Mask and Flooding

[Ronniemu]

I am having some difficulty with my mask leaking. I know the mask is not the trouble, as sometimes it seals and other times it don’t. I also tried other mask and have the same problems. I am careful that it’s set correctly on my face and tried it with and without a hood and still have the same problem. I don’t have any facial hair. I believe it might be how tight or loose I make the mask on my face. I think sometimes I make it to loose and other times, because of the mask flooding,I make it too tight. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Ronnie

 

[markfm]

It sounds like you have a feel for the problem. Not too tight is good -- you don't want it to press that tightly.
One thing might be if sometimes you clench your teeth on the mouthpiece -- doing that would raise ridges from your nose to your mouth, provide a leak point.
Also, I tend to breathe out just slightly through my nose (mostly through the reg) -- it keeps me from getting mask rash and also will clear the mask if there's just a little leak.

 

[rawls]

Ronniemu...

When you say you have it "set right" how are you gauging it for the right fit.
My suggestion would be to go to 2 or 3 different shops and try on a boat load of masks. Get someone with alot of experience with masks to help you out.
Are your strap ends equal when you have adjusted it. If the strap ends are unequal the mask can leak. Check your snorkel placement too, if you use one. Another thing I would check is where you are placing the strap on your head. Should be about halfway between your ears and the top of your head. Faces come in all different shapes. You may simply have to try on alot of masks...But again...let someone assist you with the fitting.

 

[jefffalcone]

I've noticed that a couple of things will make my mask leak. I know you said you don't have any facial hair, but stubble can cause slight leaks. If I dive on a day that I was too lazy to shave, I get a little trickle. Sunscreen can also cause leaks. Too much sunscreen and my mask will be full of water for the entire dive. When I shave and don't use sunscreen, I always get a perfect seal.

 

[under water]

It shouldn't be tight at all. The pressure should keep it on your face. I think too tight is the most common problem, but some masks just don't fit some faces.
I had a big problem with practically every single mask I used until I got an Oceanic Shadow mask.
I swear it uses magic to seal. I got it as a backup mask, but now I need to get another one for backup as it is the only one I will wear now. I don't even have to shave
The Mares X-vision was pretty good as well, but not as good as the Shadow.

 

[bookboarder]

One thing, too, is you may inadvertently be breathing out too much through your nose. I couldn't figure out why my mask kept flooding, and then on a dive with a DM, he said there were quite a few bubbles coming out from my mask. Well, the next dive I made it a point to breathe through my mouth, exclusively, and guess what? No flooding!

Just a thought.

 

[RoyN]

You'll get it soon. It takes awhile.

 

[ScubaSteve772]

My brother in-law was having an issue with his mask leaking on our last trip due to stubble. He used some of my silicon grease(life saver for us divers with facial hair) and it solved his problem nicely.

If you can identify the leak spot it may help you to. That is if it is a small leak.

 

[Buoyant1]

I keep a stick of 30spf sunscreen in my mask case , it keeps the sun off my nose and lubricates my facial hair for a nice tight seal...One thing that plagued me was my mask being too tight...I "set it" without the hood, then dove WITH the hood...duh!

Too tight I think is worse than too loose...I start with ot loose then give ita snug when I'm in the water to get it set right...