[donmoore]

Thanks for the input guys. Connor I will try and measure the volume of the mask this weekend. I am wondering what the volume of the sinuses and middle ears are just as much as everyone. I was hoping Eric would throw the answer out soon. Since he has done extensive measuring of his lung volumes and has an idea what the physical limits are of equalizing with different volumes, he must have an approximate of the volumes sinuses, middle ears, and Eustachian tubes are so he could use them in his calculations.

Absolute, the ultimate goal for me is to dive with the middle ears flooded. If it is possible to only partially fluid the sinus and still be able to add air in the mask on the descent and then an extra bonus would be to take it back out on the ascent, I would like to do that. But I don’t know how possible this is. More experimenting is needed. I believe you could keep the sinuses flooded by a raised soft palate when in upright our laid back positions. If it is impossible to equalize a mask well with fluid in the middle ears than I will be looking to add a lense or two to the mask so I can keep it full of fluid as well and still see partially clear.

Below is a graphic of the sinuses and the Eustachian tube openings which is labeled ET on the diagram.

My first priority is to find a way of flooding the middle ear that does not cause pain for days afterwards and hopefully no unfelt damage. After they are not hurting any more (almost there now) I will try again with the Broncho Sterile Saline solution. There is also another option I read in my wife’s Human Anatomy Physics book last night. Apparently there is a product that uses carbohydrates to keep fluid from transferring through mucus membranes. Carbohydrates are larger molecules that won’t go through the membrane.

If I can get this worked out then the next step is to dive, which could be very exciting. The dream of going straight down with both hands in front and not having to do anything to the ears, is almost beyond comprehension. Right now I am stuck at about 27 meters and that is on a very good day with the last equalization at about 24 meters. My progress is slow, plus there is the limiting factor that my lungs are only about 4.5 liters. They were 5, but have regressed. Breathold wise I don’t appear to be anywhere near my limit. I have even stopped at 22 meters and turn straight up, just so I could get some more air into the mouth to equalize a few more times, and then turn back down and swam further down and still felt no where near my breathhold limit at the top.

I am sure with more technique and experience I could increase my depth equalization ability on air, but what is my max with my limited lung volume and how many years will it take to get there.

Nice web site and graphics Peter!
don