mask leaking without facial hair

[RPanick]

I went through a bunch of masks, before I found one I love. But I have found with a beard and mustache, that I can't get one to stick to my face no matter what I try. The only way I could work it out was to use it in a pool.

I've also tried the silicon and other things without success, and yes overtightening makes it worse.

What I did find is that masks with a wider than normal seal seem better, also softer seems to work better. Fit is critical, even more so than people who have bare skin.

Even still my mask leaks a little, usually at the start of a dive, by the end it generally isn't leaking at all. Why I don't know. But I've gotten very good at clearing that little bit of water that I dont' even notice it anymore.

One other thing I've noticed with new divers is that they tend to exhale more often through there nose, which tends to make the leaks worse.

My LDS lets us try anything in the pool, scuba equipment that is, before we buy. That's one advantage to having an LDS with a pool. Best method is to grab a few and try them until you find one you like.

 

[pufferfish]

Another issue that can complicate mask fit is sunscreen or moisturizer application. It took me the longest time to figure out why my mask only leaked when I was in the tropics but not up here.

One day it donned on me that it was the sunscreen I would put on each morning. I used to have to reef on my mask strap to prevent the seal from leaking, but after discontinuing the morning sunscreen it was back to normal performance. I would avoid putting anything on your face prior to diving and just wear a hat if it is very sunny.

 

[Birdman]

Coppertone Sport Ultra Sweatproof, No Slip Grip ultradry formula, waterproof, SPF 30 (that's what it says on the label) -- never causes mask leaks for me. I sunburn easily, and I fought sunscreen induced mask leaks for the longest time. I used to try and strip the stuff off my face with isopropanol without luck. Then I found the Coppertone Sport stuff.