Possible Full Face Mask rental

[uncfnp]

Does anyone on Cozumel rent FFMs? And do you need any special training to use one or is it pretty much common sense or a few minutes of instruction? Thanks.

 

[tbone1004]

when are you going? if you really want one, we have one that was sent to us that I'll mail to you or drop off when I pick up that plate

 

[uncfnp]

Hey tbone and thanks. I am headed out April 21st and maybe you can tell me if it would solve a possible problem I might have.

I saw the Dermatologist yesterday and he confirmed my suspicions for an actinic cheilitis lip lesion (precancer). Between the time it took for me to recognize the problm and get into Derm for treatment its been about 8 weeks and I really don't want to wait another 4 weeks to start treatment. So its very possible I will have a very tender and ugly sore on my bottom lip for this up coming trip.

I know nothing about FFM but starting thinking this might be a good and hopefully temporary solution.

 

[tbone1004]

@uncfnp hrrm it may? unsure. Check with a normal scuba regulator and see how bad it feels. If you don't like it, I'll mail it up to you. I'll be in Charlotte this weekend, but not able to get up to your neck of the woods. Closest I'll be is Matthews for some family stuff

 

[northernone]

Here's the most basic drill:


They feel a little odd the first few dives and mask clearing takes a some skill. There is a training program and certification for FFM. Depending on your learning style, it isn't difficult to switch over and I've seen some people pick it up immediately. A few drills first dive and never look back. (Not suggesting training is unnecessary)

All that said, I don't have one down here, sorry. However, there is a KM m48 FFM of mine in Florida, if you transport it to Cozumel you're welcome to borrow it. That mask isn't my first recommendation as it does have mouthpiece inside, but you can dive without gripping it.

The offer is there if you want it. (Edit: @tbone1004 even better!)

Regards,
Cameron

 

[uncfnp]

@uncfnp hrrm it may? unsure. Check with a normal scuba regulator and see how bad it feels. If you don't like it, I'll mail it up to you. I'll be in Charlotte this weekend, but not able to get up to your neck of the woods. Closest I'll be is Matthews for some family stuff

I know it will keep the lip dry but I don’t think that will be a big problem. My main concern, as you mentioned, is the seal on the regulator mouthpiece. Will see how it develops but glad to have that option if needed. Thanks.

They feel a little odd the first few dives and mask clearing takes a some skill. There is a training program and certification for FFM. Depending on your learning style, it isn't difficult to switch over and I've seen some people pick it up immediately. A few drills first dive and never look back. (Not suggesting training is unnecessary)

All that said, I don't have one down here, sorry. However, there is a KM m48 FFM of mine in Florida, if you transport it to Cozumel you're welcome to borrow it. That mask isn't my first recommendation as it does have mouthpiece inside, but you can dive without gripping it.

The offer is there if you want it. (Edit: @tbone1004 even better!)

Regards,
Cameron

Thanks Cameron. I admit I was kinda hoping you might have one there.

I am pretty adaptive so while I don’t follow written instruction well I can pick things up pretty quickly with demonstrations and/or working throught it.

 

[tbone1004]

I know it will keep the lip dry but I don’t think that will be a big problem. My main concern, as you mentioned, is the seal on the regulator mouthpiece. Will see how it develops but glad to have that option if needed. Thanks.


Thanks Cameron. I admit I was kinda hoping you might have one there.

I am pretty adaptive so while I don’t follow written instruction well I can pick things up pretty quickly with demonstrations and/or working throught it.

mine is a Poseidon Atmosphere as an fyi so it does breathe a bit different than most of them because of the Jetstream second stage. It's also a positive pressure mask so your consumption will be a bit higher than normal since it basically constantly leaks. If you have a comfobite mouthpiece, that may be better than the normal ones. At least you can check for that in the bathtub

 

[kelemvor]

Does anyone on Cozumel rent FFMs? And do you need any special training to use one or is it pretty much common sense or a few minutes of instruction? Thanks.

Heh.. I asked the same question (different location) and got chastised in 2016. I rented a few times and eventually bought my own. I can't answer the first part of your question but for the second part It fits into your "a few minutes of instruction" category.

There is special training for using FFM's. As for that training being required, that's a matter of opinion. FFM's are not incredibly complex but small things make the difference between comfort/happiness vs discomfort/unhappiness. For example with my mask it's important that you don the straps in a particular order. Otherwise it will be uncomfortable. You can certainly dive without doing it right but you'll probably be leaking air and will be less comfortable.

I use Ocean Reef/Neptune Space/g.Divers full face mask (has a built in second stage). My local shop which sells them gives free training and has frequent free "try it in our pool" days. I took advantage of both. You can get all the necessary key points on using one in 30 minutes or less. Probably less since you're a competent diver.

Different brands of full face masks are more different from each other than different brands of "normal" regulators . What I mean is if you can use one regulator/mask then you can probably pick up any brand and jump in and use it. FFM's can vary a little more.

As I said, when I asked this question I was chastised by mselaneous for considering using one without training. I assume that means she sells ffm classes, but don't know that for sure. Hopefully the shop you get your rental from will be kind enough to tell you how to use the thing without requiring you pay them for a class.

If you can't find a place to rent in Coz, you might be able to rent locally and take it with you. My LDS rents the ocean reef mask with comms for $25/day. They're not high demand rentals, so when I rented two masks for 3 days they charged me a whopping $50 total. I used the masks to propose to my girlfriend (now wife). That was the first time we had used the masks other than 15 minutes or so we spent in the swimming pool with them.

I think you'll need to learn:

1. how to clear your ears wearing the mask (procedure varies depending on ffm brand).
2. how to don the mask properly. With Ocean Reef things like the order you tighten straps are important.
3. have a plan and maybe practice "bailing out." For example if you have an OOA failure, you've got to grab your pony or buddy's octo like normal but with ffm you also need another mask (or comfort with eyes open and no mask).

 

[tbone1004]

@uncfnp how good is your relationship with NADCO? they may have one local to you that they'd let you rent for the trip or at least if you're willing to brave the cold of American you could try it before you go

 

[uncfnp]

@uncfnp how good is your relationship with NADCO? they may have one local to you that they'd let you rent for the trip or at least if you're willing to brave the cold of American you could try it before you go

Its a little too good. I keep a running tab...

If they have one available I am pretty sure they would rent it to me and probably with just a quick tutorial. My choice though would be renting on island since we are at the limit in weight now. But still another option.

Right now I use a Seacure mouthpiece and I am thinking a comfobyte, which I have, might be better for this. And liberal applications of chapstick sunscreen.