Are Full-Face Snorkel Masks Safe?

Source: DHgate, Tag: Outdoor Sports

Full face snorkel masks are a safe item but there are a few things to consider before making your purchase.

The question of whether full-face snorkel masks are safe is one that many people who want to explore the ocean will ask. Concerns over the safety of full-face diving masks are due to the risk of CO2 build-up in the sealed nose and mouth compartment.
A number of fatalities have been linked to the use of a full-face snorkel but so long as you purchase one that conforms to safety standards and you maintain it well they are very safe items to use.
As well as taking you through the safety features of a full-face snorkel mask this article will also provide advice on how to care for one to ensure it remains in good condition and keeps you safe for as long as possible. An absence of or a malfunctioning of a particular safety feature of a full-face snorkel mask must be avoided to ensure that you can stay underwater safely which means seeing clearly and breathing without difficulty among other things.
The distinguishing feature of a full-face diving mask is that the glasses and the snorkel are integrated, unlike a standard snorkel mask in which these components are separated and have to be assembled. Full-face snorkel masks also cover the entire face. Some say that the face and mouth are covered in a full face snorkel makes them less safe, due to the increased risk of claustrophobia and/or suffocation.
However, a full-face snorkel mask will have a three-part tube, consisting of a middle section that delivers fresh air straight to the nose and mouth compartment when breathing in. It also includes a valve through which CO2 is expelled, ensuring that you only get fresh air and oxygen can enter. The first part of the tube is a dry cylinder that prevents any water from leaking into your mouth and nose. Although a full-face snorkel mask can be unsafe due to a potential build-up of too much CO2 which results in a lack of oxygen this can be avoided by finding one that has gone through safety checks and has functioning valves.
The risk of C02 overload poses a real safety issue as it can lead to unconsciousness and then drowning. You must pay attention to the design of the full-face snorkel mask to ensure you are safe while underwater. Many full-face diving masks will be limited in length and diameter.
According to some regulations the inner volume of a full face snorkel should not exceed 230ml for adults or 150 ml for children. These lengths will keep the area of ‘dead space’ to a minimum, reducing the level of CO2 accumulation significantly and rendering the full face snorkel safe. A one-way breathing system is also an important safety feature of full-face snorkel masks, further preventing the accumulation of CO2.
Full face snorkel masks also have the advantage of allowing you to breath normally with your nose and mouth, unlike standard snorkel masks which restrict you to mouth breathing. This is because the full-face snorkel masks usually have the tube at the top of the mask leaving your mouth and nose free to breathe. The fact that full-face diving masks allow you to breathe as though you do not underwater make it a safe alternative to those who find it difficult to breathe through their mouths.

It is also arguable that standard face snorkels are less safe than full-face snorkels because the tube is held in place by your mouth and can break loose more easily, potentially leading to choking through water and/or debris entering your throat. Unless you are sure you can get used to the unnatural way that standard snorkel masks require you to breathe, a full-face snorkel mask is a more convenient and safe option especially if you are a beginner at exploring sea life.
There are some caveats that can make a full-face snorkel mask a less safe option but these are usually caused by misuse. For example, it is imperative that you clean your mask as a foggy snorkel mask will result in lower visibility and trapped debris will increase the risk of eye infections. Cleaning your snorkel mask is also crucial before its first use due to a protective spray that is added to keep the lens glossy, but this very often decreases visibility. Please refer to the paragraphs below for a guide on how to look after, wear and understand a full-face snorkel mask.
How does a face snorkel mask work?
A face snorkel allows you to breath underwater by supplying fresh air into your mouth and nose through a tube which remains above the water. As previously stated, a full face snorkel mask comes as one unit but a standard snorkel mask has to be assembled.
How to attach a snorkel to a mask
Place the tube into the mouthpiece of the mask. Fix the snorkel mask tube into the position. Remove the snorkel. Use the needle and the thread to sew the clip of the snorkel to the strap of the mask. Wear and adjust as needed.
How to clean a snorkel mask.
You should shake your mask to get rid of any debris, then rinse it with water. Apply toothpaste to the mask lens and use a toothbrush or cloth to scrub the lens. Rinse the mask and make sure it is dry before storing it.
Can you wear glasses under a full-face snorkel mask?
Glasses are designed to fit away from your face whereas a snorkel mask compresses onto your face and causes the glasses to push into your skin and/or damage the full face snorkel strap. Wearing contact lenses beneath your face mask snorkel is recommended instead.
Summary
Full-face snorkel masks are safe but you have to take certain precautions and ensure they are the appropriate choice for your own needs. They have the advantage of being easier to set up, enabling you to breathe naturally but they have some risks such as the build-up of C02. A full-face diving mask is generally a safe product but just as with regular masks, it is important that they are well-maintained and cleaned, that you can see through them properly and that they fit well.