Your diving mask has to be one of the most important yet under-appreciated pieces of your scuba gear. Wearing a mask that fits right and doesn't fog or leak will make the difference between having an amazing, comfortable dive or a miserable one. Every diver has had at least one dive that was no fun only because their mask was either leaky or fogging.
Here are 4 ways to ensure your scuba mask is prepared to offer you the best diving support possible:
1. Purchase the best mask for YOUR face.
Faces come in all shapes and sizes and, therefore, so do scuba diving masks. It is very important to take the time to try on multiple masks and choose the one that creates the best seal on your face. It is well worth the extra investment to purchase a nice mask made with a high-quality silicone skirt and tempered glass.
Unless you already know how it fits, it is important when choosing a mask to not purchase it online, but come into the dive store where you can try on a number of masks. The best way to fit a mask is to move the head strap out of the way and press the mask to your face. Gently inhale through your nose; if the mask sticks to your face, then it's a good seal.
2. Initial Lens Cleansing
Before using your mask for the first time make sure you scrub the inside and outside of the lenses to remove any residue left from the manufacturing process. This can be done by using either toothpaste (NOT the gel kind) or Softscrub. Place a dab on either lens, scrub in circular motions over the entire lens and rinse thoroughly. Don't scrub too hard or scratching may occur. If this is not done prior to your first dive, the mask will fog no matter how much defog you use.
3. Use Defog before EVERY dive
Defogging your masks only before your first dive of the day does not last long enough to cover you for your other dives. To ensure your mask stays nice and clear during your entire day of diving, smear both lenses with defog (you can use your spit but it really doesn't work as well) and rinse before every. single. dive.
4. Properly fit your mask strap
Leakage can be just as much of a problem as fogging. When a mask leaks, people instantly think that the mask doesn't fit. However, there are instances where the mask is leaking because it being worn improperly. There are two things to consider in regards to properly fitting your mask on your head: (1) tighten the strap so it is nice and snug but DO NOT over tighten it. You do not need your mask suction cupped to your face; in fact, it is possible to wear your mask too tight, which will actually cause it to leak. (2) Make sure you are wearing your mask strap right across the crown of your head. It is not uncommon to see divers wearing the strap down toward the base of their heads; this will cause the mask to be pulled downward and cause leakage.
The staff here at Underseas Scuba Center are well trained in the techniques to properly fitting a mask to every diver that walks through our doors. Don't short cut this one! A comfortable, fog and leak free mask is a key ingredient to safe and fun diving.
