One of the most important pieces of scuba or snorkel equipment is your mask. It is often the best place to start when first purchasing your own kit. Here are a list of our most asked questions with masks.

1. How long does a mask last?

A good quality mask will often last 15-20 years or longer with simple care and proper storage. Look for a mask made with high grade or Crystal silicone with tempered safety glass lens.

2. How to store a mask?

You should rinse your mask with fresh water after every use and allow to air dry. Every few uses wash with a mild soap such as dish soap, warm water and a cloth or soft bristle brush. Store your mask in a cool, dry place preferably in a mask case. Do not leave your mask in the sun for long periods of time. The silicone strap and skirt can seem an attractive chew toy to animals so keep it away from animals.

3. My mask always gets foggy, what can I do?

New masks need a thorough wash before use to remove any residue left from manufacturing. Wash with hot water, dish soap and a soft cloth or brush (old toothbrush). Wash and rinse with hot tap water a couple of times. Masks will also need to be washed regularly to remove dust, dirt, salt and oils from your skin. Once your mask is clean you can treat it with a de-fogging agent such as spit or Seagold. Defog is most effective when applied to a dry mask right before use.

4. The clear silicone around my mask has turned yellow or cloudy, what do I do?

This color change is a natural occurrence in crystal silicone. It will not change the performance of your mask the change is only cosmetic. To help slow this process you can keep your mask out of direct sunlight when possible. Wash your mask regularly, and store your mask clean in a case in a cool, dry place. Masks made with colored silicone such as black silicone will not have this issue.

5. My mask leaks, do I need to replace it?

There are several reasons a mask leaks. Hair getting under the mask skirt will allow the water to trickle in, this includes facial hair. Make sure your hair is pulled back away from your face. Hoods, hats or caps if worn under the mask skirt will cause the same problem. Over-tightening the mask strap is often a problem as it compresses the mask so tightly onto your face that the mask skirt cannot lay flat against your skin and create a seal. Fit and size of the mask is important as they are not a one size fits all, a mask that is too big or too small will leak as well as be uncomfortable. Lastly check for damage, cracks in the frame due to damage will leak. If your mask is leaking due to facial hair, you can also try using a mustache mask seal.

6. What do I tell if a mask fits me?

It does not matter if it is the most expensive mask or best reviewed mask the most important thing is fit. When trying on a mask for fit test it without the strap, breathe in through your nose checking for leaks. If the mask is air tight is should also be water tight. Also check for pressure points if the mask frame is resting on the corners of your eyes, on the bridge of your nose or forehead it may become uncomfortable over the length of a dive.

7. Is there a mask I can wear over my glasses?

The arms of your glasses will cause the mask to flood, without the arms the glasses don't tend to stay in place well. However there are great options now with pre-made prescription dive mask that only take minutes to install. For more check out our page on optical masks