Testing a Scuba Mask for a Good Fit

Getting a perfect fit is essential for all scuba masks. Without the perfect fit, you will have to constantly rinse water out due to leakage. In turn, this attention diversion could cause you to find yourself in an unsafe diving scenario.

Finding the best fitting mask requires the following steps:

1. Put the mask up to your face without worrying about the strap just yet.
2. Inhale through your nose. This will cause the mask to adhere to your face.
3. Move your head around and try to remove the mask from your face gently. It should still remain on your face regardless of movement or attempt at removal. (This is, of course, without the use of the strap.) If your mask stays put, then you have a good fit.

Tips for Defogging Your Mask

If your scuba mask fogs up consistently while under water, it may not only annoy you, but it could also jeopardize your safety. The following are a two tips you can use to prevent your mask from fogging up:

1. Use a prepared mask anti-fog solution that you can find at almost any dive shop or online. Place a few drops (a little goes a long way) on the lenses and clean thoroughly. Be sure that you have rinsed the lenses thoroughly with fresh water afterward because the solution can hurt your eyes if residual amounts are leftover.
2. If you are on the dive boat or do not have access to either of the above products, then the next best thing to use is your own saliva. Place it on the lenses and rub like you would toothpaste or a solution, then rinse.

Full-Face Scuba Mask

The full face scuba mask is beneficial to those who are pursuing diving both professionally and recreationally. The professional diver can correspond with people in the dive boat as well as be shielded from polluted water. The recreational diver gets protection from cold water as well as possible jellyfish stings.

Wearing a full face mask is much more comfortable than using a mouthpiece for extended periods of time. Also, a full face mask is less likely to become displaced on the diver's face, thus preventing water from leaking into the mask. Equipment for communication purposes can be used inside the mask.

The only drawback to the use of a full face mask is that the large amount of unused space may cause carbon monoxide retention. However, if you attach a small mouth and a nose mask within the full face mask, it will reduce the amount of space.

Reason We Need Fins and Masks

Scuba masks and fins are an essential part of the overall scuba gear in terms of their important uses.

1. Scuba Masks: These are necessary because our eyes are not constructed to see under water. We need protection around our eyes to be able to view sea life, and the scuba mask creates that shield. The air space in between the water and our eyes allows us to see. Most scuba masks are a light plastic frame with glass lenses and a silicone skirt that adheres to the face. It is most crucial to have a mask that fits properly as the entire diving experience is based around what you are able to see. If this is compromised by an ill-fitting mask, your dive will likely be unsuccessful.
2. Fins: Fins function for scuba divers just as fins do for fish -- they enable you to get around. They should fit as if they are extensions of your natural appendages and propel you through the water. Adjustable and full-foot are the main types of fins: full-foot fins cover the diver's entire bare foot while the adjustable version has straps that are worn over boots.