How to Purge a Scuba Mask

Wikimedia Commons

A broad misconception is that a good scuba mask keeps all the water out all of the time. The only way to form a perfect seal with a dive mask is to have the mask on so tightly that a diver also gets a bad case of "mask face." A little water is always leaking in, and sometimes this is even desirable since it helps prevent fogging. However, when too much of the water collects, it must be expelled from the mask in a process called "purging."

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Scuba mask
Scuba mask

Step 1

A dive mask

Position your face and head so you are looking forward or slightly up.

Step 2

Place one or both hands on the top edge of the scuba mask.

Step 3

Tilt the scuba mask up so that the seal around the lower edge is slightly broken.

Step 4

Exhale forcefully through the nose. The air will rush out the bottom of the mask, purging the collected water.

Step 5

Stop tilting the mask before you stop exhaling from the nose, adding a little extra air in the mask. Do not worry about putting too much air into the scuba mask and causing a leak; air will leak out in micro-bubbles until the air pressure inside the mask and water pressure outside the mask are equal.

Tips & Warnings

This process won't work for snorkelers, but a snorkeler can simply lift their head out of the water, tilt the mask up and let water drain out of the bottom. Some dive mask models come with a purge valve, which will automatically eliminate water from the bottom of the mask.

This process won't work for snorkelers, but a snorkeler can simply lift their head out of the water, tilt the mask up and let water drain out of the bottom.

Some dive mask models come with a purge valve, which will automatically eliminate water from the bottom of the mask.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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