Mask leaks

[Aaron Lambright]

Hello.
I am having an issue with my masks leaking around my nose. I suspect the issue is due to the "laugh lines" between my nose and mouth. I'm looking for DIY fixes since this is happening with 4 different masks. All of them "fit" when I place the mask to my face and breath in through my nose. I hear a small wind sound with one of them but not the other 3. The issues seems to present itself once I place the reg in my mouth (slightly altering the lines of my mouth). I've read about guys with mustaches using Vasoline, lip balm, silicone grease, beeswax and beard products to help with leaks due to their facial hair. Would any of these help to seal the tiny leak that apparently forms with my face? If so, which, in your learned opinions, would be best? Mind you, I'd like to stay away from Vasoline (petroleum jelly).

Thanks!

 

[Addicted2H2O]

I tend to get these a bit too, especially this past weekend. I don't typically dive with a 2nd stage in my mouth (I'm usually diving full face) but I find that when I do, after I put my mask on if I pull/roll my upper lip down some, it helps resolve any leaking issues I might have. It doesn't always work of course, but more often than not that usually does the trick in my case.

 

[Marie13]

I have deep smile lines as well. It took me a lot of masks to find the right one. Number 17 was the charm. Others would massively flood on me. Not leak. Flood.

The issue is that many masks have very short skirts under the nose. I needed a longer one. The one I was given was discontinued but I was able to find several spares online. The replacement model is the ScubaPro Synergy Tru-Fit. Must be the Tru-Fit model with two lenses. Not cheap but it’s worth every penny if a mask fits you.

 

[don98]

I had a similar issue. I was taught to check for mask fit by placing the mask on you face and inhale thru the nose. If the mask adhered to your face it fit. I read somewhere that you can inhale hard enough to make almost any mask seem to fit. The secret is to inhale very lightly and if the mask does not leak it fits. I went thru several masks and once I tried this I got a mask the is almost leak free.

 

[NorCalDM]

Also make sure the mask is not too tight some will keep tightening the strap to get the mask to seal but you are just deforming the skirt. Sometimes it just comes down to what mask leaks the least.

 

[stuartv]

Try positioning the mask higher or lower on your face. To get minimal leak (because I always get SOME leakage), I have to shave the top of my mustache down and then position the mask so the skirt is not right up against the bottom of my nose, but lower down.

Also, what works with no reg in your mouth may or may not work with a reg in your mouth, since your face changes shape a bit. As you noted - that is really addressed to another post.

And as @NorCalDM said, make sure the strap is not too tight.

And, when you put it on, do not push it against your face. You don't want to create any suction that makes the mask feel like it is sucking onto your face. That suction is just trying to pull water in. Exhale out of your nose just enough that you feel it start to let a bubble out from the skirt.

 

[Aaron Lambright]

My first mask, a 22 year old US Divers, probably fit the best. Unfortunately, I discovered when I would go on a vacation, it would rub against my nose and make it sore if I did multiple dives. Also, it was difficult to pinch my nose to equalize, just not a lot of room. I bought a Mares One Vision about 5 years ago. Much more comfortable and a huge improvement in visual area but I would have to clear it 3 - 5 times a dive. The down side to this one is it is clear and therefore I get a lot of reflection and therefore the illusion of fog. So I figured I get another Mares only black. I have tried 3 new Mares and they all have a persistent leak. Due some technicalities I was not able to return the first one due to it being past the return date. Mares has been really nice to work with to try and get me one that will not leak even giving me a new Essence which is a little more expensive then the one I purchased. I really like the feel and view but it leaks noticeably. I was hoping someone could suggests and after-purchase solution, such as lip balm or beeswax to fill the crease that must occur when I have my reg in. Any suggestions?

 

[Doc]

.... If so, which, in your learned opinions, would be best? Mind you, I'd like to stay away from Vasoline (petroleum jelly).

Thanks!

I would suggest Vaseline, instead.

Beyond the spelling joke, yes, the glop works. Good for your skin during immersion, too.

 

[PfcAJ]

Try the fit test with a mouthpiece in.

The “does it fit” test at the dive shop is never going to be accurate because as you’ve noticed your face changes when you’ve got a mouthpiece in.

 

[garyh]

Hello.
I am having an issue with my masks leaking around my nose. I suspect the issue is due to the "laugh lines" between my nose and mouth. I'm looking for DIY fixes since this is happening with 4 different masks. All of them "fit" when I place the mask to my face and breath in through my nose. I hear a small wind sound with one of them but not the other 3. The issues seems to present itself once I place the reg in my mouth (slightly altering the lines of my mouth). I've read about guys with mustaches using Vasoline, lip balm, silicone grease, beeswax and beard products to help with leaks due to their facial hair. Would any of these help to seal the tiny leak that apparently forms with my face? If so, which, in your learned opinions, would be best? Mind you, I'd like to stay away from Vasoline (petroleum jelly).

Thanks!

Welcome to hell, I'm still looking for that ultimate mask that doesn't leak, silicone is your friend