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Scuba Forum > Nitediver
 
#7707
 Mask Probems
Nitediver - 4/24/2013 11:12 AM
Category: New Diver Q&A
Replies: 6
I have a friend with a unique mask issue. He owns 2 masks on a Hollis M1 the other a Sherwood don’t know the model info. Here’s the issue. When he dives either mask, he is fine until he reaches about 15-20 feet and then his mask floods from the point where the nose pocket meets the bottom edge of the seal at the cheek area. However its not all the time. This happened on a couple of wreck dives we were doing but never on the reef dives. There was a moderate current and surge on every dive. Just like to get some input from others. Ideas on why this is happening and then a remedy if there is one. Thanks
#51828
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Greg - 4/24/2013 1:11 PM
Might be related to pressure put on mask, causing seal to bend in a way that allows water in. Is he properly exhaling into the mask with his nose to equalize the pressure as he descends?
#7707
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Nitediver - 4/24/2013 1:29 PM
From Greg: Might be related to pressure put on mask, causing seal to bend in a way that allows water in. Is he properly exhaling into the mask with his nose to equalize the pressure as he descends?


I have had him stop and equalize and as soon as we descend a few feet its half full again and rising. Have tried loosing and tightening the mask without change as well as remove and replace at depth. Both masks same result. Thing is it doesn’t happen every time we descend. I was wondering if it might be cause by a muscle reflex caused by pressure change (weird and way out I know) or how he equalizes more than if he does any thoughts Greg?
#335
MatherA - 4/24/2013 2:03 PM
Hi Nite Diver. I had the same problem when I was getting certified. I went through 50 masks at Sport Chalet (luckily they let me test all of them). I finally found one that worked for me. When I would go under water and get deeper, water would pour through the creases of my nose. If I smiled, my mask would be flooded in a matter of seconds. I finally found one that works for me- Tusa. When you look at masks, make sure you are looking at the nose piece inside. Make sure it is thick. Ask him to smile under water. If water pours in, have him try another one. I have one more at home that works for me that my trainer recommended. I can not remember the name.....I will look tonight and let you know.
#51828
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Greg - 4/24/2013 2:41 PM
A muscle reflex caused by pressure change sounds unlikely as muscle, skin, and fat do not usually compress under pressure. Plus, that would need to be a pretty significant facial muscle change to break the flexible silicone seal of the mask. I’m leaning towards MatherA’s explanation, could just be the mask.
#12175
Eric_R - 4/24/2013 5:03 PM
I’m wondering if it’s the air entering the mouth under more pressure causing just enough change in the facial features to cause a leak that was already close to happening at the surface. So really it would still lead to a mask issue.
#20445
LatitudeAdjustment - 4/25/2013 4:56 AM
I’ve had mask leaks when I put on too much sunscreen. Had to wash mask in dishsoap to clean mask skirt :(