Swimming mask - how to choose a high-quality and comfortable model? Snorkeling. Choosing a swimming mask, fins and snorkel... How to choose the right mask for scuba diving

An indispensable companion for a person who has decided to master the basics of spearfishing, diving, or simply decided to get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the seabed at one of the world’s popular resorts. Let's find out what parameters you should study before purchasing this equipment and what you need to know for scuba diving.

1. Components of the mask

First, let's get acquainted with the main components of almost any mask: a soft body, a hard rim for fixing the windows, and a fastening strap. As a rule, the equipment we study contains only these components, however, in some cases there are exceptions. The choice depends on the characteristics of its main parts, so let’s get to know each component in more detail.

2. Soft body

The soft case is most often made of silicone or rubber. The color of this element is important. For example, a black opaque base will reduce the viewing angle, and colored compositions can distract attention and interfere with the user’s concentration. It would seem that the choice is obvious - transparent silicone, however, this option is not without its drawbacks - the likelihood of glare appearing on the sight glass. This is why the color of the soft base depends on your personal requirements for this piece of diving equipment. Speaking about the silicone or rubber component, it is necessary to introduce an important concept - the submask space. This is nothing more than the distance between the viewing glass and the user's face. The larger the volume of this characteristic, the higher the lifting force. In simple words, this will raise your head to the surface, which complicates the process of mastering the water depths in most cases. Therefore, it is recommended to choose compact masks with a small volume of space under the mask (up to 300 mm³). However, we should not forget about viewing angles: the more impressive this indicator, the more comfortable the dive will be.

Some have a nose ridge that makes it easier to blow your ears underwater. There are also models with valves, which increases user convenience when blowing out the mask. And finally, the rarest option is the presence of ear protection. In general, all the requirements for choosing a soft case come down to the following: it should fit tightly around your face, preventing even the slightest air from entering the space under the mask. And, of course, this equipment should be convenient and comfortable enough.

3. Hard rim

When considering the issue of a rigid rim (the second element of the mask design), much more attention should be paid to the part of the mask that is fixed with the help of these elements: the windows. Here it is important to know the number of glasses: single glass (shallow dives, operation by novice divers) and double glass (deeper dives, increased reliability). There are ones that are equipped with specialized lenses for vision correction. In this regard, it is difficult to give any advice - you need to trust a professional seller who will help you make an informed choice.

4. Fastening strap

And finally, the last component is the mounting strap. The tightness of the mask and the convenience of the user largely depend on this component: thanks to the strap, the equipment is fixed on the head of a diver or underwater hunter. Here we should note such important qualities as the ability to adjust the length of the strap and the presence of rotary buckles.

What is a mask for?

The human eye cannot see clearly in water. There should be air space between the eye and the water. The simplest device for this is swimming goggles. However, you should not dive with goggles to a depth of more than 1-2 meters. The pressure under the goggles at this depth becomes significantly less than the surrounding environment, and the goggles begin to act like suction cups. The result is a network of hemorrhages in the eyes (and this is in the best case!).

Therefore, to swim underwater, you need to use a mask that allows you to equalize the pressure in the space under the mask with the ambient pressure by exhaling through your nose. It is well known that a mask is the main item in a submariner’s equipment.

Let us remind you that according to the international codes of all underwater federations, swimming without a mask is a distress signal.


Elements of a mask.

Any swimming mask consists of a soft body, a fastening strap and a hard rim into which one or more portholes are inserted. The rim is made of impact-resistant plastic or metal. Almost all modern masks have a silicone body (although you can still buy a rubber mask if you wish).

How to choose the right mask for scuba diving.

Silicone is more elastic and softer than rubber, although not as durable. It is less susceptible to the damaging effects of sunlight and water and is more durable. Silicone can be either transparent or black. Your choice is a matter of taste, but note that housings using clear silicone offer a wider field of view but may create a slight glare on the viewing glass.

The porthole must withstand the chemical effects of salt water, not turn into fragments when broken, and be mechanically strong. Tempered glass and several types of plastic meet these requirements (note that a plastic porthole is much less durable, as it is more susceptible to abrasive effects, and high-quality plastics are expensive, so they are used mainly by professionals). The porthole must be marked “TEMPERED” for glass and “SAFETY” for plastic.

The mask strap can be made of either rubber or silicone (the latter, of course, is preferable).

Choosing a mask.

The under-mask space is the space limited by the submariner's face on one side and the mask on the other. It is filled with air. Of course, the larger it is, the more difficult it is to hold the body head down or in a horizontal position. Therefore, choose a mask with a small volume.

The hydrodynamic resistance depends on the size and shape of the mask. The smaller this value, the more comfortable the mask.

It is better to choose a mask with a special protrusion for the nose; it is designed to make it easier to blow your ears under water, and for this you need to pinch your nose. With this design, the field of view increases and the under-mask space decreases.

The masks are produced with a convenient mechanism for quick adjustment of the fastening straps and with rotary buckles.

This mechanism allows you to tighten or loosen the belt without removing the mask and quickly select the optimal angle of the belt position.

For people with visual impairments, two-lens masks have been developed and produced, in which ordinary glasses can be replaced with glasses with diopters selected for your eyes.

For masks with replaceable lenses, special lenses with anti-fog coating are produced. A layer of material is applied to the inside of the glass, preventing condensation from falling out, but does not affect the clarity of the image.

To check the mask for tightness, place it on your face without a belt and inhale lightly through your nose. If the mask “sucks in” for a few seconds and stays on your face, then its shape suits you.

By the way, if you wear a mustache or are slightly stubbled, you should either shave or accept the slow but inevitable leakage of water under the mask. There's nothing wrong with that.

Please note that the better the mask is selected, the less problems and inconveniences you will experience when diving. Therefore, I advise you to buy a mask in specialized stores, where there is sufficient choice and where sellers will help you choose exactly what suits you. You can use masks that you can rent at resorts, but I would still recommend taking your own (tested) one on a trip.
It is better to choose a mask from the range of well-known manufacturers, such as:
Aqualung - Technisub, Scorpena, OMER, Beuchat, Cressi, Mares, Riffe, Scubapro, Seac Sub, TUSA.

The cost of these masks is from 1300 to 6500 rubles; for snorkeling, diving and spearfishing, masks in the range from 1300 to 3000 rubles are quite suitable. I don’t recommend saving on a mask or buying models from “globally unknown manufacturers.”

A good mask is not only about reliability and comfort, but also about your safety when diving. But....everyone is “his own evil Pinocchio”...

Tips for using a mask.

1. To prevent the glass from fogging up, after purchase it is advisable to treat the glass of the mask so that it will fog up less later. There are several ways to do this, I’ll tell you about the simplest one. Treating the glass of a mask with tooth powder or toothpaste, to do this, apply tooth powder or paste alternately to the inner and outer surfaces of the glass, and then vigorously rub it with your fingers or a toothbrush over the entire surface of the glass, then rinse thoroughly with water. It is advisable to do this 2-3 times.

2. To prevent the glass from fogging up when diving, you need to wipe the inside of the glass with saliva and rinse with water - this is the simplest and most effective way. You can also use special antifog agents or treat the glass with chalk powder or raw potatoes.

3. After swimming, be sure to rinse the mask with fresh, clean water. Do not expose the mask to direct sunlight.

4. Protect the glass from contact with hard objects, and the body from excessive and prolonged deformation. For storage and transportation, it is better to use special plastic boxes.

5. During swimming, water can get into the under-mask space. This can be caused by hair caught under the flange of the mask, or if you laugh, talk or yawn.

To remove water, tilt your head back, press the top of the mask (if your mask has a valve, there is no need to press the top edge) and exhale through your nose. Water must be removed through the lower flange of the mask. This procedure can be repeated until the water is completely removed from under the mask.

6. The influence of water pressure on the mask when diving.

When diving, you may feel uncomfortable due to increased water pressure on the mask. To equalize the pressure, exhale slightly slowly into the mask through your nose.

7. Pressure on the ears.

Another unpleasant result of increased pressure can be discomfort in your ears. This occurs due to the difference in pressure on the eardrum of water on one side and air on the other. To equalize these pressures it is necessary to “blow out”, i.e. pinch your nose with your fingers and exhale through your nose (it is very convenient to blow through a mask with a protrusion for the nose).

Even in the recent past, choosing a diving mask was problematic. Domestic manufacturers offered no more than 2-3 models, and there were simply no foreign options. Therefore, we had to support the domestic manufacturer and, in most cases, match the face to the mask rather than the mask to the face.

At the moment, the situation has changed radically; more and more manufacturers are offering a huge number of high-quality options, in the variety of which it will not take long for a beginner to get confused and make the wrong choice. To make it easier to navigate through all the diversity and choose what you need, pay attention to the key points that we will list in this article.

1.Number of lenses.

First, when choosing a mask, I recommend deciding and choosing between mask options with two lenses or full glass. Mono glass (one lens) is great for shallow recreational diving, it provides better visibility and is the best option for beginners. Double glass (two lenses) is suitable for both beginners and professionals. This version of masks is considered to be more reliable; they are suitable for deeper and more serious dives.


2.Trying on a mask

Secondly, the mask must perfectly fit the shape of your face, so fitting is a prerequisite for selection. Having chosen the model you like, you need to do a not at all complicated, but mandatory procedure: you should remove or “shave” the hair from your forehead and lightly press the mask to your face; it should fit evenly and tightly. Next, inhale through your nose, after which the mask should “stick” to your face and “stay on it forever.” If the mask does not put pressure on the bridge of the nose, and the lower part of the seal does not put pressure on the nasolabial cavity, you will feel comfortable in this mask throughout the dive. If the mask does not pass this test, falls off your face when you inhale, or sits uncomfortably on your face, then this is not your option and you should get acquainted with another model.

3. Volume or submask space.

The under-mask space is the distance between the diver's face on one side and the mask on the other. This space is filled with air. It is important to understand here that the larger its volume, the greater the lifting force of the mask and, accordingly, the more difficult it is to keep the body horizontal or upside down; this may seem like a trifle, but it is a fact. At the same time, masks with a large under-mask space are suspected of having less visibility, so it is wiser to choose a mask with a smaller under-mask space.

4.Execution.

A diving mask can be of various shapes and colors; the variety of choices, as they say, depends on taste and color. But one thing will remain unchanged: match the silicone used in the mask to the color of your eyes, teeth, shoes, etc. it won't work, it will be either transparent or black. The selection criterion is more a matter of taste, but it is still advisable to choose black silicone, since it is the most optimal. The benefits of clear silicone are that it slightly increases visibility, but at the same time it introduces glare onto the sight glass, which can interfere with your comfort. This is the main disadvantage, overshadowing all the advantages of a mask with transparent silicone.

5. Mask headband and neck strap.

It seems like a simple thing, but there are nuances. Any diving mask has a strap that is split in the middle part, since this option provides a more secure fit on the head. In addition, we recommend using a neoprene headband for the mask, which is attached to a strap, adds comfort when dressing and a tighter fit during diving. Also of great importance when choosing a diving mask is the convenience of the strap tension adjustment mechanism. Modern mechanisms make it possible to make final adjustments to an already worn mask by pressing the strap latches and moving it in the desired direction. When adjusting the belt, you do not need to tighten the belt until your eyes rest on the glass, otherwise during the dive you will scare away all the fish, and after the dive, the mark from the mask will remain on your face for at least 2-3 hours.

6. Diving masks with diopters.

If a diver has vision problems, it is necessary to choose a mask with diopters or with the ability to install diopter lenses. The use of diopter lenses is only possible for two-lens models. In single-lens versions, lenses are not inserted. Masks with diopters are no longer uncommon; the largest selection of models is offered by the manufacturer TUSA, so if you have vision problems, I advise you to first check about the possibility of replacing lenses and purchase both a mask and lenses at once. Replacement does not require special qualifications, and in the article “replacing lenses on masks” we will consider this procedure in detail. Please note that when selecting a lens for a mask, you should take into account that water gives a correction of 0.5. Thus, if your vision is -2, you should choose lenses with correction - 1.5.

Diving mask– a piece of diving equipment that allows the swimmer to see underwater and also ensures his safety.

There are masks for wide(male) and narrow(female, child) faces. The diving mask is purchased with mandatory fitting. Main selection criterion– the mask must fit the shape of your face.

The mask should not be too loose, otherwise it will not provide a tight fit to the face and water will penetrate under it.

The mask should not be too narrow, otherwise it will squeeze the face.

  • You should apply the mask to your face without fastening the strap and do short inhale through your nose. A suitable mask will adhere tightly to your face.
  • Then you need to make sure the mask is comfortable. To do this, apply it to your face and make deep inhale through your nose. The mask should not put pressure on the bridge of the nose, and the lower part of the seal should not put pressure on the nasolabial cavity.
  • It is recommended to try on the snorkel together with the mask to evaluate the reliability of its attachment to the mask and the convenience of the entire structure.

You should also pay attention to the strap. It happens rubber, neoprene, silicone; solid or with clasp. The most convenient mask is one with a silicone strap with a clasp - it is more elastic and less damaging to the hair. The fastener can be made in the form of a clip or a twist latch.

It is advisable to wear a mask was mechanism adjustments strap. It allows you to quickly and easily adjust the strap without removing the mask from your head or damaging your hair.

Important: The less the mask weighs, the better: in this case, it will remain on the face, even if the strap is loose.

A practical option is a mask with soft fasteners for a strap. Such masks can be folded conveniently without the risk of breaking these fasteners.

Design

Mask with a large sub-mask space (300-400 ml) – used for diving and spearfishing at depths of up to 10 m.

Mask with small submask space or low profile (up to 200 ml) – the optimal option for freediving, snorkeling, and spearfishing at depths below 10 m. Unlike diving, in these types of scuba diving the swimmer has a small amount of air to equalize the under-mask pressure to avoid barotrauma of the face. To equalize the pressure, you should exhale through your nose.

Full face- an expensive mask, which is equipped with a built-in regulator and provides communication between submariners. This mask allows breathing through the nose and mouth, but requires special training and is used for technical diving.

Solid cast– a mask made of a solid body and glass. Significantly increases visibility due to the shorter distance from the eyes to the glass than in conventional models.

Ear protection– the mask has special ear cups that cover the ears and prevent water from getting into them, improve hearing, and make it easier to blow through. Well suited for people suffering from ear diseases.

Nose ledge– allows the swimmer to easily equalize the pressure in the middle ear cavity and eliminate the suction of the mask to the face. Such a mask the best option for diving.

Interesting: There is an opinion among experienced divers that a mask without a nose protrusion is not a mask.

Obturator

Material

The mask body (obturator) is made of silicone. The outdated rubber version can still be found on sale here and there. Silicone is much stronger and more elastic than rubber, although it is more expensive. The silicone mask fits the face perfectly and does not cause irritation to the skin.

Quite often you can find masks withdouble shutter. Such products are better protected from water penetration and are more convenient to use. In particular, they are easy to clean from water.

Color

Transparent– increases the field of view, as it allows you to see lateral movements, however, such a seal turns yellow over time, which worsens the appearance of the mask. A good option for diving, but not suitable for spearfishing, photography and snorkeling, since the transparent silicone reflects the sun's rays and thereby reduces visibility underwater.

Important: The transparent seal is sensitive to UV rays (turns yellow), so these masks should not be left in the sun.

Black- more practical, as it does not fade and does not reflect the sun's rays - this contributes to a clear view under water. However, the black shutter limits the field of view.

Also foundcolored seals in women's and children's masks.

Glass

Material

Diving masks are usually made of tempered glass. Occasionally you can find outdated masks made of ordinary glass or plastic. Tempered glass is characterized by increased resistance to mechanical stress, and upon a strong impact it breaks into fragments with blunt edges that are not capable of causing serious harm to the eyes.

Marking: “Tempered” (tempered glass), “Safety” (plastic).

Quantity

The number of glasses in masks varies from 1 to 8.

  • O bottom glass mask– small under-mask space, good visibility. The best option for beginners and diving to shallow depths.
  • Mask with two glasses– used for diving to a depth of more than 40 m. Thanks to the relatively small space under the mask, such a mask is easy to purge from air. A mask with two glasses is considered universal.
  • Multi-glass mask (4-8 glasses)– has a large under-mask space and distorts the view, increasing the number of objects depending on the number of glasses.

Divers and hunters with low vision should choose a more expensive mask with diopter lenses. You can also opt for a mask with two glasses, which provides the ability to replace regular glass with diopter lenses.

Important: For masks with replaceable lenses, lenses with anti-fog coating are available. These lenses are usually removable. For masks with regular lenses, you can purchase a special liquid - antifog, which prevents the formation of condensation while swimming.

There are masks with bottom or side windows. These models provide a wider view, which is useful for divers and underwater photographers, but over time, such a mask can cause headaches and eye strain. In addition, these masks distort the real position of objects.

Color

The color of the glasses in the mask is determined by where you are swimming. Yellow or light glass is better for fresh water, and tinted glass for sea water. Masks for spearfishing have tinted glass that does not give off glare so as not to scare away the fish.

Equipment

Cleaning valve – allows you to easily clean the space under the mask with one exhalation under water. However, a non-functioning valve, for example if sand gets in, will cause more inconvenience than benefit. This mask is better suited for snorkeling than diving.

There are valves tough that require manual assistance for cleaning, and soft.

Important: a mask with a valve is a good option for men with mustaches and beards, since facial hair prevents the mask from fitting tightly, which means water can penetrate under it.

Info display– displays dive data in front of the swimmer's eyes. A convenient device, but it seriously increases the weight and cost of the mask.

Built-in camera– allows the swimmer to take underwater photos and videos. However, the price of such a mask is quite high.

Flashlight– improves visibility under water. This device is especially relevant for masks with a built-in camera.

Breathing tube– Provides breathing underwater without the use of scuba gear. A good choice is a tube with a top (prevents water from entering) and a bottom (allows water to blow out) valve. However, the disadvantage of such a tube is its less reliability, since the valves may fail.

Important: optimal dimensions of the tube: diameter 2.5 cm, length - 40 cm. The longer the tube, the lower the risk of water getting in, and the wider the diameter, the greater the volume of air will enter the tube, but exhaling or removing water from the tube will require more effort.

  • Before use, a new mask should be thoroughly washed with washing powder, both outside and inside.
  • The mask should be stored in a ventilated case to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
  • After use, the mask is rinsed in fresh water.
  • Intex. They produce entire swimming sets at very affordable prices. Such masks are only suitable for teaching children for the first time. As a rule, the cheapest models are made of lower quality silicone (it can “shed”, dry out and crack), and it is very difficult to choose a perfectly fitting mask among them.

To see all the beauty of the marine world, you will need a swimming mask. It is an indispensable companion for a person who decides to learn the basics of spearfishing, diving, or simply get acquainted with the fauna and flora of the ocean floor at some popular resort in the world.

How to choose a mask for scuba diving?

Before choosing a mask for scuba diving, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of its parts. It consists of a softened body, a hard rim for fixing the windows and a fastening strap. What should each element of a swimming mask be like:

  1. Soft case. Made from silicone or rubber, the more impressive the viewing angle of the mask, the more comfortable the dive will be. The body should fit tightly around the face, preventing air from entering the under-mask space.
  2. Hard rim. Here it is important to take into account the number of glasses - their number varies from 1 to 8. Mono glass is suitable for shallow dives and beginners. Double glass is highly durable and designed for deep diving. There are masks with lenses for vision correction.
  3. Fastening strap. The comfort of the user and the tightness of the mask depend on it. The ability to adjust the length of the strap and the presence of rotary buckles are important here.

Full face swimming mask

Full face masks are an oval body with glass covering the entire face. It is attached to the head using cross adjustable straps. There is a valve in the air tube; it closes when immersed in water, and there is no need to hold the tube in your teeth. Exhaled air is discharged through the side gutters, and fresh air enters through them. The full face mask for scuba diving is divided into two sections:

  • for breathing;
  • for review.

Thanks to this, the glass does not fog up and you can admire the delights of the underwater world. It is designed for diving to a shallow depth of 1.5-2 m. A wide viewing angle of 180° due to the transparency of the front side of the mask allows you to take in all nearby beauty. The absence of a tube in the mouth and the presence of a 2-line ventilation system means you can breathe through your mouth or nose, which is not provided for in traditional masks.


Swimming mask

Classic diving masks have one oval glass for half the face. At the bottom of the seal there are indentations for fingers, which allow you to squeeze your nose and blow out the middle ear. The goggle mask has a more elegant design - a recess in the front area and a pocket for the nose; the nose can be open or closed, depending on the model. In the design, the glass is placed closer to the swimmer's eyes, and the under-mask volume is reduced. Such models are easier to clear of water.

Wide lenses provide a wide viewing angle to the user, they can have UV filters and are treated with an anti-fog layer. When the coating is washed off, you can purchase antifog in the form of drops or a spray and apply it to the inside of the lenses to prevent them from sweating. In bodies of water, you can use transparent glasses - it provides visibility without distortion. Smoky, mirror, blue lenses reduce glare and provide good visibility in bright light.


Swimming mask with diopters

Underwater hunters, swimmers and divers with vision problems are also not ignored by manufacturers, since you can choose a mask for swimming with diopters. It has special glasses for users with low vision - or. There are models with equal diopters for both eyes or with interchangeable lenses that allow you to insert the necessary glasses into each eye. You need to choose such a mask based on the optical power of your daily glasses - it should be the same or a little weaker.


Swim mask with valve

The purge valve in a swim mask allows water and air to flow out and prevent it from getting in. It helps to easily clean the under-mask space from water that has accidentally gotten inside by blowing it out with one exhalation of the nose. The valve is located in the lower area of ​​the mask. You can remove the liquid without using your hands, without raising your face or touching the seal.

Choosing a snorkeling mask with a valve is a good option for spearfishing and diving. Even just swimming with a snorkel, admiring the beauty (snorkeling), will be comfortable with it. This design is especially in demand among men who have a mustache or beard, which prevents the mask body from fitting tightly. The model is also considered convenient for people who use contact lenses when swimming.


Panoramic swimming masks

When deciding which swimming mask to choose, you should opt for a panoramic model. It is distinguished by the presence of edges on the sides to enhance lateral vision and the presence of additional viewing lenses under the central glass for convenient reading of instrument readings and improved downward visibility. A panoramic swimming mask can be made in the form of a full-face mask, in which the porthole is located over the entire face, and the snorkel has a monostructure with the body or in the form of a goggle mask. The under-mask space in this model is larger than in other types of structures.


Swimming masks with camera


Mask helmet for diving underwater

A one-piece mask, a helmet for diving underwater, is a body with built-in glass that covers the entire face. It covers the head and is secured with nylon straps. In such equipment you can breathe through both your mouth and nose. A dry float tube built into the top of the body blocks water from entering the mask when diving. The bottom valve performs a drainage function - you can quickly blow out liquid from the submask space.

The glass of the product is protected from fogging - a set of valves removes exhaust air, providing excellent visibility. The spherical design of the mask allows a 180° view. In such equipment you can turn your head in different directions without fear of water getting inside. But this design is not suitable for deep immersion - the maximum immersion depth is 2 m.


Swimming mask with ears

Advanced snorkeling masks with ears feature earmuffs that seal tightly around the ear, preventing water from leaking in and causing infection-causing bacteria. Pressure equalization is achieved by simply exhaling through the nose - then air through corrugated tubes equipped with a non-return valve enters the cavity of the cups, equalizing the pressure, removing discomfort from the membrane.

This is an ideal solution for swimmers with ear problems (otitis media, barotrauma of the eardrum). The unique pressure equalization system in the ear chambers will not allow the user to suffer even minor damage to the ear. Swimming mask with ear protection - advantages:

  • protects against water and infection getting into the ears;
  • Provides equalization of pressure in the ear cavities;
  • enhances hearing and spatial sensations under water;
  • improves ventilation of the under-mask space.

Professional swimming mask

High-quality professional masks for scuba diving are selected depending on the type of activity. The under-mask space (distance between the glass and the face) for scuba diving and diving to depths greater than 10 m should be minimal (200 ml). For underwater hunting and diving (up to 10 m), choose models with an increased viewing radius and increased volume (300-400 ml). Professional products must be of excellent quality:

  1. They are made of high quality soft silicone that fits tightly to the skin and does not cause discomfort. Black headbands are chosen by underwater hunters and photography enthusiasts - they provide a clearer view. Transparent masks are suitable for fans of snorkeling and diving - they have a larger field of vision.
  2. The portholes are made of tempered glass, which protects the eyes from sea water and strong deep pressure.
  3. Glass must have high impact resistance. The lens is coated with a special compound that prevents fogging.

Children's swimming mask

A children's swimming mask differs from an adult's in its smaller size and colorful design. It can use brightly colored headbands or the outline can be made in the shape of animals - frogs, sharks, hippos. The children's swimming mask is equipped with rubber straps, the length of which can be changed depending on the size of the child's head. The main thing when choosing a product is that the frame fits tightly to the face, without allowing air and water to pass through. Children's masks use hypoallergenic silicone, safe polycarbonate lenses, and often come complete with a snorkel and fins.


Swimming mask - rating

Before choosing a mask for scuba diving, you should pay attention to well-known brands that are preferred by professionals, their products are light, comfortable, and of high quality:

  1. Bare. Canadian manufacturer produces diving equipment for snorkeling, diving, surfing, and water skiing. The main products are dry and wet suits.
  2. Beuchat. French brand, innovator of many technologies for the production of rubberized clothing. It produces equipment for diving, spearfishing, and beach holidays - masks, wetsuits, fins, snorkels, bags, guns, gloves, flashlights, knives.
  3. Cressi. An Italian brand that produces stylish products that meet the highest quality standards. The range includes wetsuits and clothing items - shoes, fins, snorkels, goggles, masks, hunting equipment.

How to wear a swimming mask correctly?

It is important to wear the mask correctly for snorkeling to be successful. Before immersion, the inside of the glass of the product should be wiped with toothpaste or anti-fog to prevent the lens from fogging up. If you don’t have such products at hand, you can treat it with regular saliva. How to wear a swimming mask:

  1. After treatment, you need to apply the mask to your face, bend over slightly and inhale sharply. It should fit tightly, not allow air to pass through and be held without the help of hands.
  2. After this, you can tighten the mask strap on the back of your head. You shouldn’t pull it too tightly, otherwise there will be circles around your eyes after swimming.
  3. You need to make sure that no hair gets inside the mask, otherwise it will leak water.
  4. After this, you can take the snorkel between your teeth, put on fins (optional) and dive calmly.