Masks

Safety Features

• Tempered glass lens• Nose coverage

– Allows you to equalize the pressure in your mask

• Wide or split strap• Non-corrosive retaining band

Testing Mask Fit

• Proper fit is the most important consideration when selecting your mask***.

• Hold the mask against your face without using the strap.

– Inhale lightly through your nose.– The mask should suck in against your face– No air should leak into the mask– The mask should remain sealed to your face for at

least a few seconds after you stop inhaling through your nose

Mask Styles and Features

• Low volume vs. high volume• Purge vs. non-purge• Side windows vs. non-side windows• Clear skirt material vs. non-clear• Split lens vs. single lens• Lens coatings• Optical correction• Frame vs. Frameless

Mask Volume

Low Volume• Often used in breath

hold diving.• Streamlined• Less air to equalize or

clear• May offer smaller field

of vision

High volume• Used more often in

scuba• More open• May offer greater field

of vision• Less streamlined• More air to equalize

or clear

Single vs. Split Lens

Single Lens• Broad uninterrupted

view• Greater volume?

Split Lens• Lower volume

Side Windows vs. No Windows

Side Windows• Greater field of view• Can be distracting

No side window• Focused field of view• May feel confining

Skirt Material

Clear skirt• Very Bright• Lens may act as

mirror

Black skirt• Prevents effect• My feel confining

Purge

Purge• Hands free clearing• May block access to nose• May leak

Frameless

• Reduced weight• Reduced volume• Comfort

Lens Coatings

• UV protection• Improve depth perception• Define faint edges• Maximize available light• Restore: yellows, oranges, and reds• Minimize glare

Optical Correction

• Soft contacts• Standard corrective lenses• Prescription masks

De-Fogging Techniques

• Scrub with toothpaste/TSP• Defog Solutions

– Commercial– Home Made

• Saliva

Objectives

• Identify the required safety features of a mask.

• Describe how to properly fit a mask to your face.

• Describe how to adjust your mask strap.• Compare various styles of masks.• Describe techniques for defogging your

mask.