Mask with purge valve, dangerous?

[Andrew Kinder]

Hi, this is my first post here, so I hope I'm posting it in the right area.

I need some opinions on the following question: Is a mask with a purge valve risky to use with scuba diving?

So, to go into that question some more, I was getting a refresher course about two years ago, and the guy said that my mask (with a purge valve) is dangerous to use for scuba diving because the purge valve can pop out of the mask when you're under, causing the mask to flood with water.

I searched google for any topic regarding that, and I came up with nothing, and I've never heard that anywhere else before. It seems to me that since you can blow out, the pressure in the mask would stay equalized, and there would be no risk of the purge valve coming out. The only thing I can think of, where it could happen, is if the mask was cheaply made, and the purge valve was just never put in place very good to begin with.

So, has anyone heard anything like this, or had experience with it? I'm going diving on Grand Turk in a month, and I'd like to use my own mask instead of renting one, but I don't want to risk my mask flooding and ruining my dive. Thanks for any info!

 

[Chugwhump]

Hi, this is my first post here, so I hope I'm posting it in the right area.

I need some opinions on the following question: Is a mask with a purge valve risky to use with scuba diving?
NO!
But you need to make sure the dumb thing is operating correctly before you plunge.

So, to go into that question some more, I was getting a refresher course about two years ago, and the guy said that my mask (with a purge valve) is dangerous to use for scuba diving because the purge valve can pop out of the mask when you're under, causing the mask to flood with water.
Clearly you found a member of the Scuba Police with DIR bent/leanings.

I searched google for any topic regarding that, and I came up with nothing, and I've never heard that anywhere else before. It seems to me that since you can blow out, the pressure in the mask would stay equalized, and there would be no risk of the purge valve coming out. The only thing I can think of, where it could happen, is if the mask was cheaply made, and the purge valve was just never put in place very good to begin with.
BINGO!

So, has anyone heard anything like this, or had experience with it? I'm going diving on Grand Turk in a month, and I'd like to use my own mask instead of renting one, but I don't want to risk my mask flooding and ruining my dive. Thanks for any info!

You need a back up mask anyway.
Buy an inexpensive (not cheap) one without a purge that fits well and makes you happy.....
and go for it!

Chug
Does not like, condone, use, or care for purges....
And recognizes that they are mostly just fine to use.

 

[sealark]

No and if someone panics from a flooded mask for the reason you described they have no business using it in a bathtub. I also never heard of one leaking more than a very small amount from a purge valve.

 

[dfx]

And even if the purge valve comes out... If you keep your head upright, the hole would be at a very low point, so only very little water would get in. Good enough to make a safe ascent.

(that being said, you should be able to do a safe ascent even without any mask at all, at least with the aid of your buddy)

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Not dangerous. Not needed, but there are lots of scuba accessories in that category.
The primary question on a mask is does it fit well. If No, then its the wrong mask regardless. If Yes, then you are 95% there regardless. Not to say color, field of vision, lens types, volume, brand, etc... don't matter, but the fit (which makes it leak resistant) is the tall pole in the circus tent.

 

[ScubaInChicago]

I believe it was a problem reported when using with split fins.

 

[spectrum]

It does add an extra failure point and is sort of a crutch for a basic skill. However to call it dangerous is a bit of a stretch.

Now.... if you accept that the buyer of a purge mask is not comfortable with conventional mask clearing you have to ask, "how will that same diver respond if the purge valve does act up?" Thinking of it that way the "dangerous" sentiment may not be 100% unfounded.

Pete

 

[Islandheart]

Total Bull-crap...... I've been diving with purge valve masks on and off for 40 years and never had a failure.
...... I don't suggest you leave one sitting in the trunk of your car in the Summer because the heat warps the little valve disc..

 

[Nemrod]

Total Bull-crap...... I've been diving with purge valve masks on and off for 40 years and never had a failure.
...... I don't suggest you leave one sitting in the trunk of your car in the Summer because the heat warps the little valve disc..

So have I. The masks does not flood. I am of the opinion that a well trained diver should be able to wrap a dive up and surface safely without any mask, much less a possibly partially flooded mask due to a stuck purge valve. Heck, put your finger over it. For overhead diving (which includes decompression required dives) perhaps carry a spare mask, purge aside.

N

 

[tracydr]

I had this happen. The purge valve came all the way off and I had a totally flooded mask. It was not fun to return back to the anchor line with a completely flooded mask and no spare mask. Not being able to clear the mask because water was rushing in was an issue. i don't know if id say it was dangerous but I will never use one again for this reason. I also carry a spare mask in my pocket, just in case a mask gets kicked off my face or broken.
I think purge masks are a bad answer to a problem and you should just learn to clear your mask properly. I had issues learning but after my experience I did learn.