Dive Mask Fitting Guide for UK Divers
How to fit a dive mask properly for UK diving. Test for leaks, fit with 7mm hoods, prevent fogging. Expert advice for cold water mask selection and sizing.
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The Suction Test
The fundamental test:
1. Place mask on face without using strap.
2. Look down slightly (simulates diving position).
3. Inhale gently through your nose.
4. Release your hands.
A properly fitting mask stays in place by suction alone. No gaps, no air leaks, comfortable seal around entire skirt.
If it falls off, try another mask. No adjustment will fix a fundamental fit mismatch.
Try With Your Hood
This is critical for UK diving. A mask that seals perfectly on bare skin may leak with a 7mm hood.
Hood material at your temples can break the seal. The hood's face opening affects how the skirt contacts your skin.
Always test masks wearing the hood you'll use for UK diving. Many dive shops have hoods available for fitting sessions.
Common Fit Problems
Nose bridge gaps: Mask doesn't seal between your eyes. Try smaller nose pocket or different mask shape.
Forehead gaps: Mask tilts away at top. Try mask with more forehead contact area.
Cheek gaps: Common with low-volume masks on fuller faces. Try higher-volume mask.
Upper lip seal: Moustaches can break seal. Silicone grease helps temporarily. Some masks accommodate facial hair better.
Pressure points: Discomfort after 30 minutes. Try softer silicone skirt or different shape.
Face Shape Considerations
Narrow faces: Low-volume, narrow masks. Japanese brands (Tusa, Gull) often fit well.
Wide faces: More volume, wider skirt. European brands (Cressi, Mares) tend larger.
Prominent nose bridges: Masks with adjustable nose pockets or more clearance.
High cheekbones: Avoid masks with wide side skirts that sit on cheekbones.
There's no substitute for trying multiple masks. Your face is unique.
Testing Process at UK Dive Shop
1. Explain you're buying for UK diving (they'll provide appropriate options).
2. Start with 3-4 masks in your budget range.
3. Test suction without strap on bare face.
4. Eliminate any that don't seal.
5. Test remaining options with your hood.
6. Eliminate any that leak with hood.
7. Wear the survivors for 5-10 minutes. Check for pressure points.
8. Choose the most comfortable remaining option.
Good UK dive shops expect this process. Don't feel pressured to buy quickly.
Strap Adjustment
Once you've found the right mask:
Position strap at crown of head, not base of skull.
Tighten just enough to maintain seal. Overtightening causes discomfort and can worsen seal.
With a hood, position strap over thickest part of hood.
You should be able to slide one finger under the strap comfortably.
Anti-Fog Preparation for New Masks
New masks have factory coating that causes fogging:
1. Apply toothpaste or washing-up liquid to inside of lens.
2. Scrub with soft cloth for 2-3 minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Repeat 3-5 times before first use.
5. Test in pool or bathtub to verify fogging reduced.
This removes the silicone residue from manufacturing.
Pre-Dive Defog Routine
Before each UK dive:
1. Apply defog solution or diluted baby shampoo to inside of lens.
2. Spread evenly over entire lens.
3. Rinse briefly with water (don't scrub).
4. Don mask without touching lens interior.
UK cold water increases fogging tendency. Proper preparation is essential.
What If Nothing Fits?
Some face shapes don't match standard masks. Options:
Custom masks: Some manufacturers offer custom-fitted masks. Expensive but effective.
Prescription insert masks: The inserts can sometimes improve seal.
Full-face masks: Different seal geometry may work better. Requires additional training.
Most people find a mask that works from standard options. But if 10+ masks all leak, explore alternatives.
Our Recommendation
Visit a UK dive shop with hood in hand. Budget 30-60 minutes for proper fitting. Don't compromise on fit to save money. A leaking mask ruins every dive.
Take our quiz to identify mask features that suit your face shape and diving style.
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Start the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
How do I test if a dive mask fits properly in a UK dive shop?
To test mask fit: place mask on face without using the strap, inhale gently through your nose. A properly fitting mask will stay in place by suction alone. Try this wearing the 7mm hood you'll use for UK diving - hoods significantly affect mask seal. The mask should seal comfortably without gaps or pressure points. Test several sizes and shapes - face dimensions vary and no single mask fits everyone. UK dive shops expect you to test multiple masks.
Why does my mask leak when wearing a thick hood for UK diving?
Mask leaks with UK hoods (5-7mm) usually occur because hood material bunches under the mask skirt or the hood is too thick at the temples. Solutions: trim hood skirt to just below mask seal, pull hood material smooth before donning mask, try a low-volume mask with smaller skirt, or use a hood with pre-cut face seal. Brands like Fourth Element and Waterproof make hoods specifically designed to seal with masks for UK cold water diving.
Should I buy my dive mask online or in a UK shop?
Buy masks from UK dive shops where you can try them on with your hood. Online masks (£10-20 cheaper) may not fit, and returning worn masks is difficult. Mask fit is highly individual - even expensive masks won't work if the shape doesn't match your face. UK shops let you test masks in pools, ensure proper fit with thick hoods, and exchange if problems arise. For £40-80 masks used 20-50 times per year, proper fit is worth the shop premium.
How tight should my mask strap be for UK diving?
Mask straps should be snug but not tight - many UK divers over-tighten, causing discomfort and actually worsening seal. The mask skirt creates the seal through suction, not strap pressure. With a 7mm hood, position the strap over the hood's thickest part (crown of head) for security. You should be able to slide one finger under the strap. Too tight causes headaches during long UK dives and can compress hood material, breaking the seal.
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