So you want to know about full face masks
So you’re feeling adventurous or looking for a change, want to check out what lives in our oceans. Snorkeling is a good way to go. Normally snorkeling gear is made up of a mask, snorkel & fins. However in 2014 the first full face mask came onto the market which puts two pieces of the gear into one to make a full face snorkel mask.
Snorkeling is a great way to comfortably explore what is in the ocean. With the right gear, it’s easy to submerge your head in the water and see the beauty of what is below. While keeping constant airflow, which you can do with a full face mask.
keep reading to learn all there is to know about full face masks. Get a buying guide on the best full face snorkel masks.
What is a Full Face Snorkel Mask?
A full face snorkel mask is a piece of equipment used for optimized underwater viewing. Similar to typical snorkeling gear. It allows you to breathe while floating on the surface of water. The difference is that the full face mask offers a more immersive experience.
Full face masks cover your entire face, with the top part used for viewing and the bottom part for breathing. The snorkel is built into the mask, allowing users to breathe without a mouthpiece.
Full face masks are growing in popularity when it comes to snorkeling. As they offer a more relaxed experience with a wider range of vision. They provide snorkelers 180 degrees of vision. Which provides snorkelers a great improved range of view by using these full face scuba masks.
A common belief with full face scuba masks is that you can breathe underwater like a scuba mask. Unfortunately, this is not the case. They are just like traditional snorkeling gear in that respect. You can only breathe when floating on the surface of the water.
Most full face masks feature a dry top snorkel that seals when it’s submerged. Then reopens once the snorkel resurfaces. This effectively keeps water out of the mask.
What to Look for in a Full Face Snorkel Mask
Here are some of the features you should look for when you are looking to purchase a full face mask
Field of View
If you are going to buy a full face mask, then make sure you go for one that has a 180-degree view. The best full face snorkel masks will have the lens extending past the side of your eyes. This will allow you an unobstructed view of the sea below.
Skirt
You’re going to want a full face mask with a silicon skirt to keep it sealed tightly around your face. A tight-fitting skirt is important to keeping water out and your sight clear.
Skirts made from other material aren’t as comfortable. They do not create as tight of a seal, and are more prone to splitting. So it is best to go for full masks that have 100% silicon
Anti-Fog
Look for a full face mask that has an anti-fog lens. Most do, but some are more prone to fog than others. A foggy lens can ruin a snorkel experience, so it’s best to purchase one with the clearest lens possible!
Dry-Top Snorkel
Most full face masks feature a dry-top snorkel; however, this isn’t necessarily a guarantee.
When purchasing a full face mask always double check that they have this in place. Otherwise you will not have a great snorkeling experience as you’ll end up swallowing lots of salt water!
Wave Guard
Almost all full face snorkel masks feature a dry-top snorkel. However check to ensure that they come with a wave guard. As this will keep the snorkel free from water.
Straps
It’s best to get a mask with thicker straps which won’t lose their form and stretch out as easily as thinner straps. Wider straps also tend to be more comfortable, so you’re less likely to have to adjust them while in the water.
How to Choose the Best Full Face snorkel Mask for You
Choosing a mask that’s right for you & feels good. Is the most important part of purchasing this piece of equipment! Here are some things to look out for.
Ensure you use the mask properly to reduce fog up. Make sure that the nose silicone parts are close to your face. Breathing slowly through your nose helps reduce chances of fogging. The separate breathing chamber takes airflow away from your main viewing visor. Which will help you snorkel for longer.
Size
We recommend measuring your face and then consulting the mask’s sizing chart. This should help you determine the correct size. This is the most important factor because if it is too small it will be uncomfortable, too large & it may leak. In both cases it will spoil your snorkeling experience.
Breathing
If airflow is a main concern with a full face mask. I’d go for a mask with increased air flow valves and advanced technology. To keep the air inside your mask fresh and breathable. A number of masks are now CO2 tested.
Difference & benefits of a Full Face Mask against a Traditional Snorkel Mask
There are a few main differences. When it comes to full face masks and traditional snorkeling masks.
Snorkel
Full face masks are great for beginners. It generally takes some time to get used to breathing with a regular snorkel. But with a full face mask you can breathe regularly. Your jaw also does not get tired from holding it in your mouth for too long.
Anti-Fog
There is nothing worse than your mask fogging up. Which traditional snorkel masks are likely to do. While it’s nearly impossible to entirely eliminate foggy masks. This is drastically reduced when using full face masks. Due to the breathing mechanism, they are less likely to fog up.
Field of Vision
Full face masks feature a wrap around design giving users a greater field of vision. More so than they would have while using a traditional mask. Full face masks not only wrap around your entire field of vision. But they extend past the nose, creating a huge lens for excellent views for the user.
Good Seal
The full face masks come complete with a silicon skirt that creates a seal against your face to keep water out. As do most traditional snorkel masks. However because this mask covers your entire face. It moves less and creates a greater seal, making it less prone to leakage than traditional masks.
Disadvantages
You cannot dive deep. While with normal snorkel gear you can take a dive and your snorkel valve will close. (with a dry-top), this isn’t possible with a full face mask. Diving deep will create tons of pressure inside the mask. That you won’t be able to equalize as you cannot get to your nose. So if you like to dive below the surface regularly to see what’s below, a full face mask isn’t recommended.
It’s been reported that some users have had difficulty breathing. While wearing a full face mask, especially when exerting themselves. Some people have found it hard to get enough oxygen to keep them comfortable while their faces are in the water. A large part of this is that old air has a hard time leaving the mask, forcing you to breathe this in instead of fresh air. However manufacturers are improving this all the time, with some improving air circulation.
okay so now lets look at some of the best options out there, here is our full face dive mask review.
Vaincre 180° Full Face Snorkel Mask
So first up is the Panoramic Full Face Snorkel Mask made by Vaincre. This full face mask is Offering superior views over a standard diving mask, the 2-in-1 mask and snorkel offers a 180° view for. This large, full face mask lets you capture all the movement below and around you with breathtaking clarity. The anti-fog mask also features a built-in snorkel tube at the top so you can breathe easily via your mouth or nose, making it perfect for beginners.
The top of each mask features an integrated or movable GoPro compatible mount so you can easily connect your camera and capture your dives in hands-free high-definition.
Easy to use – Taking in undersea sights is made easier with a unique full-face design that lets you breathe without holding a snorkel in your mouth, easier than ever before and can breathe naturally through your mouth or nose while you are snorkeling.
Dry Snorkel system at the top allows the valve to close automatically to prevent water from entering the breathing tube.
Anti-Fog Len– The innovative breathing chamber provides streamlined airflow to eliminate fogging for crystal-clear fish and sea life viewing.
Beginner & Youth Friendly – Great for youth and adults alike, this face mask with built-in snorkel reduces swimming energy wasted and lets you focus on surface diving.
The Pros and cons
What worked well
No problems with fogging
So much better than traditional snorkel mask
No leaking
Very comfortable
Easy to put on
Great field of view
What didn’t
Users reported problems with the seal
Not simple to store as you have to remove the pipe.
Complicated strapping system
DIVELUX Snorkel Mask
The specially made full face snorkel mask lets you breathe with your nose and mouth. Forget about the discomfort, and enjoy the dive, breathing absolutely naturally..
The full face diving mask doesn’t sweat or leak. The silicone fits your face snugly but softly with the manufacturer guaranteeing full water resistance. The pipe doesn’t let water in, and the longer pipe construction is more comfortable.
The breathing mask is made of a high-quality polycarbonate plastic and hypoallergenic liquid silicone – safety and durability in mind.
The Dry Snorkel Technology prevents all water from entering the breathing tube and mask. The Pros and cons:
What worked well
Does not let any water in, even with facial hair
Attachable Go pro extension
Great design
Very comfortable
Crystal clear view
No need to remove water from mask
Soft comfortable seal, yet firm
Accommodates the nose, providing a cushioned piece inside the mask
What didn’t
Users have reported that they do not receive enough air
Reports of fogging
WSTOO Full Face Snorkel Mask
Up next is the WSTOO. This full face diving mask has three completely separate air channels(Intermediate air intake, air outlet on both sides),thus ensuring that you inhale fresh air every time.
The double exhaust passage will double the ventilation speed to prevent the exhaled gas from entering the observation sun visor and causing fogging.
WSTOO use food grade silicone good elasticity. The enlarged silicone skirt is more suitable for your face, effectively preventing leakage. The deeper silicone lining does not put too much pressure on your nose bridge to ensure that you are comfortable to wear.
This snorkel mask adopts transparent flat lenses that do not distort your view underwater, eliminating any dizziness or discomfort. The 180 panoramic view gives you a clearer view of the ocean world. Additional removable motion camera brackets allow you to easily capture your adventures and share them with your friends and family.
It is extremely suitable for beginners, adults, and children. Even for inexperienced swimmers, this snorkel mask full face will make a great fit.
The snorkel mask uses a silicone elastic rubber band to connect the snorkel tube. They are foldable, simple to install, take up less space and are easy to store. Two quick release buttons have been added to allow you to quickly get out of the mask and get more self-help time with a button when snorkeling in an emergency.
An exclusive inlet and two outlets can effectively prevent the re-inhalation of CO₂, ensuring that you inhale fresh air each time instead of the CO₂-air mixtures.
When you snorkel, the exhaust CO₂ will be discharged from the two exhaust channels on both sides of the mask. Fresh air will enter the mask from the top of the mask, and will not mix with the CO₂ in the exhaust channel. You will not feel dizzy or even suffocated because of inhaling the CO₂-air mixtures, thus maximizing safety. The Pros and cons:
What worked well
Seal is soft & seals tight
Straps are comfortable
Moves air through mask without fogging
No leaking
Very easy & fun to use
Great vision through the clear lens
What didn’t
Air tube is too small for adult intake
Ball can get stuck in tube stopping airflow
Keystand Full Face Snorkel Mask
With the Keystand full face mask, it has a new safety breathing mechanism, the full-face mask uses a less complex technology that you’ll be inhaling through the top tube and exhaling through two valves at the side-bottom.
It has Anti-fog flat crystal lens, enough breathing space and coating for a pristine ocean experience, that allow you to enjoy the more crystal-clear views than other masks, with less distortion and HD180-degree panoramic views.
The portable snorkel mask is ideal for frequent travelers and backpackers! With the detachable tube, attachments and materials. So there is less weight for you to carry around.
The updated exhalation valve on both sides can meet long-term snorkeling without dizziness and hypoxia symptoms. Easy to take off and put on, you can remove the mask quickly and easily in an emergency.
The snorkel mask features the same anti-leak silicone seal system as other full face masks, with two floating balls in the snorkel tube that prevent water from entering your mask.
The scuba diving full face mask comes with an action camera bracelet allowing you easily to capture marvelous sea life and share your snorkel adventures with your underwater action camera. Keep water out of your ears with your handy silicone earplugs.
Two Optional Sizes: The Keystand women/men snorkeling mask is available in two sizes. And the food-grade silicone earmuff. A safer enlarged silicone skirt is more suitable for beginner, professional snorkeler, toddler, youth, kids, children, teens and adults.
What worked well
Separate, sealed compartments that separate your eyes/cheeks/forehead from your nose and mouth. This minimizes fogging
This snorkel mask has an unique head strap that works well
Good quality mask
Good value for money
Mask seals well
Good extras
What didn’t
Puts pressure on the nose
Some users found the breathing too restrictive
ZIPOUTE Snorkel Mask Full Face
The ZIPOUTE full face mask gives you superior views over a standard diving mask for beautiful underwater adventures and makes it easier than ever to breathe comfortably through your mouth or nose when snorkeling.
Dry snorkel system at the top stops salt water from getting into your mouth and prevents gagging. Our innovative design features a separate breathing chamber that creates an airflow away from your main viewing visor, so that it eliminates fogging and keeps you snorkeling longer.
The Snorkel Mask Full Face has a Camera stand, you can capture every amazing moment in the sea and share it with your friends and family.
Made of High Quality PC and Medical Grade Silicone. Non-toxic and environmental, which can prevent skin allergic or other skin problems. The size is measured from the eyebrow to the bottom of your chin, if less than or equal to 4.72in(12cm), select size S/M; If more than 4.72in(12cm), select size L/XL.
What worked well
Very comfortable
Provides a good seal
Easy to take on & off
No fogging even after long usage times
Quality made product
Comes with Go Pro mount
What didn’t
Hurts the bridge of your nose
Hurst to wear specifically on top of the head.
cozia design Full Face Snorkel Mask
This mask from Cozia a full face mask with improved airflow – the new dual chamber system allows the air you exhale to be released faster through the top vents of the full face snorkel
Included is a microfiber towel that is super absorbent, small enough to fit in your hand luggage and will keep you and your mask dry after snorkeling.
With the new design separate inhale and exhale chambers, the snorkel mask adult allows you to breathe through one chamber and breathe out carbon dioxide keeping your air intake fresh and eliminating the need to take breaks while you snorkel
Our 180 degree snorkel mask is designed for incredible Panoramic View that allows you to enjoy the underwater world with crystal clear visuals. The mask is outfitted with a flat hi-quality screen and soft food grade silicone around the face for a comfortable, no leaks fit.
What worked well
Good suction on the face
No leakage
No fogging
Great visibility
Very sturdy & heavy duty
A good fit on the face
What didn’t
Distorted views
Snorkel attachment can break off
WildHorn Outfitters Seaview
Last on our list is the Wildhorn. It has a flowtech advanced air intake system which help you breathe naturally and comfortably through your nose and mouth. Flowtech has two chambers and 4 intake valves to allow air to circulate in and out freely. Using one-way valves and a separate breathing chamber ensures fresh air is always circulating through the mask. Flowtech provides 50 percent easier work of breathing compared to other full face snorkeling masks on the market. This combined with safe levels of CO2 make this the best full face snorkel mask
The Seaview 180° V2 snorkeling mask was created by our team of experienced product designers and engineers.
The patent pending angled tube design allows for less restricted, two-way airflow. The angled snorkel tube stays above water more easily and gives your head more freedom of movement. The viewing area is 20 percent larger to give you more visibility. The camera mount now swivels and is located near the chin to stay under water more easily. The ergonomics and fit are much improved. Lastly, the additional one-way valves and separate breathing chamber help to reduce fogging.
What worked well
It is easy to see in the peripheral vision
Does not fog up
Fits well in particular around the mouth
Very comfortable
Large pipe helps with breathing
What didn’t
High number of reports of leaking
Digs into forehead
Does not fit all face shapes
Conclusion
We hope after reading our review of a full face mask. You found it insightful. Provided you with information that will help you to make an informed decision.
Out of the six full face masks we have reviewed. The general opinion was the best full face mask. Based on general comfort & great visual experience. Seals well with the separate, sealed compartments which minimizes the fogging. Most people felt this was a good quality mask which is supplied with good extras. So the Keystand is our pick.
Overall people felt this full face mask was good value for money. It fitted well, there was also not as much poor feedback regarding any breathing issues. When compared to others.
We would love to hear your thoughts & feedback on masks you have purchased.
