Do I need a P-valve?

[BabyDuck]

female caths wouldn't take razors or duct tape, since they'd be *internal*.

actually, i'd consider it. if i could figure out a one-way valve, it might be doable. it wasn't that uncomfy after surgery...

 

[limeyx]

If there were ANY way on earth I could make a p-valve work for me at an acceptable risk, I'd have one. Why not? You don't HAVE to use it, but on longer dives, you have the option. Avoiding the brisk waddle out of the water and the frantic drysuit teardown would be well worth it.

Did you try the SHE-P referenced in direxplorers ? Seems like they have had some success, although I am not sure whether or not it requires razor blades and plenty of duct tape ....

 

[jepuskar]

I've always wanted to get a P-Valve, but because of genetics it is really hard for me to reach the valve....that's by my ankle.

 

[BabyDuck]

i see you & packet sniffer have that in common...

i said 'geez, at your knee, that's sorta bragging, innit?' and he said 'i got the suit *used*!'

plus, jep, if you're in good trim your ankles are close enough, right?

 

[rainman_02]

If there were ANY way on earth I could make a p-valve work for me at an acceptable risk, I'd have one. Why not? You don't HAVE to use it, but on longer dives, you have the option. Avoiding the brisk waddle out of the water and the frantic drysuit teardown would be well worth it.

Look into the ShePee. I'd just caution wanton Googling though.

 

[micklock]

Jim the LDS owner told us to go buy some Depends thats what he uses on long dives, haven't tried it yet though but it would be cheaper and easier.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

If you give up coffee, which you should not be drinking anyway if you dive, and especially not if you dive deco, then the need for the p-valve goes away. Then you can easily vent before and after your dive. And you can always wear a diaper as a back-up, if there is any doubt in your mind.

For a coffee addiction, however, the valve is a fitting (no pun intended) aperture.

Give up coffee or get a p-valve? It was an easy decision for me. I just put a p-valve on my drysuit!

It was really quite easy to do myself. Run a few searches here and especially on TheDecoStop. Lots of great advice. I'd also recommend the book Wetsuit and Drysuit Maintenance and Repair from Airspeed Press. It covers installing p-valves as well as absolutely everything else that has to do with the maintenance and repair of exposure suits.