Mustache Diving

[Mikums]

I have a mustache, and I do not want to shave it. I have been told to use silicone to seal my mustache so my mask won't leak, but I lack a specific product name to look for. What do other mustache divers use to seal their mustaches?

[Broct]

I just trim mine a bit before a dive trip. It's never really been an issue for me. Perhaps you should try a few different masks at your LDS to find one that fits better.

[diverlee]

Diving with a mustache might have been better wording! :blinking:

[NJDiverMark]

Diving with a mustache might have been better wording! :blinking:

Haha yes my thoughts exactly!

[Krazytomdiver]

As a dive guide,I shave a small space just under my nose.(it's long nose hairs actually) You can also position your mask down on your upper lip for a seal. Smiling has always been an occupational hazard for me. I used vasoline for awhile but I got too many rude comments from my customers!

"living life without a hard bottom"
KT

[jar546]

Should not be a problem at all. I see lots of divers with beards, the 70's porn stache and goatees like mine. I do a little trim job below the nose that no one notices, not even me. Have a good mask and this is a non-issue.

As far as the name of this topic, once again, not what I thought. Was expecting lots of ........... well, nevermind

[Culcuhain]

I dive with a goatee... I trim it to a 3 on my beard trimmer. Small leaks depending on what I do, but other than that, I have to clear my mask every 10minues or so due to a little water tickling my nose. I heard vaseline works too...

[j yaeger]

i have a wicked heavy mustache and have found that a mask with soft silicone like x vision tusa
etc. will seal up with no trimming at all!!
older style masks and "el cheapo" brand...not so lucky!
have fun!
yaeg

[MarineResearch]

It's all in the mask, with a good fit preventing leaks. I have a bushy mustache and don't do any trimming, silicon, etc. and don't experience any leaks. It does help to offer mustache rides immediately prior to diving to slick down the hair, but I never get any takers.

[SoBay Jim]

It took me a while to figure out that two day stubble on my cheeks was the source of my leaks, not the 'stache.

[j yaeger]

marine research....
it's all in advertizing and location......!!!!!!!!!

have fun
yaeg

[nielsent]

+1 to mask fit... I don't do anything with my stache except allow people to admire it.

[diversteve]

http://images.chemistdirect.co.uk/images/productimages/large/vaseline_pure_petroleum_jelly_26262.jpg works for my buddy.

[ccx2]

Ive had a very good Mustache since 1960 when i turned three, im a very expert diver with 15 dives under my weight belt :cool2: and find that i do get leakage but i also seem to exhale a lot thru my nose while diving and it seems to keep my mask clear, ive also never had a problem with mask squeeze.:D

[DandyDon]

I've been told that Vaseline will damage the silicone mask skirt. The product you are seeking is Silicone grease available anywhere that sells dive supplies - also used on many O-rings.

[davetowz]

It's all in the mask, with a good fit preventing leaks. I have a bushy mustache and don't do any trimming, silicon, etc. and don't experience any leaks. It does help to offer mustache rides immediately prior to diving to slick down the hair, but I never get any takers.

I will have to remember to try this. I also dive a stache and just got good @ clearing a mask and expect the dang thang will leak.

[Atom]

It's all in the mask. I have a beard that I trim at various intervals (from a week to 2 months+), my mask doesn't leak, but I do have another mask that is leaky, so make sure you get a mask that fits you.

[Chris Horn]

I have what most people refer to as a goatee, but what is really a Vandyke. I shave a very narrow spot under my nose and have no problems. I have a good silicone mask and the few times I have forgotten to shave it leaked very very little. I agree with the mask fit and quality as much as any. but having a spot of bare skin to seal against won't hurt.

[BKP]

+1 for good mask fit...

I tried trimming, tried silicone grease (and Don's right, Vaseline doesn't play well with a silicone skirt), and finally found a good fitting mask, with a very soft, high quality, silicone skirt ended the issue...

[Rascally Rabbit]

I need to trim a bit to get things under control as a first step.
In cold water I still get some leakage but I can deal with clearing the mask as needed.
I've found chapstick makes an excellent sealant.

[Zen Nomad]

I also have a trimmed goat. I will experiment this weekend in the pool. Better there than on an actual dive. I plan on trying nothing at all except the mask, clear a thin line at the top, and then maybe a sealant of some sort. Will post an update.

[rhwestfall]

I just dealt with it for five years. Now its a clean lip for me.....

[Searcaigh]

I never have any issues either, good mask fit is the solution.

Met a guy last June who had just shave off his beard and moustache at the recommendation of an instructor who told him that was necessary in order to avoid a leaking mask, he was not a happy chappy when I told him it was not necessary

[motorref]

As a new diver, I found that a new mask made all the difference for me; I went through 4 before I found the one that worked for me. I still have to clear every now and then (sometimes), but it beats having to shave - last time I was clean shaven was January, 1980!

KevinL

[DivemasterDennis]

It's a generic product than many dive shops sell packaged in a small container with their name or logo. Most come in a container about the size of a half dollar, 1/2 inch tall. When you apply it, put a small amount around the entire mask skirt. People without facial hair should to- it will stop annoying leaks for anyone. You don't need much.
DivemasterDennis

[DandyDon]

It's always good to have a good fitting mask, and with 1/8" shave right under the nose one may not need Silicone grease, but I use it anyway. It's good to carry a 1/2 oz container for o-rings on lights, cameras other than Sealife's, even tanks with old looking rings as well as a mustache.

The 1/2 oz container can offered at amazingly high prices so I like to buy the 2 oz size and refill the 1/2 ounce with a butter knife. I once found a 2 oz container in hardware plumbing supplies, but not since.