Diving facial hair/mask fit

[USMCMcG]

I have a full beard and mustache which causes leaks and I also get the leaks when smiling. I use generous amounts of silicon grease and it works very well.

 

[keller34]

Chapstick is petroleum based as well. I think it is around 40%. I have use it, Vas, grease, and even o-ring grease from Dow Corning that does not degrade rubber or plastic. The Dow worked well for me as did the Vas. The chapstick, not so much. I will take a pic of the Dow stuff in a bit.

 

[mrfixitchapman]

I've always been fur-faced. I found that if the mask seals well across my forehead and cheeks I get almost no water intrusion unless I'm head-down position. Different design masks work differently. YMMV

DC

 

[FritzCat66]

Try the mask sealant from Dive Right In Scuba. Besides putting it around the edge of my whole mask, I also apply some directly to my moustache, right under the nose where the mask rests. It has no flavor or odor and is silicone-based, not oil-based, so if anything it will actually help keep your mask skirt supple.

I have also noticed that, ironically enough, it is easier to keep a good seal over my moustache when I let it grow out a bit, as opposed to keeping it short and stubbly. I think that's because it's easier to maintain a seal when the hairs are laying down, as opposed to sticking out. But the Dive Right In mask sealant definitely helps.

 

[JMBL]

Been diving for years with a full beard, never had a problem. Just check the mask is correctly set before diving.

 

[JTinSD]

My dive buddy uses Vasoline to seal his whisker induced leaking. The only real complaint he has is when I take pictures of him exiting the water while asking him if he "just blew a seal."

I know that's the punch-line to a schoolyard joke I used to tell when I was younger, buy I can't remember it to save my life.

This joke?

[video]http://www.break.com/video/ugc/monkey-telling-a-joke-142665[/video]

 

[asonis]

I am a long time diver, but new to diving with facial hair. My mask that seals perfectly now leaks constantly because of my new goatee (that my girlfriend loves).

Someone recommended I use regular silicone grease. Another recommended Vaseline. Yet another said that Vaseline, as a petroleum product, will eventually erode the silicone skirts and ruin the mask???

I am looking for advice from men with facial hair on what they have found that works, preferably without shaving.

I don't really need recommendations on specific masks because I already know how to fit one to my face.

Thanks!

I've been diving for over 40 years with facial hair and agree with the use of silicone. Definitely avoid Vaseline!

 

[RobP]

I've got a thick stache and beard. Never really cared for shaving under my nose. I solved the problem with Oregon Wild Hair's moustache wax. It's beeswax-based, and requires soap to wash out. Smells good, too.

Using silicone and Vaseline just looks like scuba snot after a dive.

 

[lamarpaulski]

I used to have this problem but I got a new girlfriend.

 

[mala]

so do you want to look like a goat or a diver?

shave.

you can be a goat later when you are to old to dive.