Mask problems

[Jez]

I need a bit of advice.

I've had three masks since losing my cheap and cheerful 'Typhoon' mask last year while diving. Each has leaked like a Russian submarine despite tightening the fastening straps till it hurt.

First I got a Beuachat something or other in Brittany while on hols.
Then I got a Mares 'X vision' or something which I still have and put up with.
Last week I bought an Omer 'Alien', which leaks from all around my face.

I can't believe that three new masks in a year could all have been so crap. I find that my nose is too close to the rubber nose mould and any water in the mask therefore sits just inside my nostrils which is very uncomfortable (yes, I have a larger than average schnoz). Can anyone recommend any other masks before I shell out again?

I just want to dive and not worry about this sort of stuff, its a pain in the arse.

Thanks

[trux]

Originally Posted by Jez

I can't believe that three new masks in a year could all have been so crap.

Well, if you have problems with so many masks, maybe it is in fact your face that is to blame . Or maybe you are moving your facial muscles too much when diving. Also long hair or mustaches may cause problems if they get in (though I have/had both and did not have any problems)

Now seriously, there's no such thing as the ultimate perfect mask fitting every face. Personally, I used certainly well over dozen (or two) of different masks, but rarely had leakage problems. Though, I definitely test the mask in the shop before buying - simply put it on the face without the strap, inhale slightly to stick it to your face, block the airway and then move your head little bit in different positions and directions to see if it holds well and does not leak. Then take the one that fits the best and has acceptable low volume and wide vision field (depending on your priorities)

[Marwan]

Jez,
one of my friends has your same problem, the best solution is to try out the masks in the shop before you buy, a good fitting mask will "stick" to your face, without even having to put the straps around your head. If you inhales from your nose and look down and the mask stays on, its probably not going to leak in the water.
the cressi penta mask worked for him, it has excellent visibility too.

[Jez]

Thanks for the advice. I did try the Mares and Beauchat with the old suction test and they both seemed fine in the shop. I must just be weired.

Now I think about it, I may know what the problem is. The hood on my suit has a small face area and I may need to take more time fitting my mask so that the silicon skirt doesn't overlap the neoprene on the hood. Hmmm... I will take more time to see if this works next time.

[1 shot, 1 kill]

Jez,

I've been recently having problems with my trusty Superochio. I've had it 3 years and it performed perfectly until the start of the summer when it began to leak. I just assumed that maybe the silicone had hardened a bit and it was time to get a new one.

I went to my local dive shop and decided to treat myself to a Cressi Matrix which several people i know swear by. I did the normal suction test in the shop and all was well so i bought it. About 45 minutes later i was turning the air blue as 2 minutes into my dive the mask was filling up almost completely. I kept taking it off, testing the seal around my face (perfect), adjusting the hood on my wetsuit (putting the mask on under my hood, over it, pulling the sides well away when i sealed it) and doing the straps up as tight as i could, all to no avail.

Then my girlfriend pointed out the problem. The mask was fine until i put my snorkel in my mouth, with snorkel in the skirt of the mask was lifting around the creases between my cheeks and nose and leaking. I realised that i couldn't feel this as the straps were done up so tight. I tried the mask without my snorkel in and it was perfect. I also noticed that the problem was increased by taking my snorkel out of my mouth and replacing it for each dive.

I took the mask back to the shop and was lucky enough to be allowed to exchange it for the Cressi Big Eyes which has a deeper skirt which seal well around my top lip even with my snorkel in and being replaced regularly.

I suppose the moral of the story is just testing the seal in the shop isn't good enough if your snorkel tends to make you lips stick out or screw your face up!

[pelagicbeing]

I had to retire my superochio recently after 5 years of service, due to it starting to leak.

After close inspection and much head scratching i found a small hole had developed on the internal silicone skirt on the bridge of the nose, which i could only see by slightly stretching the silicone. When i descended this made a nice hole for the sea to get sucked through due to the dropping pressure inside the mask! (I fixed this with a neoprene glue, and now keep it as a backup mask.)

Another thing worth ruling out is excess grease / moisturiser / sun cream on your face.....i know when i dive in warmer climates that i never put sun cream anywhere near where the mask will go on my face, as this guarantees really annoying leaks constantly..make sure you wash you face with seawater a few times before you put your mask on, giving it a good clean, this helps eliminate the above a bit.

pelagicbeing

[Huan]

Big nose usually = Technisub Look mask.
My buddy has a big hooter and he has a Look Mask and claims that it is the only one that will be comfortable for him.
It may be worth it if you can arrange it to try out a few masks with a buddy.
I have a selection and often people ask to try a different mask.

One thing pulling the mask straps real tight can sometimes cause leaks especially with the new skirt mounted buckles.
also check that you haven't got any stray hairs inside the mask skirt.
Shave stubble off too, I found the Matrix would sometimes leak when I hadn't shaved.

[Jez]

Ok, hands up. I am a dummy. Went for a dive tonight and took 2 minutes to sit my mask properly on my face, ensuring the skirt was not overlapping my hood's neoprene and it worked fine.

Crisis averted, thanks for all your suggestions (may still look into that mask Huan, thanks).