Gagging Above Water

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THe comfo bite mouth piece is the worst for gagging! I used it a few times and hated it! I was on the verge of gagging. After a few more dives, I got used to it and now I can use them, but prefer not to.

If you have a susceptibility to the problem, I bet about any other mouth piece that doesn't place something on the roof of your mouth will be better. I personally like the longer mouth pieces that allow holding with the back teeth more.

I like the shape of these much more.. we are talking about personal preference, so there is NO right answer.

Long-Bite Mouthpiece | Dive Gear Express®

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Oh i dunno, I’m not sure if having something further back in my mouth is gonna help. But the comfobite did feel like it filled my mouth with rubber so I’ll try.
 
Its worth the few bucks to try. I think the gag reflex is stimulated by contact with back of throat and roof of mouth, rather than the top of molars.
 
They should re-name the "Comfo-Bite" the "Gag-Master!" .................and market it to masochists.
 
I have the same issue you do, down to the letter. If you have a ComfoBite (like I did on my original snorkel) you can trim off arch that contacts the roof of your mouth easily enough. That helped me some, but still not a fun experience. That said, just like you, once I'm in the water I have no issues what-so-ever. I tried a custom molded mouthpiece for my main regulator but didn't have any more success than the OEM mouthpiece that came with it. I've now just learned that the gag reflex is there and don't put my regulator in until I'm just about to jump off the boat. Lo and behold...no issues to speak of. :)
 
Our instructor also insists that we keep the regulator in at all times on the surface which doesn’t help matter. But that seems weird...I thought that was what snorkels were for!

Now you are certified you can make your own decision.

Personally, I’m with you, reg underwater, snorkel on the surface.


Bob
 
When you get to the surface if the reg comes out it is easy to swallow some water. Especially if things have got dicey. Seen more than one diver drink some sea water. In my diving when I come up it is always at the boat or on the beach. Personally while passing up my camera and then getting on a bouncing boat I like to have my reg in my mouth the whole time. But each to their own. Do practice the switch one handed since you could be hanging on a rope in current.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

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