Mask fit issues

[Josh Edmond]

So I'm a fairly new diver...and I just can't find a mask that fits me well. I've tried Tusa Freedom HD, Cressi Big Eyes Crystal, and Mares X-vision ultra LS. They've all leaked just under my nose on the upper lip. I've shaved clean, which I prefer not to do, and used a silicone based mask seal. It helps, but the best fitting, Tusa, still leaks an annoying amount. I'm sure a lot of divers put up with some leakage but it really eats at me. I'm constantly clearing it out which eventually makes fogging an issue. Anyone that has struggled with the mustache area and found a mask that works, please fill me in. I'd be very grateful for any suggestions...looks like I'll be selling another mask. I'm really hoping someone has a lead on a mask that seals well under the nose. I'm guessing I just have a strange shape right at that point. Please help thanks in advance.

 

[Scuba Lawyer]

I have a fairly large round face and I never really found a mask that fit extremely well, UNTIL - a friend gave me an Atomic Aquatics Frameless mask many years ago which I promply lost. However, it fit so well I immediately went and bought another one. Strangely, the identical replacement mask leaked all over the place. That is when I discovered the Atomic masks came in two sizes (standard fit and medium fit). The medium fit one fits me amazingly and I still use it. Just keep trying. You will find something. Also, some folks have never been taught the correct method of trying on and leak testing a mask before they buy it. That used to be taught in basic scuba courses but I haven't taught a scuba class in 34 years so I have no idea what is taught today. Good luck.

P.S. I've had a moustash and occasional full beard all the years and the Atomic mask is still leak free. (They are horrendously expensive though). My 2psi

 

[Josh Edmond]

I have a fairly large round face and I never really found a mask that fit extremely well, UNTIL - a friend gave me an Atomic Aquatics Frameless mask many years ago which I promply lost. However, it fit so well I immediately went and bought another one. Strangely, the identical replacement mask leaked all over the place. That is when I discovered the Atomic masks came in two sizes (standard fit and medium fit). The medium fit one fits me amazingly and I still use it. Just keep trying. You will find something. Also, some folks have never been taught the correct method of trying on and leak testing a mask before they buy it. That used to be taught in basic scuba courses but I haven't taught a scuba class in 34 years so I have no idea what is taught today. Good luck.

P.S. I've had a moustash and occasional full beard all the years and the Atomic mask is still leak free. (They are horrendously expensive though). My 2psi

The problem is that most if the masks I buy are online. So I can't try the, no strap suck in hold and see if the mask stays sealed as long as you hold the breath, method. Which actually works on my Tusa mask but once the reg is in it still leaks. Leisurepro.com will allow me free returns if it doesn't fit, so that's a good option. Yes the Atomic is HORRENDOUSLY expensive, but I really would like to enjoy a leak free and fog free dive. Thanks for your 2psi.

 

[ToneNQ]

Keep trying. There are stiff frame masks and flexible frames, different volumes, etc. Different head shapes affect things, everything is a variable.

I have two favourite masks, both low volume freediving masks. Older is a Pelagic that I wear very loose, it it's even remotely tight it leaks. It's a solid frame and while it feels loose on the surface, underwater it's superb. Then I have a Beuchat Shark flexible frame mask that I bought last year. It needs to be a bit tighter to seal but still so comfy.

Keep trying, something will work. When I get a new one I start with the suction test. Then I loosen it off, slide the strap over my head and down low at the back, so the side straps go over the tops of my ears. For me it's the spot where I feel the mask skirt pressure on my face is even, not tighter at the top or bottom. Wearing a hood helps with the ears, but its okay without one. Then I go diving and tighten the straps one click at a time until I find the sweet spot.

 

[Marie13]

OP, do you happen to have deep smile lines on either side of your nose? That was my issue. Many of the masks these days have very short skirts under the nose. ScubaPro Spectre TruFit was what did it for me. That’s now discontinued, but the Synergy is the replacement model. Make sure you get the one with the TruFit skirt if you go this route. It makes all the difference.

 

[Josh Edmond]

OP, do you happen to have deep smile lines on either side of your nose? That was my issue. Many of the masks these days have very short skirts under the nose. ScubaPro Spectre TruFit was what did it for me. That’s now discontinued, but the Synergy is the replacement model. Make sure you get the one with the TruFit skirt if you go this route. It makes all the difference.

Not really noticeable smile lines. I don't really know why at this point. I have a really old ,like 20 years, body glove mask my son wears. It has a pretty stiff skirt, and seals pretty well for me. Any suggestions on stiffer masks?

 

[drakcheslav]

You can try thr cressi calibro. It has a pretty stiff skirt.

And it seals really well. Even with mustaches.

I prefer stiffer skirts than super soft ones.

Another recommendation is Tehnisub Square.
And Beuchat Maxlux.

 

[James79]

If you can, try going into a dive shop and bringing you reg with you. Do the test fitting with the reg in your mouth (or a snorkel with similar mouthpiece), that will shape your face in the "as used" position to check for leaks/fit. I know the LDS is more expensive... but it will still probably be cheaper than X number of masks that don't fit right put together. then you will have a model of mask that works for you and can order spares online as needed.
My advice is always worth what you paid for it though, so there is that.
Respectfully,
James

 

[Josh Edmond]

If you can, try going into a dive shop and bringing you reg with you. Do the test fitting with the reg in your mouth (or a snorkel with similar mouthpiece), that will shape your face in the "as used" position to check for leaks/fit. I know the LDS is more expensive... but it will still probably be cheaper than X number of masks that don't fit right put together. then you will have a model of mask that works for you and can order spares online as needed.

My issue there is selection. The two LDS I go to only have Tusa or Mares and I've had no luck with either. I'm thinking frameless with a little stiffer skirt might do the trick. Any tips on masks in that style that don't have the super soft skirt?
My advice is always worth what you paid for it though, so there is that.
Respectfully,
James

 

[Josh Edmond]

My issue there is selection. The two LDS I go to only have Tusa or Mares and I've had no luck with either. I'm thinking frameless with a little stiffer skirt might do the trick. Any tips on masks in that style that don't have the super soft skirt?