?

With full-face snorkeling masks, there is virtually no learning curve, which makes them great for beginners.

BEST FOR:- Top Vision (angle & options) – GoPro / Camera Compatible. ✔️ Largest field of view on the market;; ✔️ No fogging thanks to the one-way air circulation system;; ✔️ Wide range of accessories (Camera Support included);; ✔️ Optical lens support (sold separately);;

Ocean Reef Aria QR+ full-face snorkeling mask provides 180-degree vision with no fog obstruction thanks to a well structured and fully tested one-way air circulation system.

The mask is compatible with a range of accessories like:- Optical Lens Kit,-Snorkie Talkie,- Surface Unit for Snorkie Talkie,etc.

Are full face snorkels actually better than traditional masks?

Full-face snorkeling masks are a good choice for casual snorkeling in calm water. However, if you want to dive while snorkeling or plan for a more intensive activity, we recommend using a traditional mask to be able to equalize water pressure if needed.

BEST FOR:- Top Vision (angle & options) – GoPro / Camera Compatible. ✔️ Largest field of view on the market;; ✔️ No fogging thanks to the one-way air circulation system;; ✔️ Wide range of accessories (Camera Support included);; ✔️ Optical lens support (sold separately);;

Ocean Reef Aria QR+ full-face snorkeling mask provides 180-degree vision with no fog obstruction thanks to a well structured and fully tested one-way air circulation system.

The mask is compatible with a range of accessories like:- Optical Lens Kit,-Snorkie Talkie,- Surface Unit for Snorkie Talkie,etc.

Does a snorkel mask have to cover your nose?

Why Do Snorkeling Masks Cover the Nose? Snorkeling masks are designed to cover the nose to create a watertight seal. This is important because it allows you to breathe through your nose while snorkeling. The nose is an important respiratory organ covered in tiny hair called cilia.

Snorkeling is a great activity for people of all ages and swimming abilities. It lets you get up close and personal with the underwater world without wearing a bulky scuba diving suit.

One of the most important pieces of equipment for snorkeling is the mask. The mask provides a clear view of the underwater world and keeps water out of your nose and mouth.

Snorkeling masks are designed to cover the nose to create a watertight seal. This is important because it allows you to breathe through your nose while snorkeling.

How to choose a full face snorkel mask?

To find your correct size find your measurements and use the size chart below.Measure the distance between the bottom of your chin and the bridge of your nose (measure this in a straight line up with a ruler)Once you have that size in cm you simply record the results and use the full face snorkel size chart below.

How do I find the right size for a full face snorkel mask?

It’s common that people shy away from purchasing a full face snorkel due to fear it won’t fit correctly, with online orders this fear is enhanced even more as you cant try on the product. At Reef Mask, we aim to ensure that all full face snorkel mask fits properly, with two main sizes that are ensured to fit all face sizes and shapes. We don’t want anyone to miss out on the joy of snorkelling with a full face mask, giving you an enhanced experience with a full 180 view and natural breathing.

That is why we have put together a guide on why and how to choose the correct full face snorkel size. It’s super important to choose the right size as it can make a huge difference in the experience, luckily Reef Mask snorkels have two simple sizes.

What are the 5 tips in choosing a mask in snorkeling?

Conclusion. Choosing the right snorkeling mask is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Consider the fit, lens quality, material, anti-fog features, leakage, style, and color when choosing. With the right mask, you’ll be able to explore the wonders of the underwater world with ease.

If you are looking for the Best Snorkel Sets, we can help you. Snorkel-Mart offers snorkel gear and sets, including prescription, full-face snorkel masks, kid’s gear, dry snorkels, and rashguards. Find the perfect gear and accessories right here with us. Contact us today to learn more and get started!

Why are full face snorkel masks not allowed in Hawaii?

Abstract. A recent rise in snorkeling-related deaths in Hawaii has inspired several bans on full face snorkel masks (FFSMs). However, while there are theories to explain the deaths, little physiological data exists about the way the FFSMs provide gas to an exercising subject. To evaluate the safety of the FFSM concept, this study was designed to test how use of a full face snorkel mask (FFSM) may be physiologically different than use of a conventional snorkel, and to assess if any of those differences could lead to increased risk for the snorkeler. Ten volunteer human subjects were tested using a variety of commercially available FFSMs, with real-time monitoring of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), inspired airway pressure, and inspired and expired levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Two of the three FFSM design types were shown not to function as advertised, but none of the masks provided physiologically problematic gas supplies to the snorkelers. While this testing yielded no conclusive “smoking gun” to explain the snorkeler deaths, some of the mask models showed patterns of increasing breathing resistance with water intrusion because of a shared design characteristic, and this increased resistance could potentially create elevated levels of respiratory distress to snorkelers during real-world use.

Keywords: distress; hypercapnia; hypoxia; pressure.

Copyright© Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.

Should you spit in snorkel mask?

Spit – While we should be trying to sell you the ‘you beaut’ commercial solutions, our preferred pre-dive anti-fog is spit. Spit on the inside of the mask and rub it around with your finger. Dunk the mask briefly in either fresh or sea water. The goal is to leave thin layer of saliva on the inside of the glass. Spitting does not work well if the mask dries out before diving or snorkelling, so use this technique immediately before entering the water.

Caution: Rinse Bucket – Under no circumstances should you spit in a diving/snorkelling mask and then rinse it in the rinse bucket of a dive boat! This is an almost certain way to spread viruses! The rinse bucket on a charter dive boat should be reserved exclusively for those using commercial defog, or the dive boat’s preferred defog solutions. All it takes is one sick person spitting in a mask and briefly dunking it in the rinse bucket to contaminate the bucket. We avoid this by rinsing our masks in seawater (works fine), fresh water from the shower hose if there is one, or even bottled water as a last resort.

Baby Shampoo – Another do it yourself pre-dive solution is baby shampoo. Baby shampoo can be used just like commercial defogging solutions. Many divers carry a bottle of 50/50 watered-down baby shampoo with their dive gear. A few drops rubbed into the lens and then briefly rinsed out just before the dive will keep a mask from fogging. We know people who prefer to apply baby shampoo neat onto the inside of the mask lens when the mask is dry just before putting it away for storage. Then you just give it a quick rinse before you dive. Baby shampoo is preferable to standard shampoo, as it is generally hypo-allergenic, less irritating to eyes, and biodegradable. Baby shampoo usually smells good, too.

Why are full face snorkel masks not allowed?

Dead Space! CO2 Build Up!. When we breath in and out we humans produce carbon dioxide (CO2). When we do an activity which exerts us, our body needs more oxygen to keep our muscles working, and therefore our breathing becomes faster. At the same time we breath shallower which creates a problem. Exhaled air contains more CO2 than the air we inhale. If we do this in a closed space, like a full face snorkel mask, we won’t exhale deeply enough to push all the bad air out. It’s like breathing in a closed bag where the CO2 keeps on building until it becomes very toxic. If you breathe in used air full of CO2 it leads to headache, dizziness, and unconsciousness. That’s bad!

Now some of the designers of full face snorkel masks say they have taken this into account. Their full face snorkelling masks have a “breathing part” and a “looking part”. The breathing part is located near the mouth and looks a lot like an oxygen mask. This part seals the mouth and nose off from the rest of the mask. On the top of the breathing part are little valves which are designed to only let in fresh air and prevent any bad CO2 rich air escape to the looking part of the mask. The bad air is forced to the lower part of the breathing part and flows to and out of the snorkel on the sides of the mask.

You Can’t Trust That It Will Work. In some cheap, poorly made and bad fitting full face snorkelling masks the mechanism as described above simply doesn’t work. It could be that the valves are faulty and don’t work, or the breathing part has a poor fit. The result is that bad CO2 rich air leaks down the sides of the mask.