The mask is to provides a window to the underwater world. The mask create a space of air space between the diver’s eyes and the water. The air space allows the diver to see clearly underwater. Mask come with a variety of options that make the mask easier to use.
There are many important parts to selecting a mask for a comfort fit. The mask must have a good easl on your face and must fit well. Masks that do not seal against your face properly will lease. Mask with a clear silicone skirt offer the advantage of being translucent creating an open feeling. Black silicone eliminates light penetration from the sides. Some divers like this because all allows them to focus on what is straight ahead, therefore, eliminating distractions. Low volume masks are easy to clear do the smaller air space. Large masks often have windows on the side allowing the diver more peripheral vision.
Four types of masks:
Full Face Dive Masks
These masks cover the diver’s entire face. These generally have some special features. Using a full face mask allows divers to breathe from both mouth and nose. The advantages, it the diver has less fatigue because he does not have use a mouth piece in during the dive. (No Biting) These masks are generally used for cold water diver and do not require defogging. They are used in conjunction with communication systems to allow divers the ability to speak to each other under water.
Masks Without Purge
Scuba Masks without purges valves are great for both scuba divers and snorkelers. These masks are available with a single lens or a dual lenses. Some mask models even have side windows that let more light into the mask. Masks are available in a wide range of colors and many either clear or solid color silicone skirts.
Masks With Purge
These snorkeling and diving masks are similar to the masks above with one important feature. They have a purge valve. The purge valve is a one way valve typically located in the nose pocket of the mask. If water enters the mask, the diver needs only to press the mask against their face, look downward and exhale through their nose to displace the water out. These easy to use dive masks are also available with one or two windows with some models even having side windows which allow more light into the mask. They are available in a range of accent colors and many have either clear or solid black silicone skirts.
Masks With Optical Lenses
Just about all scuba and snorkel masks are available with optical lenses. These optical lenses prevent snorkelers and divers from having to wear contacts and will provide sight correction. If you need corrected lenses installed in your mask, you will enjoy diving without loosing your contacts and without struggling to see the underwater world. Just about all options available for typical glassess are also available in dive masks.
