Question FFM risks?

[gryffin]

Hello all:

I switched to an FFM several years ago. We haven’t done any diving since 2020, but are planning trips this fall. While looking at potential dive shops, I saw some that prohibited the use of FFM. When I inquired about why- I was told there had been too many deaths due to asphyxia. I’ve been trying to research this to assess my own risk, but I’m not coming up with any data. If anyone can point me to any more information on this, I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[broncobowsher]

I would inquire at the shop that told you that.

Be sure to get clarity between a scuba FFM and a snorkeling FFM.

 

[FF / EMT]

Wouldn’t even tell anyone, just keep the mask in its bag until you’re ready to check your kit and jump.

Make sure you’re unscrewing the valve seat after each day though, water gets in there and it’ll stick open

 

[Akimbo]

When I inquired about why- I was told there had been too many deaths due to asphyxia.

Asphyxia? So they ran OOA and didn't take the mask off?

 

[TravisD]

Sure they're not referring to the full face snorkeling masks that have been implicated in some recent deaths?

 

[Wibble]

What's the benefit of a full face mask for Scuba in general-purpose diving (i.e. not in extreme cold or muck)?

 

[TravisD]

Comms? Training/Practice/Faimilarization in preparation for those cold/muck dives? Because they find it's more comfortable to them?

 

[gryffin]

I’m not so concerned about diving with a shop that prohibits diving with a FFM, but understanding why they concluded they contributed to too many fatalities. I did confirm it was FFM for scuba and not for snorkeling.

 

[gryffin]

For me it is mask fitting, I involuntarily scrunch my face when I concentrate- no matter what the activity. While diving, this breaks the seal for my regular mask. I can dive with a regular mask- and in fact carry one as well as a spare second stage set up with quick disconnect hose. My buddy also has a quick disconnect hose on his BC. However, when I dive with a regular mask, I am clearing it a lot- so much so that it is hard to really enjoy the dive. I’ve tried a few different styles and brands of masks, but haven’t found one that solves this for me.

My full face mask just makes diving much more enjoyable. I have a Neptune GDivers and spent time training in the pool, and practicing to make sure I can get it on and off, and switch air sources underwater.

 

[Bigbella]

That "asphyxia" claim is a real new one for me, and probably just reflects the sheer ignorance of the dive shop / charter of full face mask use rather than anything else.

I've used FFMs for years and have yet to be challenged, on any boat, by any slack-jawed punk ever expecting a tip . . .