How to choose a scuba mask

"The shape of the scuba mask and the silicone skirt on the mask must conform to the shape of your face to provide you with a comfortable fit. Ensuring the silicone skirt is a high-grade, flexible silicone can help to ensure the scuba mask conforms to the shape of your face and the long life of your scuba mask. Some people are allergic to different types of rubber, if you have an allergy to rubber, be sure to choose a silicone scuba mask because silicone is hypoallergenic. Always talk to your scuba diving gear retailer about the alternatives available to you. When trying on scuba masks you will notice the different shapes of the nose pockets. The nose pocket protects and cushions your nose, helps to keep your scuba mask from fogging during a dive and helps you to maintain equalization. Ensure the size and shape of your nose pocket is comfortable; not too tight and not too large. This will improve not only the comfort of your scuba mask, but your ability to purge your mask efficiently. There are increasingly different styles of scuba mask straps on the market. You may like the factory issue strap on your scuba mask or you may want to purchase a separate strap. Scuba mask straps are available in a single strap or a double strap design. The single strap should wrap around the centre of the back of your head. The benefit of the double strap is that you can position the top strap on the upper part of your head and the bottom strap on the lower part of your head to offer extra stability and comfort. Most scuba mask straps are rubber or silicone and fasten with a post-hole belt enclosure. Newer scuba masks offer a slide-lock type enclosure, which allows you to adjust the scuba mask quickly and easily when wearing the mask. Scuba masks are constantly improving. If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses on a daily basis you can purchase a scuba mask without having to wear your glasses or contact lenses under your mask. Many manufacturers will create custom scuba masks which include your prescription in the front lens. A good sign you have chosen the right scuba mask for your face is when the mask stays on your face comfortably without using the straps to hold it in place. You should try this simple test with each scuba mask you try on for the first time: See our choices for scuba masks 1. Place the scuba mask over your eyes and mouth ensuring the mask is in the correct position. 2. Take a quick, light breath in through your nose and immediately start to breathe through your mouth as if you are scuba diving. This will create a slight suction between the scuba mask and your face. The scuba mask should stay on your face. If you must push the scuba mask against your face, or inhale repeatedly to help the mask stay on your face, the mask is not a good fit. 3. Keep the scuba mask on your face for approximately one minute. This will help you to determine how tight the seal is and how comfortable the mask is on your face. 4. Exhale gently through your nose to release the seal on your scuba mask and remove the mask from your face. There should be no mark on your face from the scuba mask. If there is a red line around your face from the seal of the mask, the seal was too tight or the mask is not the proper size for your face. Try the test a second time. If you still have a red mark on your face after you remove the mask, you need to continue your search for a scuba mask. Remember, a good scuba mask is one that's comfortable, doesn't leak and is easy to use."

Whether you are scuba diving or snorkeling, a good quality, well-fitting mask will make the difference between an okay time in the water, and a really great time in the water. After all, if you spend half your time having to clear your mask, that's half your time that you're not spending looking at all there is to see. No two faces are the same, so you may have to try on a lot of different masks before you find one the works for you.
1.Decide what style of mask you want. There are a few different shapes on the market. There is the older oval shaped style that used to be popular with divers years ago. Then there are the more modern styles that have a wider field of vision. Other styles that are popular are ones with side panels, giving you better peripheral vision in the water, and ones with tear-drop shaped lenses so that you can look down more.
2.Look for features suitable for scuba diving. Diving requires masks made from tempered glass for safety, in case it breaks. It should have a skirt with a close, comfortable seal against your face. It should come with nose/finger pockets--essential for equalization purposes. It should have a low profile which allows for a wider field of vision. It should also have an adjustable strap that can be locked in place.
3.Notice the materials it is made of. Most masks you see today are made from silicone rubber which lasts a long time. They typically come with a translucent skirt or a black one. Black skirts can reduce glare and are particularly popular with underwater photographers.
4.Check for comfort and fit. To try on a mask, pull the mask strap up and out of the way, gently place the mask to your face, and inhale. Remove you hand. Does it stay? If you had to push the mask on, then it's probably not a good fit. If it stays, does it feel like it will leak? You may want to bring your snorkel in with you when you get fitted for your mask. This way, you can tell if there might be any leaks when you have a snorkel (or regulator) in your mouth.
5.Wash your mask before your first use with a little toothpaste to get off the protective coating that face mask manufacturers coat new masks in. If you don't, that coating is sure to fog up your mask. Rinse your mask with tap water after every use, and store in a cool dry place, away from sunlight.