2 recent deaths where snorkelers happened to be using full face masks

[Chavodel8en]

I want to note that this all speculation. I make no conclusions about this, but just wanted to post this article and let folks draw their own conclusions.

It may be a coincidence -- I mean its even more of a strange coincidence that there 3 snorkeling deaths in the past 2 weeks in Maui, and they ALL were East Bay CA residents.

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/drown-snorkeling-death-hawaii-maui-east-bay-12537117.php

So the article states that the 2 earliest deaths involved those new full-face snorkeling masks, and also states that there is speculation - no definitive proof - but speculation that there may be some connection.

FYI, and I reiterate that I make no statement here, I just wanted to post this.

 

[infieldg]

...his department has noticed a recent uptick in the number of snorkel-related drownings or near drownings involving the one-piece masks ... There is speculation that there may be an unforeseen buildup of carbon dioxide within the breathing chamber in the one-piece, full-face mask design.

Definitely worth seeing where this leads - thanks for posting!

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I think the three people being from the East Bay is pure coincidence.
The two wearing the full face snorkel somehow I don’t think is coincidence.

 

[flyboy08]

CO2 buildup?

 

[fmerkel]

If you have a normal CO2 response, and most people active enough to snorkel will, the buildup will be very uncomfortable leading to aborting the snorkel and ripping off the mask. I have to spend some time getting used to snorkeling because of the increased dead space.
I'm speculating since I have not used one of these masks. I have used full face masks in diving a fair amount and some adjustment to tidal breathing is necessary for me to be comfortable.

 

[tridacna]

The brand is critical. There is a known issue with Chinese knock-off masks.

 

[ajduplessis]

FFM need to flow air in a very specific way within to mask eliminate CO2 buildup. I cant comment of this was the cause, but sure is a consideration.

 

[Neilwood]

The brand is critical. There is a known issue with Chinese knock-off masks.

I remember reading this somewhere as well.

 

[dmaziuk]

FFM need to flow air in a very specific way within to mask eliminate CO2 buildup. I cant comment of this was the cause, but sure is a consideration.

No more than a snorkel, it's just a bigger volume. If you don't have enough lung capacity to vent it, what @fmerkel said.

 

[Steve_C]

Only dove a FFM a couple times but they were designed so there was not a large "dead space". Inhale brought in fresh air and exhale got air out of the system. seemed well designed. Have not dove the snorkel masks but I have seen them. They rely on your breathing to exchange air.