What to Look For When Buying a Mask-
Undoubtedly the most important piece of gear for peering into the watery depths, the mask provides an air space in front of our eyes so they can focus and you can enjoy the scenery. THE most important thing when buying a mask is GET ONE THAT FITS YOUR FACE. If it doesn't, it will leak. A couple tips to help you determine if it fits:
Take the mask and place it on your face while tilting your head back and looking up. Does it rest evenly around your face with no gaps?
Now the sniff test. Bring your head down and inhale slightly. The mask should fit comfortably around your face and stay in place without holding it.
Check the strap, adjust it to fit snuggly, but not too tight. With the mask strapped on, check for gaps.
Put a snorkel in your mouth and check for gaps again.
The mask nosepiece should fit around your nose, not touching or squeezing it. The mask skirt should fit comfortably around your face, above your lip, over your forehead and temples. Be sure and pull any hair out of the skirt for a proper seal.
Prevent a flooded mask by taking the time to buy one that fits. A fogged mask is just as annoying as a flooded one, and impairs your vision. Before using your mask for the first time, scrub the inside and outside of each lens with toothpaste using your finger. This removes any film and allows the lens to be "defogged". Buy a commercial defog solution and apply a few drops onto your lenses before starting out. Rinse it around with a little water and put the mask on and put your face in the water right away. Heat from the sun and your face will fog up a mask if you put it on and walk around.
Rinse your mask with fresh water after each use and dry it out of the sun. Keep a spare strap handy for repairs, and store the mask in a dry place in a box or bag to prevent damage to the lenses.
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