Help with high volume presciption mask

[Bullswan]

My son complains about his prescription mask and he is due for a new set of lenses anyway so I am looking for a long term fix. His complaint is that the mask he has (which is an EVO Typhoon and has 2 lenses) presses on the his forehead just above the bridge of his nose and IT HURTS. I read through prior threads of this forum and see that some people recommend going with a single lense mid-high volume mask to cure a similar pain problem. In doing that research, I can't locate one that is a prescription mask and I want to keep him interested and active in diving hence pain-free.

Any thoughts or mask recommendations to look at? He has a small face and is 13 years old.

Thanks
Greg

 

[D_B]

you can have lenses added to the inside of the mask lens .. here are some makers of prescription masks ....

Welcome to Prescription Dive Masks 1-800-538-2878

Prescription Dive Masks .. (children size masks too)

Diving Masks by HydroOptix -- Products -- Flat Rx Masks

 

[swifttank]

If you want to make the investment, go to your LDS and try to fit him in an Atomic Sub Frame. The mask will last a long time because of the high quality you get from Atomic. It has a super soft, yet durable skirt so it makes it comfortable and an easy fit for most people. There is a company in Cali I think that will do the prescription lenses for them *I'll ask our Atomic Rep. this week* Other than that, I'd recommend contact lenses. I know that there are risks involved with that as far as losing them if your mask gets kicked off your face, but they're cheaper than a prescription mask, easier to replace, and it really opens up your options for masks and you can get him something he'll like instead of something that he'll have to settle for. Also, if he has a problem with reading his gauges with contacts on, you can get these bi-focal inserts for masks that just stick to the inside of a clean lens. There are options, you just need to think out of the box a little.

 

[Web Monkey]

Any thoughts or mask recommendations to look at? He has a small face and is 13 years old.

Thanks
Greg

Tell him to loosen the mask strap. Wrenching down the mask strap mashes the skirt and pushes the nose pocket into his nose.

It only needs to be tight enough so the mask doesn't fall off his face. Once in the water, the water pressure will do most of the work.

Terry

 

[Rick Inman]

I assume that he cannot wear contacts. Because contacts lenses would allow him to wear any mask he wants, and switch and swap at his pleasure.

 

[Bullswan]

Right. Can't wear contacts. I don't know the reason, but his eye-guy said "No-No".

We tried the "loosen the strap" idea but it didn't help much. He said he can "put up with it" but we are heading to Bonaire for a week in February and I don't want him to "put up with it". I want him to enjoy EVERYTHING about it.

 

[sabbath999]

Here's my suggestion... I am a NOOB but I think it is a valid approach.

Go to a dive shop with a WIDE selection of masks, and shop masks for fit (and can accept prescription lenses), paying attention to seal and rub areas. When one seems to fit, put it on and wear it for a while... make sure there are no pressure areas at the top or bottom of the nose.

I tried on nearly 50 masks when I bought mine... didn't care about the brand, the look or the color, only cared about whether it sealed good and whether there were any pressure points.

I ordered prescription lenses and am happy with the result.

There are bound to be several masks out there that fit his face well that you can put lenses in... my take on it is the best way to find them is to try them in person.

 

[Scott M]

My advise would be to first find a mask that fits him and that he likes. Once you have that then send it out to have lens installed to his prescription. It's a bit more expensive this way but you know he will have a good fitting mask.

Regards

 

[rstofer]

Is there any chance he is overlooking the possibility of keeping the mask pressure equalized? If he blows a little air into the mask through his nose, the mask will move away. Done properly, the mask should exert very little pressure against the face. In fact, it could be sloppy loose.

Just practice putting enough air in the mask to make it bubble.

Like most things in diving, controlling the mask is a dynamic situation and requires the same attention as any other factors of buoyancy. The air in the mask will expand on ascent and compress on descent. It just needs to be equalized to keep the seal pressure comfortable.

Now, if the mask isn't comfortable under ANY condition, it is the wrong mask.

Richard