How to choose a mask that actually fits

Most “leaky mask” problems are fit problems. Faces are different, and a mask that’s perfect for one diver can leak on the next. That’s why we fit masks in the shop instead of selling them online.

Which kind of mask

The right type depends on what you’re doing and on personal preference.

• Freediving: we usually point people toward low-volume masks.
• Scuba diving: pretty much any standard mask will do. Fit matters more than style.
• One lens or two: if you need prescription lenses, we usually guide you toward a two-lens mask. If you don’t, either one works. Some people are bothered by the divider between two lenses and prefer one straight lens. At the end of the day, it’s the one you like.

What a good fit looks like

• It seals without the strap doing the work. There’s a quick test for this, and we’ll show it to you in the shop.
• You can pinch your nose through the nose pocket, so equalizing is easy.
• No pressure points on your forehead, nose or under your eyes.
• It still seals with a mouthpiece in, because a snorkel or regulator changes the shape of your face.

Some faces take a little longer. We’ve had divers with very narrow faces, and on the other end, people with a big forehead or a big nose, where we had to search a bit. With so many options on our wall, we nearly always find one that fits.

Facial hair, glasses and kids

• Facial hair: we usually recommend trimming the area where the skirt touches your face. If that’s not an option, a mask seal product can help.
• Glasses: use contact lenses or get a prescription mask. More in diving with glasses.
• Kids and small faces: go with a mask that has a smaller skirt.

Why masks fog, and what to do about it

Fog is a question we get at our door every single day. Masks fog up because of the difference in temperature between the water and your body.

• Prep a new mask first. The classic method, scrubbing the inside of the lens with toothpaste, is still a solid option, and we’ll show you how in the shop. Skip it on tinted, mirrored or coated lenses, which can scratch. You may also hear about the lighter trick, burning the inside of the lens. We don’t recommend it: manufacturers don’t tell you to burn their lenses, a flame near the silicone skirt can ruin the mask, and done wrong it voids the warranty.
• Anti-fog lenses. Some newer masks come with anti-fog technology. It’s still pretty new; it works, but it isn’t permanent yet.
• Before every dive: commercial defog, baby shampoo or good old spit are the fallbacks that always work.

Clear or black skirt?

Our personal preference is a black or solid-color skirt, but some people prefer clear. Each has its pros and cons.

• Black or solid color: it stays looking good longer. It also blocks light from the sides, so your eyes are already adjusted to dimmer light and you can usually see under rocks and into little crevices better.
• Clear: it lets more light in from the sides, so the view feels more open. Over time, clear silicone turns yellow.

Lenses and tints

For scuba diving and freediving, you want a mask with tempered glass lenses. Tinted lenses are personal preference. If yours has a tint, take good care of it, because if you set it down wrong anywhere it can scratch easily.

Taking care of your mask

• Rinse it with fresh water after every dive.
• Store it in its box. If you still have the case it came in, keep it there so nothing gets to it.
• Keep it out of the sun.

Things people get wrong

• Buying by brand or looks instead of fit.
• Pulling the strap tight to stop a leak. It usually makes it worse.
• Taking a brand-new mask straight into the water without prepping it first.