Mask Flooding Problems

[TSandM]

Agree with the question about mask prep . . . and also that a smile shouldn't flood your mask. A wild, ear-to-ear grin or manic laughter, yes, but just a simple smile? If I couldn't smile without flooding my mask, I wouldn't go a dive without doing it.

 

[BuiltLikeABulldog]

Thanks for the replies! This is the ONLY mask that fits me (black Mares i3 Liquidskin) lol I evidently have a misshapen face! I tried out 10-12 masks at my LDS and this is the only one that wouldn't leak by my eyes. My fiance is a divemaster and she prepped my mask for me she did the toothpaste cleaning inside and out 4 times. Maybe 5 or 6 would do the trick! I'll give it another try tonight. And yea it's a great problem to have lol I just wanted to see if there was a well known fix that I just didn't know, but this is a problem I can learn to live with!

 

[DivemasterDennis]

One additional thought- flooding PLUS fogging suggest possible nose breathing is occurring as you smile (or laugh). It is not a "scuba sin" to enjoy diving. Mask clearing skills are taught for a reason. I'll bet yours are excellent from so much practice. Happy ( and by that I mean smile a lot) diving!
DivemasterDennis

 

[Texasguy]

Get a new mask?

 

[tracydr]

Make sure you don't have your mask too tight. Many new divers crank it down too tight which actually causes lots of leaking. It should really just set on your face with the strap, sealing with water pressure, not the strap. The strap is to avoid loss, not to make a seal.

 

[rhwestfall]

I always had a fogging issue. Finally broke down and cleaned it - McNett "Sea Buff" is excellent product for this. I also got a defog called "500 psi" - the toothpaste style, not the liquid. I have not had a problem in 2 years now with a fogged mask. YMMV.

 

[3D diver]

Get a new mask?

I agree.

At least get one that floods when your not smiling (for positive feedback).

 

[BuiltLikeABulldog]

I agree.

At least get one that floods when your not smiling (for positive feedback).

LOL they should make regulators like that. They are sealed unless you stop smiling "Smile or Drown.. your only two options".

 

[JamesK]

I have 5 masks and all flood when I smile as well. I just deal with it. I am always smiling. Not a small smile, but more of a maniacal I just turned off your air and punctured your BC laugh.

 

[wmccall614]

I'll have to show this to my wife, I thought she was nuts, she told me the same thing in our class.