Snorkeling Equipment Review: The Full Face Snorkel Mask
In the recent past we saw the introduction of the full face snorkeling mask and it didn’t take long for these products to explode in popularity. If you join a snorkeling tour today, the odds are pretty good that at least a few people in the group will be going into the water with one of these fancy snorkeling masks. However, despite how common the full face snorkeling mask is in the modern world, there is still quite a bit of confusion surrounding the topic.
Here, we review some basics about full face masks, including: how they work, are they safe and, whether you should buy one. Finally we will give you a short breakdown on some recommended models if you feel like this piece of gear is for you. Through this I hope I can help to answer some questions you may have about this unusual yet innovative snorkeling tech.
What is a full face snorkeling mask and how does it work?
A full face snorkeling mask is a mask and snorkel set that seals all the way around your face and under the chin, where a traditional mask only covers the eyes and nose. It has straps that go behind the head in a vertical fashion which can be tightened to secure the mask. This design offers a few advantages. The most obvious is being able to breath through your mouth and nose, which produces a more natural breathing experience and gives the user the ability to speak while operating the mask. Because the mask seals around the entire face there is also no issue with leakage under the nose, which is something many people have to learn to live with while using a tradition snorkeling set (especially if you are a man with a beard or mustache!)
Inside the full face snorkeling mask there is a second seal which divides the oral/nasal breathing chamber from the viewport (see image). This means the air that you are exhaling never comes into contact with the viewport, which ensures a fog free snorkeling experience. On top of that, full face snorkeling masks come with what is known as a “dry snorkel.” As a wave passes over you or if you decide to dive down underwater, there is a plastic ball inside the tube that floats up and plugs the snorkel. This means no more surprises with a mouth full of water and there is also no need to clear the mask or snorkel. As the snorkel section is mounted at the top of the mask, it sits high up out of the water when you are swimming along looking down.
Some of the main ideas behind a full face snorkel mask are the convenience and ease of use it gives you. With this system there will be no more trying to get the mask to fit and sit just right on your face, no more messing around with a rubber strap rolling over on the back of your head, and best of all, no more wasting money on de-fog solutions or having to spit in it.
Are full face snorkel masks safe to use?
You’ve probably heard some people talking about full face snorkeling masks and the level of safety they provide. Hopefully, I can clear up a couple of common misconceptions.
There are two main considerations when it comes to assessing the level of safety of a full face snorkeling mask: carbon dioxide (CO2) buildup and ease of removal. When dealing with any type of full face mask system there is what is known as a “dead air space.” A dead air space is a pocket of gas that does not get completely flushed with just breathing alone. This means that a small amount of the air you are exhaling stays inside the mask and gets re-breathed. This, in some situations, can become an issue because there is CO2 in our breath when we exhale. Without completely flushing the mask there will be a small increase of the CO2 level with every exhale. If this issue is not addressed, the CO2 will eventually reach a potentially dangerous level.
The second consideration is how easy it is to remove the mask. If you can’t remove the mask quickly and easily in an emergency or have difficulty getting fresh air in quick enough if you begin hyperventilating, this is when CO2 build up can become an issue.
Picture this situation. You’ve gone snorkeling off of a boat wearing a full face snorkeling mask. You’re 100 meters from the boat when you notice the current starting to pickup. You decide to head back to the boat but you have to swim hard to gain any ground. After a bit you begin to breathe faster causing the full face snorkeling mask to fill with CO2 at a faster than normal rate. After not too long you begin to notice the effects of CO2 retention. Even though you are able to breathe normally it begins to feel like you’re not getting enough air. At this point you try to remove the mask so you can get some fresh air but you are having a tough time even breaking the seal. Now you’re fighting a current, fighting to breathe, and fighting to get this mask off which then snowballs into full blown panic. Not an ideal situation to be in.
If the full face snorkeling mask that you have purchased is a quality make and model, this type of situation is unlikely to become serious. The quality designed and built full face snorkeling masks are well ventilated, which minimizes CO2 buildup. They are also designed to be easy to remove so they are easy to vent when you feel the need for fresh air. Most, if not all, of the accidents associated with full face snorkeling masks occurred with people using the cheap knock-off versions. These masks that you can purchase in some places for as low as $19.99 have virtually zero ventilation and have proven to be quite difficult to remove. Hence, the surprisingly large number of incidents involving these knock-off units.
The bottom line regarding the safety of full face snorkeling masks is that a quality built unit is very safe, fun and enjoyable to use while the cheap knock-offs hold the potential to be quite dangerous. Make sure that the mask you are buying or using have clear ventilation lines and passages to divert your breath away when you exhale and then draw in fresh air through the snorkel when you inhale. Similarly, when trying on the mask, make sure you are comfortable and understand how to remove the mask quickly, should you need too. With these two issues solved, your full face snorkeling mask will be as safe as any traditional mask and snorkel.
So should I buy a full face snorkeling mask for my next snorkeling trip?
Ultimately, if you enjoy snorkeling then purchasing a full face snorkeling mask would likely give you an extra dimension of ease and comfort when you go off exploring the ocean. If you are new to snorkeling, very nervous or not used to putting your head and face in the water with a snorkel in your mouth, then a full face mask is perfect for you! The natural breathing system means you just breathe normally as if you were walking on the beach and the open panoramic vision it gives you feels much less claustrophobic than a traditional mask and snorkel. Even for experienced snorkelers, the comfortable and simple fit makes the full face snorkeling mask a strong contender for casual snorkeling. Although, if you enjoy diving down and staying underwater like a freediver, a standard mask and snorkel would probably suit you better as you don’t have the ability to grab your nose to equalize your ears.
But for cruising along the surface with comfort and simplicity while looking at all the beautiful fish and coral, then a full face snorkeling mask is the best choice by far. No more fussing with anti-fog or clipping on uncomfortable plastic snorkels. No more getting water in your mask and up your nose. Just slip the full face snorkeling mask over your head, tighten the straps and off you go. The feedback we have received from snorkelers who have gone away on holiday and used these masks for the first time has been excellent. People who have never been able to explore the ocean because they have never been comfortable or found a mask and snorkel set that fits them properly, have used a full face snorkeling mask and finally been able to enjoy the underwater world with complete ease. For that reason we strongly recommend you consider using one on your next snorkeling adventure. Just remember if you are considering purchasing one of these fantastic and revolutionary products, please make sure you are purchasing a reputable and quality unit.
Our Recommended Full Face Snorkeling Masks:
The Head Sea Vu Dry Full Face Mask
The Sea Vu Dry FFM from Head (Mares) is our bestselling full face mask since it was introduced a couple of years ago. It is the most comfortable FFM we have used thanks to the large inward-folded silicone seal, which ensures a good fit and no water leakage. The straps are also great, as they are made using an elastic material rather than a silicone and are much softer and don’t get caught as easily in long hair. The Sea Vu Dry comes with a removable snorkel that is simple to wiggle off and push on and comes in a very handy storage bag which makes it easy to pack and great for travelling. The unit may feel a little bulky at first compared to the Aqua Lung FFM, but once you start using it the large viewport offers an amazing field of vision that feels open and free and makes you forget that you’re wearing a full face mask!
The Aqua Lung Smart Snorkel full face mask
The Aqua Lung Smart Snorkel FFM has been designed to be incredibly efficient and perform excellently in the water. It boasts one of the lowest work of breathing rate compared to similar masks on the market. The straps and skirt are made from hypo-allergenic silicone, just like traditional masks and snorkels, which are easy to adjust and detach and provide a good secure fit. The profile of this mask is incredibly low giving amazing 180 degree panoramic vision as your eyes are positioned close to the lens. The nose bridge is a little less comfortable than the Sea Vu FFM, but still ensures clear separation of the two chambers giving a fog free experience. The removable snorkel is a little more difficult to remove and replace at first, but the Mask does come with a useful mesh bag to carry everything in.
