Purge mask fiasco

[Texasdivechick]

I don't think I have an extraordinarily long nose, but the mask does have a rather rigid piece at the end that prevented me from being able to do the Valsalva method. Why didn't the manufacturer think about that?!? I usually don't have a problem equalizing. Mask clearing is not a problem, but I would rather (fill in torture method here) than to remove and replace my mask u/w. So for me, no more purge valve. My old mask worked fine. This was just a case of "if it ain't broke...." Plus, if you're given free gear chances are you'll be tempted to try it out.

 

[friscuba]

What mask is it? The old style purge masks with the plastic plate over the nose really aren't appropriate for scuba as it's tough to even get to your nose. Most of the newer masks just have a small purge on the bottom of the nose cup (underneath the nose rather than surrounding it or in front of it) that shouldn't be much of a factor since the part you are squeezing is just a soft nose pocket like traditional masks. If you've got one of the newer style masks, try squeezing just a bit higer on the nose so you aren't driving the plastic valve upward into the bottom of your nose.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

At least you got to check it out for free. I don't hold my nose when equalizing but, I also don't use a purge mask too often (only if my wife or son is having a problem and I get theirs).