Even is you have a well-fitting mask, it may take in water, or fog over or even fall off during the dive. Here are some tips on how to keep your mask in tip-top condition.
The faceplate glass of the mask can get obscured by small droplets of water condensing on it because of sweat from the forehead or cheek of the diver. If there is even a tiny leak through the mask, the droplets may get bounced onto the interior of the glass. But most commonly, the fogging of the facemask is due to the hot, moist air that the diver exhales through his nose. Just like the windshield of your car on a cold day, your faceplate glass can get fogged up due to the hot, humid air you breathe out. Your moist, warm breath condenses into small droplets on the glass and decreases the visual acuity.
Before you set off, coat the faceplate interior with a thin layer of anti-fogging spray. Droplets will be dispersed as they form. All commercial dive shops have this spray. Alternately, you can use what experienced divers have developed as home recipes to combat this problem. For example, you can use the starchy liquid in raw potatoes instead of a commercial spray. Just slice the potato into small pieces and smear its flat surface over the glass faceplate, and rinse slightly before your dive. You can spread a tiny amount of baby shampoo, rinse it a little and then put on your facemask.
Spit is the best alternative, if none of the above is available. The disadvantage of spit is that you would not want it so close to your eyes and it may attract bacteria. It can also wash off easily, but proves better than nothing.
Once you are underwater, you can use some of these simple tips to deal with a small amount of moisture that may enter the mask through the skirt edge. If you feel water entering the mask, inhale using your mouth and exhale sharply through your nose. You could also tilt the bottom of the mask slightly as you exhale. However this is tricky and may let even more water in. The best way to clear the mask is a good snort. You can repeat the snort as often as you need. If you used a spray or any home recipe to prepare your mask, don't worry. Even if it fogs, it will clear in a while. Worst case you will have to surface to handle the problem. Most scuba diving enthusiasts find that too time consuming and prefer to use other methods.
Keeping your mask cleared during your dive will create a more enjoyable experience.
To obtain your 2 FREE Gifts: Special Report "Insider's Guide to Scuba Diving Gear" and Special Report "Top 10 Ways to Make Money while Scuba Diving", go to http://www.scubadivingsolutions.com and sign up for the FREE Gifts.
Lilah Tusko is a writer who loves scuba diving. To obtain your 2 FREE Gifts: Special Report "Insider's Guide to Scuba Diving Gear" and Special Report "Top 10 Ways to Make Money while Scuba Diving", go to http://www.scubadivingsolutions.com and sign up for the FREE Gifts.
