Moustache sometimes in the way

[graywolf]

Sometimes my moustache will interfere with my mask seal. I trim it but it still gets in the way. I heard that Vaseline is not good to use as it attacks the silicone in the mask. What do you other bearded divers recommend?

 

[Drewpy]

I was able to find some silicone at my LDS that is the same consistency as vasaline-put a small dab on the upper lip and the mask seals great!

 

[Spectre]

I tend to keep it thin and shave 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch from the top below my nose to give it something to seal on.

A buddy of mine has quite the bushy handlebar mustache, and he uses an ice diving neoprene mask over top to give a surface for the mask to seal on.

 

[archman]

Silicon grease works for many. Other common alternatives are:
1. Trimming moustache. The choice "area" to trim varies by mask and diver.
2. Partial exhalation through nose. This'll clear a slowly leaking mask, and keep it clear if you do it continuously. Only downside is that it doesn't work if you stand on your head... I KNOW.

One of my teachers had this massive moustache that he refused to compromise on. He carries a container of silicon grease in his snorkel bag and gooped up every dive. It wasn't a pretty site on the surface, but it did the job.

 

[SDAnderson]

One of my teachers had this massive moustache that he refused to compromise on. He carries a container of silicon grease in his snorkel bag and gooped up every dive. It wasn't a pretty site on the surface, but it did the job.

Artificial nose oysters. Yuck.

 

[bcsean]

I use the continious exhilation method. Hasn't been a problem so far. I'm considering doing the trim soon though.

 

[Tamas]

I use Chapstick on the 'stash and it seems to do the trick as well, and as far as I know it is not effecting the mask skirt (yet).

 

[firedogut]

an old firefighter trick is use vasaline on the hair. it helps make a better seal. I've seen this work on SCBA so i guess it should work on SCUBA

 

[glbirch]

Sometimes my moustache will interfere with my mask seal. I trim it but it still gets in the way. I heard that Vaseline is not good to use as it attacks the silicone in the mask. What do you other bearded divers recommend?

I just shave when I go on a dive trip. No bid deal. Within a couple of weeks after I get back the beard and moustache are back. For casual diving, the exhalation method keeps the water sufficiently at bay.

 

[rickyd]

I used to do the 1/8" trim, but didn't like it, so I'm back to the very full 'stach and beard. The breath out thru the nose didn't work great for me; I found too much leaking. I now have a purge style mask, and all is great. Even if I do get a little leak, which is rare, breath out, no water, no leaks.

I use the Tusa Platina Hyperdry, where the purge valve is under the left eye, not at the bottom of the nose piece, so it gives a little more finger room to equalize. Only complaint is that the silicone is a little stiff; not as plyable as other masks I have, but, it's not a problem, even in the cold SoCal waters wearing thick gloves.

And, yes, this will probably start another war on the in & outs of purge vs. non-purge......