How much mask leakage is normal?

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Daryl Morse

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I just started diving and I haven't purchased any personal gear yet.

I have a moustache so I've pretty much gotten used to mask leakage. Water doesn't "flood" in, but I have to clear the mask pretty often. It's only really annoying when I'm trying to navigate with the compass because the water pools on the glass. Also, I occasionally get water down my nose or in my eyes when I look up.

I'm wondering how much should a mask leak, with or without a moustache? I'm not sure how much of the leakage is because of the poor fitting rental mask and how much is from my moustache.

Thanks.
 
None or almost none would be normal for a properly fitting mask. I shave a small space under my nose for the mask to seal against. If you look at the mask, the area that goes under your nose is quite thin compared to the sealing area for the rest of the mask. In addition I apply silicone grease to my upperlip including the mustashe to assist with the seal.

Without the silicone grease I often have zero leakage, but on some days they darn thing just insist on leaking like a sieve. On the days I use the silicone grease, I have less problem. but there are still days when nothing helps and the thing just leaks, go figure.

Suggestion, try on your mask in the store with a regulator in your mouth. It does change the shape of your face and makes IMHO a difference.
 
I don't have a moustache so I can't be sure but I'd bet it's the hair. Try some Vasoline or something like that on your stache and see if that makes a difference. A purge mask may be a worthwhile investment. Any way the hassle is worth it. Good luck.

Joe
 
A good mask won't leak at all. Cressi Big Eye and Scuba Pro Crystalvu masks seem to seal well on most people, I'm sure there are lots that will work for you. If you determine that your mustache is still a problem, load it with chapstick where your mask seal crosses it. This generally helps.
 
scubajoe:
I don't have a moustache so I can't be sure but I'd bet it's the hair. Try some Vasoline or something like that on your stache and see if that makes a difference. A purge mask may be a worthwhile investment. Any way the hassle is worth it. Good luck.

Joe

Stay away from vasoline, it destroys the masks... pertoleum based products and silcon dont get along well...
 
scubajoe:
... Try some Vasoline or something like that on your stache and see if that makes a difference. A purge mask may be a worthwhile investment. ...

NO NO NO NO, vasoline is not good for the mask material! Use silicone grease, it is safe and effective.

It is like some other personal product, vasoline is not recommend as it will weaken the material with potential dada results.
 
Properly fitted mask shouldn't leak. When I'm up for some serious diving, I just shave the moustache off.
 
With good fit the mask should not leak.

Sometimes I shave a little off of the top of my 'stache.
Sometimes I use silicone grease.
You can also use Chapstick (TM) to reduce leakage past the 'stache.
 
pipedope:
With good fit the mask should not leak.
One common cause of a leaky mask to watch out for is if the mask is too tight. Just enough pressure to hold it to your face should be enough.
 
Depends on face shape, mask shape, phase of the moon and other seemingly random events.

Some dives i wont have a drop in my mask, other times it'll need clearing every few minutes despite removing/refitting. Face shape changes with a hood in and a regulator in as well.

The people i know with moustaches use vaseline without damage to their masks and say it helps then.

The most irritating leak i find is a tiny one that leaves a constant high pitched buzzing noise as air leaves the mask.

If the mask is leaking badly, try on different masks to see if one is a better fit. Other than that, just fiddle until you're happy with the amount it leaks and prepared to clear every once in a while.

I occasionally keep a small bit of water in the mask - if the lense mists up i can just shake my head to clear the lense.

My face is "odd" - ive only ever found one mask that fits properly and thats Mares Opera. All others ive tried leak around the top corners.
 

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