Diving And Snorkeling Masks

A mask is one of the most important, and personal, pieces of scuba diving equipment you own because it lets you explore with your eyes. Figuring out how to choose a mask can be quite overwhelming when there are so many different options. You want a good quality mask that fits you well and gives you the best viewing area possible, because you don’t want to miss anything underwater.

Standard Mask Features

Tempered-glass lens for safety, or lenses made from really strong, high-quality composite materials.
Comfortable, feathered, double-skirt made of soft silicone rubber.
Enclosed nose so that you can adjust for pressure changes by exhaling.
Finger pockets around your nose to make it easier to equalize your ears.
Low profile for easier clearing of water and a wider vision field.
Adjustable strap that can be locked into place

Optional and Desirable Mask Features

A purge valve (one-way valve in the nose used to clear water from the mask.
If you wear glasses, some masks are specifically designed to fit prescription lenses
Black vs clear or translucent silicone skirt
Mask strap made from neoprene (wetsuit material) that connects and adjusts using velcro.
Colored lenses or special anti-reflective lens coatings
High-tech, heads-up display that allows you to check critical dive data.

How to Fit Your Dive Mask

With the wide variety of Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Masks available today, it will be more difficult to decide which one you like best, rather than finding one that fits and is comfortable. Here are some tips from the Diving Locker Pro's to help you narrow down a few options:

Hold the mask gently against your face with the strap looped in front, out of the way.
Gently inhale through your nose. If the mask stays there – no air leaking in and you don’t have to continuously suck in through your nose – then it should create a seal for you.
Check to see that the mask skirt rests evenly against your face along the entire edge. Mustaches and beards make finding a good seal a little more difficult, but still possible.
Adjust the strap, put the mask on and evaluate how the mask feels on your face – it should be comfortable!
Try pinching your nose.
Look around – straight ahead, up, down, sideways – to see if there are any annoying blind spots.
Try on several masks and narrow down your choices by fit and comfort. Don't sacrifice fit and comfort for price.

How to Care for Your Dive Mask

PRO Tip: Most new masks need a scrub on the lenses before use. This is because there is often a residue leftover from the manufacturing, and this residue will cause your new mask to fog. We have various ways of removing this for you including scrubbing it with toothpaste, or using a lighter to carefully burn the residue off.

Before every dive, apply a defog solution to the inside of your mask lens.
Be familiar with your mask strap adjustment and locking device so that you can make quick adjustments at the dive site, if necessary.
Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each use. Keep out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Store in a cool, dry place.
Keep your clear silicone out of contact with anything neoprene, like black scuba fins, because neoprene leaches into the silicone and discolors it.

Is Your Mask Leaking?

Here are some common reasons why your mask might be leaking, be sure to try these quick fixes before giving up on your mask:

Mask is Improperly Positioned

Having your mask strap too low or too high may allow water to come into your mask. The strap should be positioned around the widest part of your head with the appropriate amount of tension.

Mask Strap Is Too Tight

Strap is too tight- contrary to what many people thing, having your strap on too tight may actually cause your mask to leak more! When the strap is too tight it can cause the shape of the mask to change and start to lift up on the edges of the skirt. Try playing with various tensions, it should be comfortable yet secure.

Hair is Getting Trapped Underneath the Skirt

Hair is getting stuck underneath the skirt- This can be problem for both men and women, have your dive buddy check for you and make sure you don’t have anything trapped underneath your mask. It can be helpful to wet your hair first, that way you can smooth out all of those pesky “flyaway” hairs. Many divers prefer to wear a bandana or even a hood for this reason! Just be sure if you are wearing a hood, that your hood doesn’t get trapped underneath your mask!

Facial Hair

Facial hair- Many people forget that even the slightest bit of stubble can cause your mask to leak. Of course the easiest way to avoid this is to make sure you are clean shaven, but for those who aren’t willing to part with their mustache, you can try a product like Mask Seal or even a little bit of Silicone Grease