Snorkel Mask Buying Guide And Fitting Tips

Having a good-fitting, comfortable snorkel mask is the first step towards an enjoyable snorkeling experience. It is the most important part of your equipment, allowing you to see the underwater world.

There is a wide selection of snorkel masks available these days (maybe too wide), so choosing the right one can be challenging. You might have many questions like what type is the best: a two-window, single lens, or a full-face snorkel mask, or how do I know which one suits me best? We have owned and tested several snorkel masks over the years, so we have experience with what makes a snorkel mask good or what features you need to look for when choosing one, which we share with you in this buying guide along with some fitting tips.

Why Do You Need A Snorkel Mask?

Wearing a snorkel mask allows you to see clearly underwater.

If you have ever tried opening your eyes underwater, you might have noticed that your vision is blurry. This happens because of refraction, meaning that light waves deflect when passing through varying-density mediums, in this case, the air and water. Wearing a snorkeling mask creates airspace in front of your eyes, making you see clearly!

When snorkeling, the main purpose of wearing a mask is to see the beauty of the underwater world! But using goggles is beneficial even if you go swimming only. Having a clear vision in the water can prevent you from getting injured by stepping on a sharp rock or a sea urchin or swimming into a jellyfish.

What Type Of Snorkeling Masks Are There?

When you start looking for snorkeling goggles, you will notice that there are many different types available, and of course, you want to know the difference between them and which would work the best for you. So here is a short explanation of snorkel mask types and their main features.

Two-Window Snorkel Mask

Double-lens snorkel masks have two separate lenses held together by a frame. Such types bring the lenses close to the face, and help reduce the internal volume, which makes it easier to clear and equalize the mask.

When trying on a two-window mask, make sure that the middle frame does not press the bridge of your nose, as this can lead to discomfort. Also, because the frame runs in the middle, they provide slightly restricted viewing.

Single-Lens Snorkeling Mask

A single-lens mask has one big lens with no frame between the eyes. It is also called a one-window snorkeling mask.

These types of masks are very popular amongst snorkelers and divers because they provide a wide field of vision. On the other hand, single-lens masks have a larger air volume and are harder to equalize when diving down.

Panoramic Snorkel Mask With Side Windows

A panoramic snorkel mask has extra glass on the sides, letting in more light and providing extra panoramic vision. Both double and single-lens masks can have side windows. This mask type works well for those who’d like to enjoy unparalleled views.

Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Only a few years ago, full-face snorkeling masks appeared on the market but instantly gained popularity. These masks cover the whole face, so your face remains dry while using one. Moreover, such masks feature a unique breathing system with an integrated snorkel, allowing you to breathe naturally through your mouth and nose like on land.

Traditional Snorkel Mask Vs Full Face Snorkel Mask – Which Is Better?

The term “full-face snorkeling mask” was unknown until the Tribord Subea Easybreath appeared on the market. This weird-looking new mask design seemed funny at first, but it became a big success and changed the way many people snorkel.

But what made this mask type so successful? Many people cannot go snorkeling because they fear putting their heads underwater and/or find breathing through a snorkel tube unnatural and difficult. Full-face snorkeling masks provide a solution to such problems, and that’s why they have become so popular.

The downside of such masks is that they can be used on the surface only and not while skin diving because they restrict your access to your nose, making you unable to equalize the pressure. Although some new models have a specific nose-pinching design and can be used to dive down up to a few feet/meters, they still don’t allow diving into depth like normal masks. Also, they are a lot bulkier than a classic snorkel set.

You should also be aware of safety concerns regarding full-face masks, carbon dioxide build-up, and inadequate air circulation. You can learn more about this topic in our detailed post about full face mask safety problems, but to cut the story short, it turned out that the problem occurred with cheap copycat products that don’t have a proper air chamber design.

Therefore, it is important to choose one of the big diving gear manufacturers’s products if you decide to get a full-face snorkel mask. Such companies carry out breathing tests and ensure that their products meet safety regulations and standards. Take your time to find a reliable product and always test it in a pool/in shallow water close to shore before heading out to the open sea. Should you feel breathing heavy or experience any difficulty, remove it straight away and leave the water.

Such issues don’t exist if you use a traditional mask and snorkel tube combo. Therefore, we recommend that if you don’t have difficulties snorkeling the classic way, stick to that option.

What Features To Look For When Choosing A Snorkel Mask?

When looking for a good snorkel mask, we believe that comfort and durability are the key features you need to prioritize. Therefore, we recommend buying your snorkeling equipment from trusted brands; leading snorkel and scuba gear manufacturers use high-quality materials that ensure a comfortable fit and long-term use.

Tempered glass lenses are safer to use and more durable than plastic lenses. They provide a clearer view because they don’t scratch and are pressure resistant, and in case the lens breaks (which is very unlikely), it breaks into granules, not sharp shards.

Low-quality snorkel masks come with a skirt (this is the part that seals against the face) made of cheap silicone and rubber blends, which don’t withstand sun and saltwater exposure well; therefore, they are not durable and might contain toxic chemicals. The skirt of your mask should made of food-grade silicone, which is not only hypoallergic, soft, and comfortable on your skin but also long-lasting since it is UV-resistant.

Also, check the mask’s strap adjusting mechanism. You should be able to tighten or loosen it quickly and easily, ideally with one hand. It is also important that the buckles are sturdy so they won’t break accidentally, causing you difficulties when snorkeling.

Do Snorkel Masks Come In Different Sizes?

People often ask, “What size snorkel mask do I need?” Traditional snorkeling masks usually come in one size only. The difference is in their design, shape, and profile, not in the size; these will determine if a mask will be a good fit for a narrow or wider face or a big or small nose.

Generally, we say that most popular traditional snorkel masks fit a lot of faces. If a mask is designed to fit specific face types, it is mentioned in its description or on its box/label.

Sizing appears with masks made for kids (they are significantly smaller than adult snorkel masks) and with full-face masks (these types should be chosen based on your face measurements).

For our top snorkel mask picks that work well with different face shapes, take a look at our recommended snorkel masks guide. We’ve gathered the best options for wide, narrow, and kids’ faces to help you find a comfortable fit.

What Type Of Snorkel Mask Shall I Choose If I Wear Glasses?

If you wear glasses, you need a snorkeling mask with prescription lenses. It is basically a 2-window mask where the lenses can be changed to corrective lenses, near-sighted and farsighted, depending on your needs.

Does The Color Of Your Snorkel Mask Matter?

Yes and no. I explain to you the reasons and why we prefer simple black silicone masks.

Snorkeling masks come in different colors. The most common ones are clear or black, but lately, they have become available in a variety of colors like pink, white, yellow, green, blue, etc…

Most people think the color of the mask’s silicone skirt and frame is just a fashion thing, which is partly correct, but it also affects its functionality. Masks with a clear skirt allow in more light and give you a feel that you have a wider field of vision, which is ideal for those who tend to feel claustrophobic.

However, a clear mask is not a good choice for underwater photographers because due to the increased amount of light the skirt allows in, reflection can be experienced on the camera. In this case, a black mask is the best choice. And this is why we prefer this color. Plus, clear masks tend to yellow over time, making them look old; black versions don’t have this problem and are easier to keep clean.

Finally, let us highlight the main advantages of colored snorkel masks; such versions are more visible in the water and allows people to choose a mask that fits their outfit and liking best.

How Do I Decide What Snorkel Mask Will Fit My Face?

Knowing your facial characteristics is the most important thing to finding the right-fitting mask for snorkeling. Stand in front of a mirror, look at your face, and note if you have a wide or narrow face, a small or big nose, and your eyes sit close or are farther apart. These are the main features that will determine what mask will fit you the most.

If you are in a physical shop, you can try different models, but as online shopping has become common lately, you might prefer to order a few different types and try them in the comfort of your home.

In this case, read through the product’s description and/or reviews because usually the manufacturer or people who have already tried the mask say if it has a wide or narrow face design. Once you get your new mask, there is a simple process to test the fit without even getting wet, which we explain in the next section.

Snorkel Mask Fitting Instructions

Finding the right mask for snorkeling might seem difficult, but actually, it isn’t. There is a simple procedure to test if a mask fits your face well or not, which we summarized in a few steps below:

Step1: put the selected mask on your face without using the strap.

Step 2: make sure there is no hair under the silicone skirt so it can form a tight seal. We want to highlight that for men, the best is to shave their face before putting on a snorkel mask; otherwise, it will prevent the seal. You can learn more about this topic in our snorkeling with a mustache and beard article.

Step 3: Check the fit. The skirt should sit comfortably on your face, there should be enough space for your nose, and the frame should not restrict the view.

Step 4: inhale gently through your nose until the mask sucks to your face. If it stays on easily, it is a good fit. The better the seal, the less likely you will experience leaking when moving your head underwater. If you can inhale easily without experiencing a suction effect, the silicone skirt does not seal well, so the mask does not fit your face.

Step 5: If you think the mask seals well, put the strap around your head and adjust it to your size. It has to provide a comfortable fit without pressing your face. The strap needs to run around the back of your head, not on your ears. Do not overtighten it; the seal should come from the skirt, not the strap. Only tighten it until it keeps the mask from shifting on your face when you move your head.

Note that if you go for a full-face snorkel mask, these fitting instructions don’t apply as such masks have sizing, which varies by brand and model. You need to measure your face and choose the recommended size based on your measurements.

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