Are Full Face Snorkel Masks Safe?
From a technical perspective, the full face snorkel masks are designed to securely cover the entire face yet allowing the snorkeler to breathe out either through the mouth or nose comfortably. These masks have been in the global market for the last seven years, and so far, they have made snorkeling recreation a worthy endeavor for snorkelers. Remember, the primary purpose of full face snorkeling masks is to allow a smooth surface snorkeling for recreational purposes, i.e., the person floats on the water surface while facing downwards to view the expansive marine ecosystem life, including fish rather than swimming.
It's highly recommended to use both a snorkel and a traditional mask, especially when anticipating swimming against currents and waves. It isn't recommended to use full face snorkeling masks when diving underwater, spearfishing, swimming practice, and free diving, among other time-consuming activities. This is mainly because Carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulates in the full face mask can exhaust your breathing. In case you encounter breathing difficulty while in your full face snorkeling mask, we highly recommended you remove it immediately.
DO THE FULL FACE SNORKELING MASKS UNDERGO STANDARDIZATION TESTING?
Although there is no particular standard unit for testing all the full-face snorkel masks in the market, several manufacturers purport that the quality of their entire face snorkeling masks surpasses the European accreditation mark. These include but not limited to;
EN 1972 for Snorkels Diving equipment test methods and requirements. Various manufacturers hold that their testing is done based on the European testing criteria.
EN 250 for respiratory equipment. An open circuit automated dense air diving apparatus- marking, testing, and requirements.
EN 14143 respiratory equipment for automated re-breathing diving gear.
EN 136 for respiratory protective gear - full face masks.
However, these standards are not the SI unit for all full face snorkeling masks but rather for the individual snorkels, rebreathers, scuba regulators, and scuba full-face diving masks. Accordingly, are full face snorkel masks safe? Yes! However, it is very critical to note that most cheap copycat full-face snorkeling masks are typically substandard gears without any form of quality or performance standardization. You can't tell whether they are safe or not, thus pausing a considerable risk to the users.
Moreover, even the most reliable manufacturers will issue a safety assurance to the authentic full-face snorkeling mask users, but users find themselves uncomfortable in reality. This is particularly true since most users do not use their devices according to the manufacturer's instructions by deliberately ignoring them or failing to understand the simple instructions. Besides, some people will misuse their full face snorkel masks, especially after watching others misuse them in some promotions. Remember, even a high-quality full face snorkel mask can pause the same dangers to the user when misused. Undoubtedly, a fake full face snorkel mask will cause considerable risk to the user regardless of whether the user has won them correctly or not. Indeed, a full face snorkel mast that doesn't include an authentic patent design or doesn't fit accurately shouldn't be an option when purchasing your full face snorkel mask.
Features to consider in a full face snorkel mask before purchasing your device in 2021.
HOW MUCH CO2 CAN YOUR FULL FACE SNORKEL MASK HOLD?
We call it the Dead space! We all know something little about our respiration system. Living organisms, including human beings, inhale oxygen and exhale CO2 (carbon dioxide). Due to the reduced pressure in a closed space, breathing shallowly means that the air containing CO2 isn't pushed out. This can result in a very toxic buildup of CO2. For that very reason, some manufacturers have sorted this issue in their full face snorkel masks by separating the breathing part from the looking part. Besides, the breathing section is designed to approximate the mouth to use both the mouth and nose to breathe.
WHY IS IT THAT PURCHASING A CHEAP FULL FACE SNORKEL MASKS A WASTE OF RESOURCES?
As stated in the above paragraph, a good full face snorkeling mask should permit excellent air exchange. Sadly, a typical cheap and poorly made full face snorkeling mask can't support the mechanism explained above. For instance, it could come with faulty valves that won't work no matter what, or else the breathing section has a mismatch. The result is a buildup of the toxic CO2 in the mask. However, remember failing to maintain your full face snorkeling mask increases your device's malfunctioning chances even when made from high-quality materials and superior design.
A CORRECT FIT IS A MUST, NO EXCUSE!
Ideally, full face snorkel masks come in different sizes and designs depending on the manufacturer's specifications. One of the most critical aspects of a full face snorkel mask to consider is if it has the right fit and size. For instance, a mismatch between the facial configuration and the nose enclosure can result in the user breathing the entire mask volume, including the toxic CO2 contaminated air.
A FOGGY FULL FACE SNORKEL MASK ON THE LOOKING PART IS A NO-NO.
The experienced users of full face snorkel masks will recommend that the breathing section perfectly fit over the nose, leaving no gap. This implies that if you put on your device and start breathing through it, the breathing section should fog up. However, the looking part should never fog up, and if that happens, then it is an indication of something risky.
ALWAYS SNORKEL ON THE WATER SURFACE, NO DIVING!
Diving while on a full face snorkel mask can be termed as negligence. Yes, several adverts misguide people out there by showing snaps of people wearing a full face snorkeling mask diving. This doesn't seem right, and you should try to imitate such misguided information. It is not a wonder to see some unethical companies using such photos to market how superior their products are, but this is not true. A typical full face snorkel mask should only be used on the surface; otherwise, you will be risking your life and that of your loved ones.
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