Lets talk masks

Hi

My mask is driving me crazy, and always has done. I have a large face and nose and I have never had a mask that fits really well. Oh they don't let in water, that bit is fine, instead they usually cause discomfort. Masks cut into my face in two places, predominantly at the bridge of the nose between the eyebrows, but also on the bony prominence under the nose between the nostrils.

My first masks always pressed on the nasal bridge. It is always fine for a few dives, but after 3 dives a day for two weeks I will develop a sore in that spot making further diving uncomfortable. I do not have my mask too tight, nor do I allow mask squeeze to occur (in fact I am now in the habit of exhaling fully via my nose every breath to keep the mask off my face. Finally I gave up with the low profile type of mask in order to keep the frame off my nose.

Now however, I have developed a new problem. The nose pockets on the newer masks seem to be too small. Again in the shop it felt fine, and when I tried it for my first dive it was bliss - a mask that fits - hooray. However towards the end of the dive I noticed a slight pressure under my nose. When I took the mask off, the blood rushed back to where the mask was pushing on the bony prominence under the nose - AGONY. The next dive was so painful that I aborted after 15minutes because the pain was incredible, distracting me from all else.

So that was it for my new mask - 1 1/2 dives and trash.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Anyone found a mask solution?

I am currently looking at frameless masks (Atomic, Tilos etc) does anyone have experience with these?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Cheers

Hal

Hm, I thought I was the only one. I don't think I have a 'large' nose, but I do get the pressure beneath the nostrils. Not enough to ever have me abort or to cause serious pain, but enough that I've noticed the discomfort.

The only suggestion I'd have is to try out Mares new Liquidskin line. If they make a mask big enough, their silicone is much softer and conformal. So even if it doesn't "fit" much better than the others you've tried, at least hopefully it would be more compliant and not 'push' as hard as the current one? They've only got 3 masks using that silicone: the Xvision, Xvision Mid (smaller, so probably not for you), and the Star (very low volume, probably also not for you). So I guess that's only one option to try, not a whole line, but it's the best I can do....

My somewhat big schnoz seems to fit well in the Atomic frameless mask- its got a fairly good sized nose pocket. I also have an Oceanic mask as a backup, but it is a bit smaller in size there. Definately find a shop that deals the Atomic and give it a try for fit.

Doesn't one of contributors run a cosmetic surgery clinic?

Sorry, couldn't resist. I don't have that big of a nose but I did have surgery on it for a deviated septum. The Atomic frameless mask was very kind to it when it was still sore.

I have had the opportunity to dive quite a few masks on the market. With regards to Frameless, the Atomic and the Oceanic were definitely my favorite. I used to help out in a dive shop, and both of those masks worked well with the "larger faces". Buying a mask is such a personal thing, I would highly suggest going into your LDS and trying a few on.

... I would highly suggest going into your LDS and trying a few on.

This is the whole problem really, in Bermuda there are very few places to buy quality kit. The main supplier doesn't have a comfortable mask , so I have to make some choices, then they will order them in for me to try.

Cheers

Hal

I share your problem and I currently use the Mares VisionX liquid skin (or is that Xvision?, I'm not sure!). I have done around 100 dives with it and it's very comfortable. Prior to this I had a normal VisionX which was perfectly acceptable too but the liquid skin is softer/more comfortable. It's also lowish volume too which helps looking through the viewfinder. Recently on a dive trip I forgot to pack my mask but I managed to borrow an Atomic frameless. I would recommend this too, it was comfortable in this area. I would consider either of these 2 if I was to purchase a new one any time in the future.

Greg

Thanks guys for your input - I decided to have my nose cut down to fit standard masks

Actually I bought the XVision Liquid Skin and it is really very good. I fitted perfectly in the shop so I gave it a go, two days later and I could still feel it pushing a little under my nose, but now 2 weeks in and it fits most excellently, no rub or pressure at all.

My only problem now is that the dive shop rang me to tell me that they also have an Atomic Frameless (large) just come in and it is undeniably an excellent feeling mask, but I have resisted the urge and will stick with what works.

Cheers

Hal