Hair between the face and mask
Although shaving the head is a guaranteed fix for this problem, It’s probably a better option to feel around the perimeter of the mask to ensure no hair is caught under the seal. This is easier to do without gloves on.
The mask overlapping the wetsuit hood
Sometimes it’s worth trimming the hood if this is a frequent problem.
Facial hair
This can let water in very quick even if in the morning the diver has a clean-shaven face, by the afternoon the smallest amount of stubble can cause problems.
An ill-fitting mask.
Although mask seals are quite similar some are better suited for a narrower face, then others for a bigger nose and so on.
Not maintaining equalization.
This can quite often be the cause when a diver finds the mask sealing fine for the first 8 metres or so, but at greater depths water starts to fill the mask. What happens is the external pressure of the mask is increases, pressing the mask into the face, making the seal deform and leak.
Facial tension.
Always keep a poker face. There are plenty of reasons for a mask to leak, but how we maintain our facial composure is one not often covered. As we immerse ourselves into the ocean, there are plenty of influences that can result as some kind of facial strain. Focus on keeping our face as emotionless as possible. It’s a very easy problem to fall into without being aware. A proven example can be seen on many divers snorkels. Quite a large percentage of divers gnaw on their mouthpiece until they are chewed right off. So relax. If nothing else relax the face. This can make a great difference to sealing your mask.
Strap tension
It would be natural to assume that if a mask is leaking, we should tighten the strap. But especially more modern masks, the seal are often improved with less tension. The difference is some masks have very soft silicone, and increasing the strap tension squashes the seal out of shape.
Damaged Mask
Quite a few masks are made up of a frame, a silicone skirt the lens and a clip that holds the lens locking rings in place. Sometimes after a mask has been stood on or just knocked around, the tabs on the lens locking ring ether dislodge or break off. The most obvious thing to look for is the locking rings sitting proud from the frame.
Author: Ron Bakker
Although shaving the head is a guaranteed fix for this problem, It’s probably a better option to feel around the perimeter of the mask to ensure no hair is caught under the seal. This is easier to do without gloves on.
The mask overlapping the wetsuit hood
Sometimes it’s worth trimming the hood if this is a frequent problem.
Facial hair
This can let water in very quick even if in the morning the diver has a clean-shaven face, by the afternoon the smallest amount of stubble can cause problems.
An ill-fitting mask.
Although mask seals are quite similar some are better suited for a narrower face, then others for a bigger nose and so on.
Not maintaining equalization.
This can quite often be the cause when a diver finds the mask sealing fine for the first 8 metres or so, but at greater depths water starts to fill the mask. What happens is the external pressure of the mask is increases, pressing the mask into the face, making the seal deform and leak.
Facial tension.
Always keep a poker face. There are plenty of reasons for a mask to leak, but how we maintain our facial composure is one not often covered. As we immerse ourselves into the ocean, there are plenty of influences that can result as some kind of facial strain. Focus on keeping our face as emotionless as possible. It’s a very easy problem to fall into without being aware. A proven example can be seen on many divers snorkels. Quite a large percentage of divers gnaw on their mouthpiece until they are chewed right off. So relax. If nothing else relax the face. This can make a great difference to sealing your mask.
Strap tension
It would be natural to assume that if a mask is leaking, we should tighten the strap. But especially more modern masks, the seal are often improved with less tension. The difference is some masks have very soft silicone, and increasing the strap tension squashes the seal out of shape.
Damaged Mask
Quite a few masks are made up of a frame, a silicone skirt the lens and a clip that holds the lens locking rings in place. Sometimes after a mask has been stood on or just knocked around, the tabs on the lens locking ring ether dislodge or break off. The most obvious thing to look for is the locking rings sitting proud from the frame.
Author: Ron Bakker
Last edited: