Reduce mask equalisations/Packing without holding nose

[Phil C]

I try to blow some air into my mask (I use a minima) during my last expiration to maximise the depth of first mask equalisation. However I realised recently that on my last inspiration I was inadvertently drawing some air out of my mask.

In what I think is a related problem (soft palate in neutral position) I cannot pack without holding my nose or using a noseclip.

Anyone else have these issues, have you had any sucess in altering this behaviour without affecting the neutral soft palate position for the Frenzel.

[sanso]

Hey Phil,

As I understand this post - the last sentence gets me there - You want to keep Your soft palate in neutral position during preparation and the whole dive, but the described problems arise from this. Did I understand the problem correctly?

If I did: You need the soft palate in neutral position only when You do the Frenzel, it's no problem to close it before of after, i.e. when You're packing or doing final inhale. This will make things much easier.

HTH

[Phil C]

Hi there,

Thanks for the response. Yes, it is having the soft palate in the neutral position during these actions that is causing the problem. However, I dont seem to be able to consciously get the soft palate to isolate the nasopharyngeal area.

I have spent ages doing Eric's soft palate manoevers, but this behaviour seems deeply programmed.

I have just realised this may also explain why I have to wear a noseclip when swimming/doing statics.

Phil

[sanso]

Originally Posted by Phil C

... I dont seem to be able to consciously get the soft palate to isolate the nasopharyngeal area. ...

Okay, got it. Now the standard tips come to mind:

1. Blow out a candle. Feel what happens in Your palate and the back of Your mouth. - this is what it feels like when the soft palate is closed.

2. Now blow more gently, retaining that feeling in the back of Your mouth. The feeling's not there? return to step 1.

3. Now visualize blowing out a candle without actually generating airflow. Is the feeling still there? When You now exhale, does air exit from Your nose? if so, return to step 2.

4. Now close Your soft palate. ... There You go.

[Phil C]

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

Phil