Tour operators start ban on full-face snorkel masks

[Jcp2]

There’s a potential dead space issue with the full face masks depending on how the exhaust is designed and whether the snorkeler is under stress and breathing quickly and shallowly.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

I have read that is the cheap no name ones from Asia off the internet that are the problem. The breathing tube is from the snorkel to the mask is too small to get a proper change of air, so there is a build up of co. The name brand ones such as the Tribord EasyBreath and the Head Sea Vu haven't been having the same issues.

 

[wnissen]

There’s a potential dead space issue with the full face masks depending on how the exhaust is designed and whether the snorkeler is under stress and breathing quickly and shallowly.

I used to think that, but it's a one-way valve, at least on the Tribord. Incoming air comes through a separate tube from outgoing, which is why they don't fog at all, even without anti-fog treatment. If anything, you'd get more oxygen and less CO2 than with a traditional snorkel, which is all one tube. But I haven't seen the knockoffs. We bought one from Europe several years ago, before they were available in the U.S.

I also noticed that one of the quotes in the article was from a snorkel manufacturer. On the one hand, they probably know a lot more than we do, on the other hand they have a vested interest in the outcome.

 

[JackD342]

I think the concerns regarding CO2 buildup and added difficulty or removal are legitimate concerns to think about, but unfortunately there is no actual study to determine if they are legitimate issues.

I sell the Ocean Reef item, (they also make the Head item) which of course is designed by a scuba FFM company. I know that they had concerns when they started seeing the knock-offs at DEMA. When I sell one, I make sure it fits, I educate my customer on the concerns, and I tell them to practice removing it in a hurry several times so that if they ever have a "freak-out" moment while wearing the mask removal is 2nd nature. My gut is that if there is any actual issue, it is concentrated in poorly designed knock-offs.

Stories of incidents involving "snorkelers wearing a full face mask" could be no more meaningful than incidents involving "snorkelers wearing bathing suits." We see patterns where we want to see them, even if they are not there.

I would certainly like to see an attempt at a definitive test/study to either put the issue to rest, or raise a red flag where needed.

Also, here is a link to Ocean Reef's 10 page response to all of the adverse publicity on FF snorkel masks:
https://snorkeling.oceanreefgroup.c...019/02/OCEAN-REEF-FFSM-SAFETY-INFO-042018.pdf

 

[wnissen]

Also, here is a link to Ocean Reef's 10 page response to all of the adverse publicity on FF snorkel masks:
https://snorkeling.oceanreefgroup.c...019/02/OCEAN-REEF-FFSM-SAFETY-INFO-042018.pdf

That is very helpful. Keeping the dead space at a minimum with a one-way valve seems incredibly important, but getting rid of the valve and the partition of the snorkel would also save on parts and manufacturing cost for an unscrupulous producer...

 

[JackD342]

That is very helpful. Keeping the dead space at a minimum with a one-way valve seems incredibly important, but getting rid of the valve and the partition of the snorkel would also save on parts and manufacturing cost for an unscrupulous producer...

Believe it or not, I didn't read that document until AFTER I added that link. (there used to be a one pager that I had read before)
Wow! That explanation, including testing to 3 different EU standards just to cover all their bases, is both enlightening and reaffirms my faith in the Ocean Reef products.

 

[happy-diver]

No fake news...with so many deaths here in Hawaii where deceased was wearing full-face snorkel mask it is an issue.

Thanks for your "suggestion" though. If it is so important to you...feel free to get some and use them.

Adult Literacy: Better Reading Comprehension, How to Speed-Read, and Some Life-Changing Literature to Improve Your Life | InformED

Here you go mate, if you can read this perhaps it'll prevent you from
disseminating incorrect information and starting a misleading thread

 

[Bob DBF]

I read full-face snorkel masks, and somehow had a flashback.

Bob

Getting old is unpredictable.

 

[happy-diver]

Do you at least remember how many deaths it caused Bob

are you still here

 

[StefinSB]

Wait until they discover SPLIT FINS (or Spare Air)!

BTW- Thomas Cook is good with FF masks.

Maybe but Thomas Cook is bankrupt. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.tr...mas-cook-bankruptcy-leaves-thousands-jobless/