De-Mystifying the SCUBA Mask

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First of all, let’s get one thing absolutely clear. It’s a mask; it is not, and never will be, goggles.

How many times have you chuckled overhearing a SCUBA nerd correct some poor ignorant soul on that minor discrepancy? And — be honest! — how many times have you delivered that lecture? Divers know the difference, but it hardly seems worth haranguing someone who hasn’t the slightest interest in SCUBA diving, much less the intricacies of SCUBA gear.

Oh, but you are interested? Splendid! It is with great enthusiasm, then, that we help you find your way around a SCUBA mask, how to pick the right one for you, and how to use it properly. At the end of this post, you should be able to understand why you never call a mask “goggles” in front of a SCUBA diver.

Why Not Goggles?

First and foremost, a SCUBA mask is different from goggles in one important way: goggles cover your eyes, whereas a mask covers your eyes and nose. Why is this important? Because the two are not interchangeable, at least not as far as SCUBA diving is concerned. Diving and snorkeling both entail descending to certain depths below the water’s surface, during which pressure will increase in the air space between the mask and the diver’s eyes and nose. Exhaling through the nose helps to equalize this pressure, alleviating a malady known as “mask squeeze.” Goggles that are commonly used for swimming, flying, and conducting science experiments would be absolutely useless to a SCUBA diver.

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Does This Look Okay?

Unfortunately, a SCUBA mask has very little to do with aesthetics, and everything to do with function. While they do come in an array of sizes, shapes, and colors, bear in mind that you will not be able to see the mask itself, and hopefully your fellow divers are focusing on marine life, not on how you look in your mask! Don’t worry, everyone looks silly in a SCUBA mask. Now let’s get serious.

When you go to purchase a mask, follow these simple instructions:

1. Put your head down.
2. Hold the mask on your face.
3. Inhale through your nose and let go of the mask.
4. Look forward.

If the mask stays snugly on your face, you have a good fit; if it falls off, it’s too big. You will be able to tell if the mask is too small when you put it on with the strap over your head. If no amount of strap adjustment results in a comfortable fit, look for another mask. *Important note: do this routine at the dive shop before you purchase the mask. Most dive shops will consider the mask used if you decide it is not the correct fit after a dive, and returns will become very difficult to impossible!

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Am I Doing it Right?

Once you find your perfect fit, it’s time to dive. Clean the inside and the outside of the lenses with a mild liquid soap before each dive; this will not only clean them (duh), but help prevent mask fog — which is really annoying when your field of vision is already lessened by the mask itself! Once underwater, if water should enter your mask, simply place the heel of your hand on the top of the mask frame, look up, and exhale sharply through your nose. Repeat as necessary. At some time or another, you will get water in your mask, but don’t worry, you’ll quickly get the hang of clearing it after a few tries. Finally, always take good care of your mask, because it truly is your only window to the wonders below the sea!