Leak-proof masks

[fila56]

I have been using a Mares silicone mask which is great- if it remains free of water! I equalize often and then have to press the bottom part of the skirt down on my face to avoid taking on water from the bottom- or spend my time equalizing and clearing! Mask fits great above water with a snorkel in my mouth but fails me underwater. Anyone else with this issue? Any suggestions?

 

[ekremer]

It could be as simple as the skirt has become stiff. the clear silicone masks I have owned tended to do that after a few years. Also, make sure the skirt is still attached to the frame, If it is a frameless mask that is known to happen sometimes.

 

[fila56]

That is interesting! I was not aware that the silicone can warp or harden- I take such good care of my equipment but I am so fed up with constantly equalizing and clearing every two minutes once I've reached my depth. Is it possible that I am not pinching my nose hard enough and the seal in the mask breaks?

 

[j2s]

Do you wear the snorkel between the strap and your head or on the outside of the strap ?????........Try both and see what happens......

 

[diversteve]

My guess would be that you just don't have the right mask for your facial structure. Not all masks fit all faces, I went thru 4 to get one that wouldn't leak. My leaks were often at the temples when I turned quickly. I tried Mares, Scubapro, Aqualung and now dive a Tusa. Oddly my $15 close-out Sherwood backup mask also doesn't leak.

Cressi sells some of their masks with an upgrade called Crystal - it uses a special silicone in the skirt.
Cressi Scuba Diving Masks
Mares calls their Liquidskin
http://www.mares.com/products/masks-and-snorkels/masks/?region=us

I've heard the Atomic Frameless is a good fitting mask for a lot of people also. They also have a smaller-face version if you do.

 

[buddhasummer]

Most likely an ill fitting mask for your face shape. As another poster has mentioned a snorkel attached to the mask can also sometimes cause problems. Good luck.

+1 on the Atomic Frameless it's the only mask I've had in almost 15 years that doesn't leak (I use a medium fit).

 

[tracydr]

I've always had problem with mask leaks. The Atomic Aquatics frameless is the closest I've come to leakproof. There's no such thing as a leakproof mask. I've tried a whole lot of masks in 17 or so years.

 

[Fatterboy]

I have a beard and moustache, my mask never seals water out. I exhale slightly from my nose when water accumulates and voila, it's almost all gone. I don't even wear my mask tight to my face, the only reason I need a strap is to keep my mask from falling off. I don't know if a mask with a purge valve would help or not. I have heard some people use a little vaseline on the skin, but I would be careful whoopin' out a big ol' jar of vaseline...

 

[BabyDuck]

another vote for try some different masks.

 

[Nemrod]

You are kidding right, masks are not supposed to leak? So I thought until I happened upon the Atomic Frameless. WTH, the thing is so dry it is like living in Aridzona, I get nosebleeds from the low humidity. I put water in it on purpose.

N