How to Use a Scuba Mask

Here are a few tricks to keep your mask clean, clear and generally trouble-free.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dive Masks
• Fins
• Snorkels

1. Check the seal of a mask by holding it up to your face without using the straps. Inhale slightly to form a vacuum inside the mask. The mask should pull tightly to your face without any air leaking in.

2. Visibly inspect your mask before each dive for tears in the rubber gasket, or other sorts of damage.

3. While using the mask, fill it with water periodically (or "purge" it) to remove debris or to clear fog.

4. Allow water to flood your mask by simply pulling it away from your face slightly.

5. Purge your mask by pressing the upper part of it against your forehead, and exhale through your nose. The water will be forced out the bottom of the mask as air fills the upper part of it. If you're swimming horizontally, turn your head to one side and press in on the upper side of the mask while exhaling through your nose.

6. Exhale through your nose whenever you descend in the water. This will increase the pressure in the mask and prevent it from being shoved against your face by the rising water pressure around you.

Tips & Warnings

• Most modern masks have purge valves built in that allow water to be purged with each exhale through your nose.
• Masks are available to be worn over prescription glasses, or you can have the lenses of your mask ground to your prescription.

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