Pain caused by my mask

[beanojones]

A good thumbnail test for actual mask fit is to bite the knuckle of your index finger while trying on your mask.

I am not sure why retail staff don't have people do this since it pretty much eliminates fit problems. Most masks fit most people if they just do a suction test without a knuckle bite.

 

[chillyinCanada]

CapnDan, what mask did the smiling friend get? I ask because my mask also leaks when I smile and laugh.

 

[Tigerman]

40 minute dives, now thats whats unbeareble..

 

[swimmer_spe]

40 minute dives, now thats whats unbeareble..

In what way?

 

[Tigerman]

In what way?

way too short.. by atleast 1/3rd..

 

[swimmer_spe]

way too short.. by atleast 1/3rd..

At 40-60 feet, in 45-55F water, I am an air pig.

 

[PfcAJ]

My mask, a Genesis that has side windows fits great above water. I have good suction and there is no issue.

Under the water, a whole different situation.

I find that regardless of how much air I breath into it, it presses on the area above my upper lip and my nose. After 2 dives of about 40 minutes each it becomes almost unbearable.

Any ideas as to why this is happening and suggestions on remediation?

I know this feeling. I've experienced it with EVERY SINGLE MASK I've ever tried.

To fix it, I break the seal of the mask and move the mask its self lower on my face. The strap plays little role in the entire thing, but where the top skirt sits on my brow/forehead is the moneymaker.

 

[spectrum]

swimmer_spe,

Is it always uncomfortable or does it get that way towards the 40 minute mark?

If it's uncomfortable all of the time the mask selection / strap adjutsment are where my money is.

However if it get's weird late in the dive you may be getting congested and losing mask equalization. After an hour (I can almost set my watch) my shnozz gets plugged up and my mask does all sorts of screwy stuf. Put a fingger to the side of a nostril and blow the other clear then reverse. The I'm good for another :30. You may be clogging up a little sooner.

Pete

 

[swimmer_spe]

swimmer_spe,

Is it always uncomfortable or does it get that way towards the 40 minute mark?

If it's uncomfortable all of the time the mask selection / strap adjutsment are where my money is.

However if it get's weird late in the dive you may be getting congested and losing mask equalization. After an hour (I can almost set my watch) my shnozz gets plugged up and my mask does all sorts of screwy stuf. Put a fingger to the side of a nostril and blow the other clear then reverse. The I'm good for another :30. You may be clogging up a little sooner.

Pete

It gets annoying at first, but by the time I am done diving, there is mild pain.

 

[krukster86]

Every so often I experience the EXACT same thing! I think it is from the strap placement when I begin the dive. When the pain gets too annoying, I just remove the mask and clear it.