Sea Turtle
Registered
Which type of mask is better, a purge valve mask or a non-purge valve mask? Is it a matter of personal preference? What are the pros and cons of each type?
Purge vs. No Purge Mask
- Thread starter Sea Turtle
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You'll get a few dissenting opinions on this but a non purge mask is clearly better. Purge valves are a completely unnecissary failure point and worse yet, many interfere with your ability to perform the valsalva maneuver. Also, if you use a purge mask you will proably never learn to purge properly.Sea Turtle:
Some people find it difficult to purge when they first start training but at some point the lightbulb goes off. Once you get the hang of it, it is about as simple as it gets. Don't be lured into thinking you need to spend money on a valve.
gfisher4792
Guest
Definitely personal choice. Personally, I started on a purge, but switched to non-purge. My thinking/experience: purge mask made it difficult (for me) to properly pinch my nose to equalize. And I figured, clearing a mask isn't that difficult anyway, so why do I need this big piece of plastic around my nose?
Others will also tell you that the purge mechanism can be prone to fail, either by breaking (just a piece of plastic, ya know) or by sand/debris getting trapped.
Others will also tell you that the purge mechanism can be prone to fail, either by breaking (just a piece of plastic, ya know) or by sand/debris getting trapped.
Purge masks tend (sooner or later) to leak at the flapper, thus requiring more purging, kind of seems like an endless loop to me. Better that you learn how to clear your mask the old fashioned way. That said, the most important thing in a mask is fit. If you're having a hard time finding a mask that fits (and lots of people do) and come across a purge mask that works for you, I'd buy it.
One of my favorite masks is a purge mask - but I ended up sealing the exhaust with some silicone so that I don't have to think about it anymore.
One of my favorite masks is a purge mask - but I ended up sealing the exhaust with some silicone so that I don't have to think about it anymore.
I had a female student who kept sniffing a little water up her nose, constantly. It was just something she had huge issues with. So she changed to a purge mask and never had a problem again. Go figure. I would only purchase a purge mask after you discover you have "issues" with non purge masks.
After the student is more relaxed and confident because of experience I suspect she'll go back to her regular mask.
After the student is more relaxed and confident because of experience I suspect she'll go back to her regular mask.
AevnsGrandpa
Contributor
Now you all have gone and made me feel bad!! 
My first (and only) mask is a purge and I so far have had no problems and like it.
however I have thought about picking up another as a spare that is not a purge, just to also learn how to purge the "proper" way!!
Jeff
My first (and only) mask is a purge and I so far have had no problems and like it.
however I have thought about picking up another as a spare that is not a purge, just to also learn how to purge the "proper" way!!
Jeff
Personal preference.
I just made my purge mask a "back-up" mask. The plastic guard over the flapper kept coming off, and I just lost it last week. I spent 15 dives without it on a trip, and it was a slow annoying leak at the flapper. I have since ordered a new plastic guard and will permantly seal the area with silicone.
Other people on the trip made comments about the flapper getting stuck open (sand, snot, etc.).
I rarely cleared my mask using the purge valve, since it was easier to clear using the standard method.
I just made my purge mask a "back-up" mask. The plastic guard over the flapper kept coming off, and I just lost it last week. I spent 15 dives without it on a trip, and it was a slow annoying leak at the flapper. I have since ordered a new plastic guard and will permantly seal the area with silicone.
Other people on the trip made comments about the flapper getting stuck open (sand, snot, etc.).
I rarely cleared my mask using the purge valve, since it was easier to clear using the standard method.
QuoVadis
Contributor
Purge masks are better in my opinion. You have to learn to clear the mask without using the purge valve first. It is harder to pinch the nose with a purge valve. The "unnecessary" failure point in my opinion is a bit overstated. I would worry about other things failing before my purge valve. To each his own. Try them both, see which one you like better and go for it!!
Ontario Diver
Guest
If you are blessed with a moustache, the purge comes in handy...
If you find a mask that fits pefectly then you won't need a purge valve. Unfortunately there are a limited selection of masks and a nearly unlimited number of face shapes.
My first mask of a USD Three window with purge valve. The purge was optional, as bought the purge valve was covered and if you wanted to use it you cut the little nubs of rubber off and then you had a functioning purge valve.
That mask would seep constantly and I found it much more comfortable to dive with the purge valve.
My current mask is a Cressi Big Eyes and it doesn't leak or seep. It does not have or need a purge valve for me.
Remember when shopping for a mask to take a snorkel and test each mask both with the snorkel in and out of your mouth, it makes a difference.
Also try EVERY mask available until you find one that fits perfectly. I found that when I bought my Big Eyes the newest model year version did not fit as well as the last year model. I bought the one that fit.
IMNSHO Mask fit is the ONE most important factor to diving comfort. I will qualify this to say the one gear item. Training and practice is primary but even this is much better with a perfect fitting mask.
My first mask of a USD Three window with purge valve. The purge was optional, as bought the purge valve was covered and if you wanted to use it you cut the little nubs of rubber off and then you had a functioning purge valve.
That mask would seep constantly and I found it much more comfortable to dive with the purge valve.
My current mask is a Cressi Big Eyes and it doesn't leak or seep. It does not have or need a purge valve for me.
Remember when shopping for a mask to take a snorkel and test each mask both with the snorkel in and out of your mouth, it makes a difference.
Also try EVERY mask available until you find one that fits perfectly. I found that when I bought my Big Eyes the newest model year version did not fit as well as the last year model. I bought the one that fit.
IMNSHO Mask fit is the ONE most important factor to diving comfort. I will qualify this to say the one gear item. Training and practice is primary but even this is much better with a perfect fitting mask.
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