Unsolvable problem with mask seal

[Trebleplink]

Hi guys and gals,

I really enjoy snorkeling, but there is something about my face that prevents getting a seal - I've gotten advice and tried:

1. Shaving mustache to below rubber skirt.

2. Using the sticky seal gel

3. Shaving all of face where skirt contacts.

4. Using light, medium and extreme strap tension.

5. Moving strap higher and lower.

6. 3 different rented masks, and one Evo purchased mask. (I require #3.5 lens correction)

Most of these seemed okay when doing the "inhale and see if it sticks to your face" test in the dive store. The best seal (not so good) happens when strap tension is uncomfortably tight.

Even so, I always have slow water entry - I think, but am not sure - near my cheekbones and around the lower outsides of my eyes. So, I'm constantly clearing it - and after a bit it starts fogging even with the spit.

My wife, who has a wide face, has zero problems getting a seal with any mask ...

One divemaster thought I might have a slightly narrow face?

I don't mind paying for a good mask, but I don't want to spend more money and get yet another poor fit. I live in Kentucky, and only make it to Florida a couple times a year.

Any suggestions how to proceed? Does any company make a mask with corrective lenses for narrow adult faces?

 

[knotical]

I have a narrow face and feel your pain. In the bad old days, when it seemed there were only a few options in masks, I simply got used to frequently clearing my mask. There are more options available today, so I suggest you keep looking. Try to find shops with a wide variety of makes and models. And when you see someone with a mask you haven't tried yet, see if you can borrow it. Also, you can improve on the sniff test by doing it with a mouthpiece in your mouth, as it slightly changes the shape of your face. I happen to use a Mares Samurai, but ymmv. good luck

 

[chironomidkraut]

i heard gorilla glue works wonders!! lol

 

[SeaCobra]

you may want to try the Sherwood magnum 2 mask. I have good luck with a variety of people in that one

 

[Trebleplink]

Can you get a Samurai with corrective lenses ?

I have a narrow face and feel your pain. ... I happen to use a Mares Samurai, but ymmv. good luck

 

[ScubaSteve1962]

I was having the same problem, with leaks around the same place as you that is. I have a big face, and the mask that seems to work the best is for a narrow face. It's The Look2 by aqualung. it takes corrective lenses also.

 

[rongoodman]

I have similar problems, and what's worse, it varies from dive to dive with the same mask! I've gotten really good at clearing my mask, and just enjoy the dives where I'm not fussing with it.

 

[Quero]

Mares makes masks for people with narrow faces. The one that I've fitted to some of my customers is the X-Vision Mid.

The other thing is that usually when people are trying a mask on, they don't have the snorkel or the regulator mouthpiece in their mouths. When you're holding a mouthpiece, the seal of the mask is a little different. If you have fleshy cheeks, holding a mouthpiece in may provoke the deepening of the crease next to your nose, and water can enter there. If this is happening, smooth out your skin in that area before you put your face in the water.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

It may be that you will find a good fitting mask, even with the limitation of needing one that needs corrective lenses. I use those masks, with pop ins. I also have a moustache and beard that I do not trim back when wearing a scuba or snorkeling Mask. However, you may very well not have an equipment problem. You mention problems with water leakage AND fogging. When those two things occur together, it commonly indicates nose breathing is occurring. You should not have to secure you mask so tight you look like a raccoon. If you use a silicon grease (and it's not sticky, put a small amount around the entire mask skirt, evenly. Then avoid breathing through you nose. You will totally eliminate that practice with time. Also, Quero's tip in the post just above is a good one, literally shaping you face" before entry. Comfort in all my equipment is important to me, and should be for you too. In teaching and leading snorkelers (and divers) I have never encountered and unfixable problem. I am sure you will resolve yours. My bet is the nose breathing issue. Good Luck!
DivemasterDennis

 

[Trebleplink]

Thank you all for the suggestions - I knew this was the best place to start my mask quest! I have ordered both the Magnum 2 and the X-vision mid to check the seal, then, if successful, will order the corrective lenses.

Dennis, I think the fogging is the result of frequently having to exhale through my nose to clear the mask .. is there another way ?

Hopefully I will find a comfortable fit that doesn't leak.

It may be that you will find a good fitting mask, even with the limitation of needing one that needs corrective lenses. I use those masks, with pop ins. I also have a moustache and beard that I do not trim back when wearing a scuba or snorkeling Mask. However, you may very well not have an equipment problem. You mention problems with water leakage AND fogging. When those two things occur together, it commonly indicates nose breathing is occurring. You should not have to secure you mask so tight you look like a raccoon. If you use a silicon grease (and it's not sticky, put a small amount around the entire mask skirt, evenly. Then avoid breathing through you nose. You will totally eliminate that practice with time. Also, Quero's tip in the post just above is a good one, literally shaping you face" before entry. Comfort in all my equipment is important to me, and should be for you too. In teaching and leading snorkelers (and divers) I have never encountered and unfixable problem. I am sure you will resolve yours. My bet is the nose breathing issue. Good Luck!
DivemasterDennis