Full Face Diving Masks - When Can You Use Them?
Who uses a full-face diving mask? It is rare to see recreational divers diving with full face masks.
The people who use full face masks the most are professional divers. In very cold waters they usually require some sort of additional thermal protection. Another group of people who use full face masks are typically commercial divers and underwater photographers alike.
Full Face Mask VS. Regular Diving Mask
Unlike traditional diving goggles, a full-face diving mask completely isolates the diver's face from the water. This means that water will not penetrate inside the full face mask.
The mask allows the diver to breathe through the nose or mouth. This means in a natural and more comfortable way.
There is no need to bite the regulator.
Full-face scuba diving masks require prior training to use. Although technically they are easier to use than traditional masks.
The full-face mask's fastening system prevents water from entering the interior of the mask. This facilitates the use of communication equipment with this type of mask.
It's worth noting that full-face masks weigh and bulk more than traditional masks. This can make transfers a little difficult.
The cost of a full face mask is higher, easily three to four times higher, due to the amount of material and the cost of manufacturing additional materials, so you should consider the use you are going to give the mask and evaluate whether it compensates for the investment it requires.
Why Do Diving Masks Fog Up?
The answer to this question is, because of steam. When the mask comes in at cooler temperatures, moisture can condense and form annoying water droplets inside the diver's mask.
Today, many masks are already equipped with anti-fog systems to allow divers to have better visibility underwater.
How to Clean a Diving Mask?
The products used to clean diving masks, whether full or conventional, depend on the type of material they are made of.
There are products on the market specifically for this purpose. Some people use soap and water. Some people even use toothpaste. It is important to be careful when cleaning so as not to damage the lenses.
What Should I Consider Before Purchasing a Full Diving Mask?
Determine the Type of Dive You Want to Do
If you want to dive in less cold waters, maybe a full face mask isn't necessary.
If your purpose is to communicate underwater, there are many devices that work underwater and have been tested. In this case, you must opt for a full face mask.
Choose Good Quality Equipment
When you are considering purchasing a full face mask, it is not a good idea to save money on the price when you are investing in a piece of equipment that is vital to protecting your life while diving.
Look Carefully at the Mask
Don't stick with the first mask you try, no matter how well you think it works for you. Try other methods while also checking that the part of the silicone that prevents water from entering is seated correctly and that there are no gaps.
Try Different Sizes
There are no standardized sizes for full-face masks, so feel free to try various sizes and models until you find one that you're confident won't hurt your skin or is very loose-fitting.
Check Your Visibility
Before purchasing a face covering, check your visibility. You can put the mask on and see how far you can see with the mask on.
Advantages of Using a Full-Face Scuba Mask When Diving
Full-face masks provide divers with greater safety.
- Breathing is extremely natural when wearing a full face mask. The diver does not need to inhale through the mouth but can do so in the traditional way. This allows in extreme situations where the diver may lose consciousness, he can still breathe until a rescue team reaches him.
- As we mentioned before, another essential facility is the ability to have a communication system to be able to communicate with other divers or surface stations.
- Since water will not enter the mask, you can breathe through your mouth or nose, without the discomfort and pain caused by biting the mouthpiece of traditional masks.
- Visibility up to 180°. That said, much better than traditional masks.
- Full face masks offer the highest level of safety compared to other similar accessories, allowing divers to dive in almost all types of water, whether oceans, lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water.
- Full face mask with integrated nose clip for underwater pressure equalization.
Disadvantages of Using a Full Face Diving Mask:
Full Face Diving Masks Are More Difficult to Clean
Although it is unlikely that a full face mask will fill with water, it can and does happen.
The problem is, unlike traditional masks, where you breathe through a mouthpiece when cleaning the mask.
With a full-face mask, since the respirator is attached to the mask when water is removed from the mask, you will not be able to breathe through the mask. This makes the cleaning process have to be faster.
Full Face Diving Masks Are More Difficult to Wear
This type of mask can be slightly more complicated to wear than a traditional mask due to the number of straps its size has. If placed incorrectly, there is a risk of water entering the mask.
The Situation Will Be More Serious if the Full Face Diving Mask Comes Off
As with traditional masks, if dropped, there won't be any major inconvenience when breathing through an air regulator separate from the mask.
However, with a full face mask, if it does come off, the mask recovery and cleaning process becomes even more critical, so you have to act faster.
Either way, the adjustment hose is strapped to the mask, so if it comes off it should be quick to retrieve.
In Conclusion
Full-face diving mask suitable for professional, commercial, scientific, or technical diving. Although many diving enthusiasts today choose to use this type of mask. Diving with a full-face mask is more enjoyable because you can breathe through your mouth and nose, avoiding the discomfort and effects of biting on the mouthpiece of a traditional mask.
You must learn the entire process of using a diving mask and be able to operate it. You must be 18 years or older and have basic open-water diving certification to dive with a full face mask.
The above briefly introduces some basic information about full-face diving masks. If you want to purchase a full-face diving mask or learn more about diving equipment, please contact us.
Shengbailong is a professional custom swimming and diving equipment manufacturer. Specializing in the production of diving masks, swimming goggles, silicone swimming caps, snorkels, and other products. The factory is equipped with mold CNC machine tools, injection molding machines, hydraulic presses, and related anti-fog mirror processing equipment. The production cycle is less than 30 days, and the monthly production capacity reaches 300,000 pieces. We are proud to be a reliable partner for some of the world's most famous brands.
