Full face mask and Nitrox

[scubabjb]

I'd like to get a full face mask for cold water diving. I'd like to use Nitrox.

Having done some research I have found that two popular masks are not certified for use with enriched air:

• AGA Interspiro Divator MkII (confirmed by email with the manufacturer)
• Ocean Reef Neptune (not certified in Europe according to the manual)

​
Can anyone tell me if there are full face masks certified for use in Europe with Nitrox please?

Many thanks

 

[kwinter]

I don't know why Interspiro would say that. I've used my AGA with 100% O2.

 

[Mustard Dave]

Are you talking nitrox greater than EANx40 or any nitrox mix?

 

[scubabjb]

Any Nitrox mix.

This is what I received from Interspiro - "Unfortunately, your internet search has raised the valid issue of usage with enriched air, and the MkII has no certification for such applications, so should not be used in such configurations.".

:depressed:

 

[flots am]

I'd like to get a full face mask for cold water diving. I'd like to use Nitrox.

How do you plan on sharing air with your buddy if you run out or have a failure?

flots

 

[diverrex]

How do you plan on sharing air with your buddy if you run out or have a failure?

flots

The people I know who use a full face mask carry a secondary second stage for sharing air just like the rest of us. And they carry a regular mask in case they need to breathe off their buddy's octo.

 

[KD8NPB]

Just because the manufacturer doesn't certify it doesn't mean it can't be used with sub-40% nitrox safely.

My 2 psi.

 

[flots am]

The people I know who use a full face mask carry a secondary second stage for sharing air just like the rest of us. And they carry a regular mask in case they need to breathe off their buddy's octo.

Sounds complicated and slow.

 

[tplyons]

Sounds complicated and slow.

Yes, until you drill it. I can have my mask off, breathing off a secondary air source and replaced with a standard half mask while swimming in about 20-25 seconds. It's a pain at first, but with experience, it becomes easier.

 

[Diver0001]

Sounds complicated and slow.

It's a pain in the patoosh but I don't think there is any other alternative.

My best guess about those masks not being certified is that either
a) they didn't see a need for going to the expense
b) it's planned but it hasn't happened yet
c) they decided not to because they'll first pay a bunch of money for the certification and then some bozo will try to sue them for something weird

As far as I know there is no gear out there that can't be used unmodified with Nitrox up to 40%. The only potential issue that I can possibly think of is if there are some titanium components in the regulator. Check that, if not then I'd personally be comfortable using it.

R..