Mask Fitting Procedure

[kancho]

What I tell my students is:
1) Check the style to see if you like the styling
2) Place Mask on face take a breath in slightly through nose. The mask should seal. ( do not use strap )
3) Move you head side to side up and down and check if it stays sealed.
4) Check comfort and and field of vision ie can you see your chest or something.

 

[Walter]

Tilt your head all the way back. Place the mask on your face and let go of it allowing gravity to hold it on your face. Your buddy looks for any gaps between the mask skirt and your face. If he sees gaps, move to the next mask. If no gaps are found, sniff in and bring your head back down. How well does the mask stay?

 

[rigdiver]

We actually had a customer once ask, after the usual trying on, If there was a "test tank." Another instructor showed him the cut-off 55 gallon plastic barrel cylinders were put in while being filled. The customer actually put the mask on and stuck his head in the water and looked around. Bust a gut does not come close to the laughing that was taking place.

 

[RonFrank]

The best way to determine if a mask fits is to use it UW. Some LDS's have rental masks that one can use in the pool to determine fit. If that is not the case in your LDS, you can either just do your best to establish that it fits based on advice in this thread, and hope, or maybe try out friends masks.

My face fits a lot of masks, but with a mustache I thought a slight leak was just a fact of life. I then tried out an Atomic Frameless mask, and it fits perfectly, no leaks even with the mustache. It seemed to fit as well as my previous mask topside, but UW there is a difference. I lucked into that purchase, it was won by a SB member in a contest, and he sold it relatively cheap, so I just bought it as a backup.

One thing to consider if field of view. I like teardrop BigEye style masks. The provide outstanding field of view. Fit is number one, but a mask where you enjoy the field of view is also a consideration.