Common Scuba Diving Questions Answered

We're in the process of answering some common Scuba Diving questions asked by new and old divers alike. Need to know more about buying a mask, buoyancy or different fins? This is the place to find the answer. We plan to try answer some of common questions asked of us.

How do I ensure I buy the correct fitting mask ?

First and foremost with any scuba diving gear is comfort. With a mask this is really important, it is also important the mask fits correctly. There are a number of ways to ensure the mask fits correctly. I recommend going to a dive store that has a very wide selection of masks to choose from. Don't get caught up in which ones look good yet, first find the ones you think are likely to fit your face.

Step One take each mask a place it on your face. Do not use the strap at this point. Gently inhale through your nose and check to see whether the mask stays on you face. It is important for men to be clean shaven and for those of you with long hair or fringes to keep your hair out of the mask. If air leaks out the mask then this mask is not for you. As you go through the masks put aside the masks that do not leak. These are the masks you want to apply the next step to.

Step Two is to ensure the mask is not going to press on the bridge of your nose. Take each mask and place it on you face, gently press down on the mask, if the top of the mask presses onto your nose discard it. These masks will be uncomfortable for you once you start diving and may even cause headaches.

Step Three is to check the mask fits the shape of your face. It may pass the inhale test but may still not fit correctly. In this step we look up and place the mask on our face. This time don't inhale or use the strap just let it lie on your face. At this point you want to see whether the mask fits nicely around your nose and lips. If it doesn't you may want to discard it.

Some people also find it a good idea to do these tests with a regulator mouthpiece in. This is up to you but remember your face takes on a different shape when you have that regulator in.

Once you've done all these checks and have the masks you think fit best you can now choose the one you want based on looks. But remember choose the look from the masks that fit correctly.

Ok, So I've bought my mask it seems to fit correctly but still leaks.

You've got the perfect mask. In the shop it passed all the tests but it still leaks. What can you do?

If the mask truly fits there are a number of common things we do that can cause the mask to leak. For us men this usaully involves not shaving. Remember if we're not clean shaven the mask cannot form a proper seal on our skin. I'm afraid that mastouche has got to go otherwise your just going to have to deal with that leak.

Another common problem is having the strap of the mask to tight. We find our mask leaks and have a tendency to tighten the strap. This just increases the problem. This generally changes the shape of the mask on your face and causes leaks. Please remember the strap is really there to ensure the mask stays on during ascent when the air in the mask is expanding and when we add air to the mask on descent. It is actually possible to dive without a mask strap. Please ensure your mask strap is only just holding you mask onto your face.

Another common problem I see often occurs with people with long hair. We're going diving so we tie our hair up, perhaps even putting it in a bun. This then causes the mask strap to pull on the mask causing it to pull on our face in a direction it's not meant to be. Please leave your hair down or put is right up above where the mask strap needs to be.

If it's still leaking perhaps it's time to buy a new mask.