Why do you get dry suit squeeze and not wet suit squeeze?

[Kstnbike]

While that's an interesting theory how do you then explain dry suit squeexe whilst wearing a neoprene dry suit?

A neoprene drysuit squeezes the same way any other drysuit does. I just said that it is impossible to make a neoprene drysuit smaller. The words in parentheses were there because I know someone is going to try and point out that neoprene "shrinks" underwater, when in reality it doesn't "shrink", it compresses. I should have pointed out that I only talking about neoprene drysuits, but rather was giving an example on how nothing can "shrink" underwater (unless of course it is primarily air, e.g. styrofoam cup). I dive an O'Neill 7000x 7mm drysuit and I can get wicked squeeze at depth, in fact I actually like a little squeeze around my feet so I don't get air in my boots.

-Kstnbike

 

[Thalassamania]

Sounds good. What's really going on is when the suit material is too stiff or ill fitting (or both) to conform precisely to the shape of the body and then external pressure is applied both the suit and the body deform to "meet somewhere in the middle" each deforming to some degree. When the degree of deformation of the body is uncomfortable, that's squeeze. If the suit is filled with water, then there is no deformation force applied to either the suit or the body since there is no compression of gas (remember that air trapped in a tight fitting wet suit can create a squeeze).

 

[do it easy]

OK folks, we all know that drysuit squeeze is caused by the cooties in the drysuit. The squeeze is even worse if you have p-valve cooties. As you put air in the suit, it compresses the cooties, so you get less squeeze. Also, if you use anti-cootie spray in your drysuit, you'll get less squeeze.

In a wetsuit, the cooties drown in the water and other incompressible fluids, so you don't get squozen.

It's just that simple!

 

[Kstnbike]

Sounds good. What's really going on is when the suit material is too stiff or ill fitting (or both) to conform precisely to the shape of the body and then external pressure is applied both the suit and the body deform to "meet somewhere in the middle" each deforming to some degree. When the degree of deformation of the body is uncomfortable, that's squeeze. If the suit is filled with water, then there is no deformation force applied to either the suit or the body since there is no compression of gas (remember that air trapped in a tight fitting wet suit can create a squeeze).

Yep, basically the same thing I said.

-Kstnbike

 

[JcoldwaterIL]

I have a 3 mil that i wear in the pool for class. It is a little loose in the belly until the air gets burped out. Ive had a few times where ive jumped in the pool to cool offwhile waiting for things to start and had a bit of uncomfortable squeeze for a few seconds until the air bubbles work their way out. Then when getting out of the water i have to pop the neck seal open to let air in because i get kind of a reverse squeeze type effect.

 

[Web Monkey]

Drysuit squeeze is not caused by the water pressure squeezing the folds of the suit together. It is caused by the increased water pressure on the outside of the suit and a lower amount of pressure within the suit. Think of your ears and how you equalize while descending...it's the same principle. It is Impossible to make the drysuit smaller underwater (neoprene air pockets compress making the neoprene thinner) because a drysuit is made from an unpliable material. It is possible to compress the suits thickness (due to air in the material), but you cannot change the length and width of the material. (does a steel bar get smaller underwater, no, neither does a cotton shirt). The hickeys are always where the creases are in a drysuit because they are an uneven surface being pressed against the smooth surface of your skin. (ever fall asleep on the couch and had the fabric imprint on your face?)
-Kstnbike

You're wrong, but I don't particularly care.

Terry

 

[SteveC]

I think we are missing the point. There is no difference in pressure exerted on the diver regardless of what type of suit he/she is wearing. As far as the difficulty breathing thing goes, dry suits are restrictive around the neck, but that’s all. The pressure on the divers chest is the same regardless of which suit is being worn. Also, the pressure is the same whether there is air in the dry suit or not.

 

[Kstnbike]

You're wrong, but I don't particularly care.

Terry

Explain to me how I am wrong, please? Based on my experience and physics knowledge this is what I came up with? What is another possible explanation?

Thanks,
Kstnbike

 

[D_B]

This is simple ... Pressure, if same on inside as outside = no squeeze

 

[do it easy]

This is simple ... Pressure, if same on inside as outside = no squeeze

The pressure is always the same inside and out- but if you don't add any additional gas to the inside of the drysuit, it shrink wraps you to compress the volume and equalize the pressure.