Welcome to my world. Clearing your mask will use some air, but as a new diver, it will take a while to get your air consumption down. The mask may have a little to do with it, but you have to exhale anyway.
Next, I bet I have tried on at least 50 masks, bought at least a dozen, and I have two that fit pretty well. One size does not fit all! I have deep set eyes and a pronounced brow....like cro magnon man learned to dive. Anything deep enough to seal around my eyes would press on the bridge of my nose. I finally found a a replica of the early 80's squared off mask and it fits perfect and leaks very very little. I had a couple that I thought were perfect, stuck to my face like glue on dry land, but leaked like the titanic on a dive.
The moral of the story is it may take several tries to find your perfect mask. Leisure pro has a great return policy and huge selection. I bought masks for 4 people so if one didn't work, It became one for my wife or daughters. It's good advice about the regulator mouth piece when trying on a mask.
I have a back up mask that is close, but not as comfortable at the mask that makes me look like a hammer head shark. When one does not fit, try and try again. If all else fails, there is a company that will make a custom molded mask to your face. I think they were about $300.
Good luck,
Jay
Next, I bet I have tried on at least 50 masks, bought at least a dozen, and I have two that fit pretty well. One size does not fit all! I have deep set eyes and a pronounced brow....like cro magnon man learned to dive. Anything deep enough to seal around my eyes would press on the bridge of my nose. I finally found a a replica of the early 80's squared off mask and it fits perfect and leaks very very little. I had a couple that I thought were perfect, stuck to my face like glue on dry land, but leaked like the titanic on a dive.
The moral of the story is it may take several tries to find your perfect mask. Leisure pro has a great return policy and huge selection. I bought masks for 4 people so if one didn't work, It became one for my wife or daughters. It's good advice about the regulator mouth piece when trying on a mask.
I have a back up mask that is close, but not as comfortable at the mask that makes me look like a hammer head shark. When one does not fit, try and try again. If all else fails, there is a company that will make a custom molded mask to your face. I think they were about $300.
Good luck,
Jay