Masks
Huge range of masks
at The Scuba DoctorYour mask is a vital piece of snorkelling and diving equipment,
creating an air space in front of your eyes and allowing you to focus
underwater. They also enclose the nose in a pocket, so you can
equalise your ears as you descend underwater. It is imperative to
have a comfortable watertight mask to enjoy your time in the water or
dive. Your mask is a mandatory piece of personal equipment.
Masks are your window on the underwater world. The most important factor with masks is that they feel comfortable to wear, that they fit and seal well around your face and that you have good vision through them. Another factor important for those who wear glasses or contact lenses is whether or not the mask can be fitted with corrective lenses.
For a large range of Masks for all conditions visit the Masks section in the Dive Shop.
Fitting your mask
To check that a mask is watertight, simply place it on your face (move the strap out of the way) and inhale through your nose, the mask should stay on without the aid of the strap. If possible, it is better if you can have either your regulator or snorkel in your mouth when doing this, to ensure that the mask is still comfortable. Also, check that you can comfortably equalise your ears with the mask on. Pinch your nose and gently blow against it, your ears should pop but do not blow too hard!.
If you are going to be wearing gloves underwater, check that your fingers still fit around the nose pocket for equalisation.
Certain masks are meant for children and people with smaller faces.
If you are at all unhappy with the fit of the mask that you purchase from The Scuba Doctor, remember that we can exchange it for an alternative choice as long as it has not been underwater.
Any mask that fits well is a good choice.
Other Features
Other features of masks to consider are:
Silicone Skirt
You have a choice of a clear skirt or an opaque one. Clear skirts increase your field of vision, are less claustrophobic and are generally Preferred by new divers. Opaque skirts can help you focus on a particular task such as photography without distraction. Generally avoid plastic skirted masks (similar to those you purchase in beach shops, which look the same as our masks but are a fraction of the price. You are not buying like for like and although it would seem like a great deal, you will only end up throwing it away. Such masks often cause face rashes, are uncomfortable and leak.
Single lens masks
Some users find that a mask with only one single lens as opposed to two (a left and a right) gives the feeling of a more open, spacious mask. Hovever these single lens mask generally cannot accept corrective lenses.
Twin lens masks
Most masks use a twin lens constuction as it allows for easy removal on the lenses for cleaning and fitting of corrective lenses where available.
Multi lens masks
You may prefer a mask that has additional lenses, often to the side of the mask to offer extra peripheral vision. This is purely a matter of personal taste.
Lenses
If you normally wear glasses, we can provide masks with prescription lenses fitted. We offer minus, plus and bifocal lenses for most of the TUSA range of masks. The lenses we supply for TUSA masks are in half diopter increments, should your prescription fall between two lens strengths, go for the weaker of the two as the water itself overs some maginifcation. These lenses replace the glass lens in the mask and are not just bonded to the mask, making the mask much lighter that traditional bonded solutions (and better looking as there is no glue).
Colour
Masks come in a wide variety of styles and colours, so you can choose one to match the rest of you equipment.
Low Volume
Many masks are so called because they have less internal volume and are therefore easier to clear of water.
Purge Valve
Some masks have a purge valve to make clearing water from the mask easier. This is especially useful for those with a moustache or smile alot underwater as these both may cause persistant leaking. All you have to do is ensure that the valve is at the lowest point and exhale through your nose whilst holding the mask against your face to force the water out.
Strap
Make sure that you can easily adjust the mask strap. If you have long hair, then it is an excellent idea to get a Mask Strap Wrapper to reduce the risk of entanglement and hair breakage.
Tempered Lens
Almost all the masks we sell have safety or tempered glass (similar to that in the windscreen of a car, that will not shatter on impact). A few masks have plastic lenses to reduce the weight of the mask, yet these too are resistant to shattering but you should avoid the tooth pasting before use; advice given below will cause scratches on plastic lenses.
Preparing Your Mask
Once you are happy with your choice of mask, to help avoid fogging you should consider purchasing some de fog solution to use prior to each dive.
When the mask is new rub normal toothpaste on the inside of the lenses and rinse off (only do this if your mask has glass lenses). This removes the protective film over the inside of the lenses that can cause fogging.
To protect your investment of purchasing a good quality mask you should also purchase a Padded Mask Bag which can store your mask when not in use. They are inexpensive and will extend the life of your mask.
For a large range of Masks for all conditions visit our Masks section in the Dive Shop.
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