OK. A full face diving mask is a diving equipment that covers the entire face. It allows divers to breathe naturally through the nose and mouth (just like on land) and usually integrates a communication system. But please note: Using a full face mask requires specialized training and certification! Trying it on your own is extremely dangerous.
The following are the key steps and precautions for wearing and using a full face mask:
I. Preparation Before Wearing
Professional training: This is the most crucial step! Before attempting full-face mask diving, you must complete a specialized course taught by a qualified instructor. The course will cover key safety knowledge such as equipment principles, troubleshooting, and emergency procedures.
2. Equipment Inspection: A thorough inspection must be conducted before each dive:
Face mask body: Check for cracks, aging, or deformation. Ensure the window is clear and free of scratches (severe scratches can distort vision).
Sealing skirt: Check if it is soft and elastic, without tears, cuts or hardening.
Headband/fixing system: Check if the straps are intact and the fasteners work properly.
Air supply interface: Check if the connection at the first stage head is firm and leak-free, and if the interface (usually quick-connect type) is clean and the O-ring is intact.
Exhaust valve: Test if the exhaust valve moves smoothly and is not blocked.
Communication system (if equipped): Check the connection of the microphone and speaker, and test if the communication is clear.
Air supply pipeline: Check for signs of wear, indentation, or aging on the air pipe.
3. Fit: Ensure that the mask model is suitable for your face shape. The sealing skirt needs to fit evenly along the entire facial contour, especially the chin, cheeks, and forehead. Facial hair (beard, sideburns) usually significantly affects the seal.
4. Connect the air source: Before wearing the mask, first connect the air supply hose (from the first stage of the regulator) to the interface of the mask. Open the cylinder valve and check for leaks (listen for sounds, test the interface with soapy water).
5. Wearing environment: It is best to wear and practice for the first time in a calm and shallow water area (such as a swimming pool or a calm shallow sea).
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II. Wearing Steps
1. Hold the mask: Grasp both sides of the mask with both hands (usually there are gripping areas), and position the mask opening towards your face. Make sure the exhalation valve is at the bottom (close to the chin).
2. Head forward/in water: Keep your head slightly forward or in the water (with the water level at or above your chest). This helps with subsequent air release.
3. Wear a mask:
First, place your chin inside the skirt of the lower part of the mask.
Then quickly pull the upper part of the mask towards your forehead while raising your head back to help the mask fit snugly.
Key point: The movements should be smooth and continuous to ensure that the skirt of the mask evenly covers the entire face without any hair, hood of the wetsuit, etc. being trapped under it.
4. Fixed head strap: Secure the head strap quickly but not too tightly. The main function of the head strap is to prevent the mask from falling off or shifting. The primary seal is achieved through the pressure difference between the air inside the mask and the water, as well as the fit of the skirt to the face. A head strap that is too tight will be uncomfortable and may compromise the seal.
5. Initial inflation / Water removal:
After putting it on, there may be some water inside the mask.
Take deep breaths through your mouth and nose with force. The airflow from the regulator will immediately fill the inside space of the mask.
At the same time, the internal air will expel most of the water through the exhaust valve at the bottom (because water is heavier than air).
You may need to take several deep breaths to completely clear the water and establish a comfortable airbag.
6. Check sealing and breathing:
Feel whether breathing is smooth and natural (through the nose and mouth).
Check if water is continuously seeping in.
Gently shake your head or make slight facial expressions to see if the mask shifts or leaks air/water.
Conduct a communication test with your dive buddy (if equipped).
III. Precautions for Underwater Use
Always keep breathing: never hold your breath! Breathe continuously, smoothly and naturally. Holding your breath can cause pressure changes inside the mask, which may break the seal or cause crush injuries.
2. Maintain head position: This is particularly important during the drainage operation.
3. Handling of water accumulation inside the mask (small amount): This is a normal phenomenon (e.g., saliva accumulation or slight seepage while speaking).
Slightly raise your head (lift your chin slightly): This will allow the accumulated water to flow to the bottom and the exhaust valve area.
Forceful and deep exhalation: A powerful exhalation flow will push the accumulated water out through the exhaust valve. This is the primary method of drainage.
Sometimes a slight head movement is needed as an aid.
4. Handling of water accumulation inside the mask (large amount/fault): In case of significant water ingress (such as seal failure, exhaust valve malfunction):
Stay calm and keep breathing! Even if there is water in the mask, as long as the air supply is normal, you can still breathe in air (gas is on top).
Try conventional drainage: Tilt your head back and forcefully exhale.
If drainage is ineffective or the situation is urgent:
Make it clear to your diving partner (by gesture or communication).
Be ready to switch to the backup gas source (backup secondary head).
Performing emergency evacuation: This is a key skill that must be practiced in training!
One hand holds the mask steady (to prevent it from being washed away by the water flow).
With the other hand, find and unfasten the headband buckle (usually a quick-release buckle).
Lift the mask away from your face from bottom to top (first release the chin area).
Quickly switch to the spare secondary head held in the mouth for breathing.
Retrieve or reapply the mask (if conditions permit and it is safe), or terminate the dive and ascend (as per protocol).
5. Avoid rapid depth changes: Just like a regular mask, it is necessary to balance the pressure inside the mask. A gentle exhalation through the nose into the mask can achieve this balance. Extra caution should be taken to balance the pressure promptly during rapid descents or ascents.
6. Communication: Speak clearly and steadily. Avoid shouting into the microphone. Be familiar with your buddy's communication gestures.
7. Continuous Monitoring: Keep a close watch on:
Is breathing smooth?
Is there continuous water leakage?
Is the exhaust valve working properly (bubbles should be steadily discharged when exhaling)?
Is the air supply pipeline smooth and free from entanglement?
IV. Maintenance after Use
Freshwater rinse: After diving, thoroughly rinse the inside and outside of the mask with a large amount of mild fresh water, especially the exhaust valve, air supply interface, and the folds of the skirt. Remove salt, sand particles, and biological residues.
2. Cleaning: Use a dedicated cleaning solution for diving equipment (avoid strong acids, strong alkalis, solvents, alcohol and other corrosive substances) for cleaning, and follow the instructions.
3. Disinfection (for multiple users): Especially the inner part of the skirt, use a dedicated disinfectant.
4. Drying: Air dry naturally in a cool and well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight! Ultraviolet rays will accelerate the aging of rubber and plastic. Do not dry with heat sources.
5. Storage: Store after it is completely dry. Place the mask in a dedicated box or hang it up (to avoid the skirt edge being deformed due to long-term pressure). Loosen the headband buckle. Make sure the protective cover of the air supply interface is in place. Avoid contact with sharp objects or heavy items.
Important Safety Warning Reiterated
Mandatory training: The use of a full face mask absolutely requires certified specialized training. Do not attempt to self-teach or use it based solely on this instruction.
Standby air source: When using a full face mask for diving, it is necessary to carry and be proficient in using an independent standby breathing air source (such as a backup second stage regulator).
Buddy system: Always dive with a buddy who has received the same training, and be familiar with each other's emergency procedures.
Understand the risks: A full face mask failure (such as air supply interruption, exhaust valve blockage, or excessive water ingress) can be more dangerous than a half mask because it is impossible to quickly switch to mouth breathing. The core of the training is to master the skills to handle these failures.
Facial hair: A thick beard on the face usually cannot achieve a reliable seal and may require shaving in specific areas.
In conclusion, the full face mask for diving offers unique comfort and communication convenience, but it also brings higher complexity and risks. The cornerstone of safe use is: professional training, strict equipment inspection and maintenance, proficiency in emergency procedures, and cooperation with qualified diving partners. It is essential to undergo adequate training and preparation before using it. Consider contacting diving training institutions such as PADI, SSI, TDI/SDI, PSAI, etc. to learn about relevant courses. Safety always comes first!
