Exhaling small bubble(s) through nose

[Nemrod]

Hey everyone!

I’m new to scuba and noticed my mask was leaking quite often. A friend suggested that I may be exhaling through my nose a bit. To test this out I took a pale filled with water and with no mask I began breathing through my snorkel. For the most part I just exhale through my mouth but occasionally a small bubble or two would exit from the left nostril. It also would happen if I wiggled my nose around, regardless of if I was breathing or not but would come out both sides. It doesn’t happen every time but it’s almost like I can feel it building up until it finally happens again. Is this normal?

Well, stop doing that .

Actually it is common and not a real problem. That might allow a little water to come in.

I understand there are people who have completely dry masks so they claim. I have never owned such a mask that was completely dry. I often allow a little water in to swish the lens.

 

[Ez E]

My mask leaks some around the nose because of my mustache. I generally exhale fully out my nose every few breaths and it naturally clears the mask. I have been waiting to try this food grade silicone grease that was recommended. Apparently it can help seal a mask.

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

It's not small bubbles leaking from my mask that's the problem. I'm told I have bubbles leaking from my swim trunks. Is that a problem?

 

[Barryattle]

I went through about 5 masks, including nose purge, with consistent face leaks. Trimming back mustache and putting grease or wax on it did not help. I intentionally would exhale some through my nose to try to do mini-clearing at times to put off a BIG clearing (every 1-2 min...) and I don't think that affected leaking. In my case, finally finding a mask that did not leak (Hollis M1, on recommendation from my LDS) fixed the problem. And, yes, I occasionally still blow out a little to equalize pressure or push out a little water. Finding the right mask was a game-changer and dramatically improved my SAC. Note that the M1 felt a bit stiff and not that comfortable when I tried it on in the shop. But it held on better than my other masks, some of which had seemed to be fine when I bought them. So find a knowledgeable person at your LDS to help find the right mask for you. Be prepared to try on a lot of masks and don't settle for "well, seems close."

 

[happy-diver]

My mask leaks some around the nose because of my mustache. I generally exhale fully out my nose every few breaths and it naturally clears the mask. I have been waiting to try this food grade silicone grease that was recommended. Apparently it can help seal a mask.

Imagine the result if the people used very lightly a grease, cream, vaseline, sunscreen, etc etc, without a moustache