Clearing mask with Purge Valve

[crpntr133]

I own both a purge and nonpurged mask. Hands down I would take the nonpurged mask. The valve in mine is so slow at clearing the mask that I just stopped using it and clear my mask my tipping back and sealing the top off, as taught in OW.

 

[Bibendum]

OK, so I talked to my instructor about this topic yesterday and he said I can't use the look down method to use the purge valve to clear the mask....I have to clear it as you would a non-purge mask. So now what? In trying to clear as normal I wasn't able to do it.

Given this, any other suggestions?

Thanks!

ps - someone asked what type of purge mask I have, it's the Oceanic Prism 2.

 

[LiteHedded]

that's weird
why wouldn't he get you comfortable clearing the mask you'll be wearing when you dive?

 

[Sideband]

that's weird
why wouldn't he get you comfortable clearing the mask you'll be wearing when you dive?

I find that a little disturbing as well. I could understand the instructor wanting everyone to know how to clear a non-pruge mask as well, but to not let someone learn to clear the kind of mask they own? In our classes we teach the method appropriate to the mask you own.

I have several masks and only one is a purge type. It sees the vast majority of dives that I do. If it floods I usually use the normal method of holding the top and tilting back. It is when there is just a little seepage that I like the purge valve. I can just exhale through my nose and it is cleared. No hands involved. This mask was also the cheapest of the masks I own. Go figure.

I wouldn't know why anyone would have trouble with mask squeeze with a purge valve. Just exhale a bit. The pressure will equalize and any excess will vent out the purge. In fact, it should be easier because you know exactly where the excess pressure is going to vent and don't have to worry about it breaking a decent seal some place else and then having to play with it to get the seal back.

Also, as you dive more I think you will find that you don't have to always squeeze your nose to equalize. Right about dive #60 I started being able to equalize my ears by swallowing or moving my jaw the right way. The dives from 55 on for a bit were cold water (40 deg) and I had on 7mil gloves. Using the pinch method wasn't as easy as it had been before.

Joe

 

[Bibendum]

that's weird
why wouldn't he get you comfortable clearing the mask you'll be wearing when you dive?

Just for clarification, my instructor has absolutely no problem with me using the purge mask for the class. He didn't ask me to change masks, just that when I am clearing it I can't rely soley on the purge valve, I must learn to clear it normally. Which I was having trouble doing.

Also, after talking to my instructor I think I had my mask too tight - which was why I was having trouble releasing mask pressure - now that I have loosened it, blowing out to release mask pressure is working fine. I think loosening the mask has also assisted in the clearing problems I was having. I practiced in the pool today and was FINALLY able to clear a 1/2 and fully flooded mask normally without drinking water through my nose...yeah!

As for ear equalization, no trouble there, although piching my nose and gently exhaling has never worked for me. I always have to use the swallow and wiggle the jaw method.

Thanks to everyone for all the advice on this topic.

 

[scubapro50]

I have been diving over 30 years and the best mask I have found was a Scubapro TriView that is no longer in production. Used these masks are selling on ebay from $40 to $90 each depending on shape. Not all purge mask are the same. I hate the "knot hole" purge that most cheap masks have under the nose pocket. If you are having trouble in your pool sessions then ask the instructor for help ..... that's why he is there for .....

 

[steeleflyn]

First thing, make sure your mask is not too tight, remember the presure of the water around you will keep your mask on, so it doesnt have to be tight.

Second, when you need to purge water just look towards the surface and with both hands holding both sides of your mask (fingers on top of mask and thumbs under the bottom) lift the bottom of your mask off of your cheeks with your thumbs (just about a 1/4 inch or less) then exhale gently through your nose and the water will leak out of the unrestricted opening on the bottom of your mask.

When you are practicing the above do it sometimes with no water in your mask and see what you need to do to keep the water from coming back into your mask. You will get a better understanding of how the water escapes.

After you tried this a couple of times try it with one hand, in the middle of your mask.

I hope this helps.

 

[spectrum]

First thing, make sure your mask is not too tight, remember the presure of the water around you will keep your mask on, so it doesnt have to be tight.

Did I miss something in class? If you're regualtor is working right the pressure of the surrounding water, the air in your lungs, nasal passages and the mask are equal right?

I agrree with he quote somone posted a few weeks ago, " I've solved more mask problems by loosening mask straps than tightening.

Pete