Reviews for Head Sport Full Face Snorkeling Mask
Total Confront Snorkel Mask Reviews
The Safest Brands & Pros & Cons
Updated - January 2022
The full face snorkel mask is a recent invention that exploded into popularity, and so a safety controversy. This piece of equipment combines a mask and a snorkel into one. The offset of this type of mask was the Tribord Easybreath (now Subea), released in 2014. At present there are many other brands. Let'south first talk about the safety concerns with these masks, and then get into our mask buying recommendations.
The controversy around these masks stems from snorkeling deaths questionably linked to them, primarily in Hawaii. People suspected that the masks build up CO2, or that they were too hard to remove if they got water in them, causing unexplained deaths. There take been two scientific studies recently though, and neither institute evidence to back up those causes of death. Although there is some area of business concern, from off-brand products.
Scientific Studies on Full Face up Snorkel Mask Rubber
In 2020 the government of Hawaii released the results of a multi-twelvemonth study that looked into the causes of snorkeling deaths in their state. They concluded that the majority of unexplained deaths were from a condition called ROPE, which can be caused by breathing resistance in either full face up masks or regular snorkels. Certain wellness conditions raise the risk of ROPE, and they believe flying may also increase the risk. And they found that "CO2 buildup is not a physiologically viable explanation of snorkel-related drownings." This study suggested, without credible testing, that these masks are hard to remove, then may increment risk. The study below tested this theory, and did not observe that to be true.
In 2021, DAN and the Knuckles University Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Ecology Physiology published the results afterwards studying seven full face snorkel masks. They fastened sensors to the masks with snorkelers in the h2o, and tested for levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, pressure, and tested if the masks were difficult to remove. Their written report did not detect any bug with oxygen or carbon dioxide levels. And they found no prove that the masks were difficult to remove. But, in 2 masks they did discover possible bug with high force per unit area, meaning the snorkeler had to work hard to get enough air flow, like breathing hard through a straw, which could pb to respiratory distress. I of those masks developed the problem as water leaked into the mask.
Are Full Face Snorkel Masks Safe or Not?
While neither study found CO2 nor oxygen problems with whatever of these masks, both studies bespeak that masks with loftier pressure problems are a business concern. And then some full face up masks may not exist safety, while others are safe.
While a quality full face snorkel mask may be safe, we take tried a number of them and all the same adopt our traditional masks and snorkels. We do find total face snorkel masks harder to breathe in. Simply, we know many veteran snorkelers who love their full face masks. Then when you choose a mask, brand sure it does not offer much air resistance when breathing, understand what ROPE is, what signs to watch for when you are snorkeling, and which health conditions may increase your adventure.
How to Cull a Rubber Total Face Snorkel Mask?
You should but buy a mask from a well known manufacturer who makes lots of diving and snorkeling equipment, similar the ones we recommend beneath. Proper noun brand, quality manufacturers have in-business firm research and safety testing facilities, and they test for safe CO2 and oxygen levels and other factors earlier coming to market. These companies are reachable and accountable for their products. Four of the masks DAN tested were of these types, and presented no condom problems.
Exist aware that there are many masks being sold on Amazon and other places of inferior quality and pattern that could be dangerous to utilize, despite lots of glowing reviews (which are oft faked). These products often have no traceable manufacturer or parent company, no safety testing, and no accountability. Anyone can sell on Amazon. For case, the #i best selling full face snorkel mask on Amazon, with over 5,000 good reviews, has an incomplete company website with merely one product on information technology, a fake email address, simulated phone number, and imitation address in China. The two masks with pressure problems that DAN tested were these types of mystery products.
If yous plan to travel with your full face snorkel mask, be enlightened that some bout companies and liveaboards are non allowing use of them during their excursions. So, bank check ahead or be prepared with some standard equipment.
Note: Our suggestions come from hands-on feel. We promise you lot observe them helpful. Y'all can assist the states if you buy from the links below. We may make a small committee, from Amazon or other companies, at no actress cost to you lot. Give thanks yous.
SEAC - Our Height Brand With One Caveat
In our experience, the best make of total confront snorkel masks is the Italian visitor SEAC. They have the breathing figured out. Their masks are, by far, the best breathing of any full face snorkel mask we have tried. It is easy to get a full fresh jiff of air, which cannot be said for other masks in our experience. On all SEAC models the entire snorkel tube is dedicated to the inhale. Your exhale leaves through separate tubes to purge valves at the top of the mask trunk, on the dorsum side. And while that is a good characteristic, it is also the i potential feature some people may non like, because when yous dip your caput downward a scrap into the h2o, and those valves go underwater, it makes breathing out much harder (like when y'all dunk a dry snorkel). Though there are no regulations or guidelines governing CO2 levels in full face masks, SEAC tests all of their masks to see European regulations for safe CO2 levels for snorkel tubes and total face dive masks.
The SEAC Libera Total Face Snorkel Mask is leaps and bounds better than other masks on the marketplace, if information technology fits you, and if you can go used to the exhale valve position result mentioned higher up. Non merely are all of SEAC'southward masks the best breathing we have experienced, but the new Libera has addressed most every major rubber and comfort issue that many full confront masks have. The Libera also comes in a child size. And the SEAC Fun is a more affordable child-sized version of the mask with a not-silicone skirt.
Dedicated Inhale Merely Snorkel - The entire snorkel tube is for animate air in. So you get lots of fresh air, and the snorkel itself remains meaty, which is overnice for packing in luggage (the snorkel is easily removed), and for less resistance to wind and water. In the graphic beneath fresh air is shown in blue, coming downwardly the snorkel, into the chamber with your eyes, and then it moves through bank check valves into the sleeping accommodation below with your nose and rima oris.
Dedicated Exhale Valves in Mask - Your exhale (shown in red above) exits at the top of the mask body through valves - not through the snorkel. This keeps the distance your out-jiff has to travel short, making it easier to exhale your CO2 fully. There is a tube on each side of the mask making information technology very easy to breathe out. Additionally, when you lot breathe in, these valves close, preventing you from re-animate expelled air that may exist left over in the tubes. But the position of those valves is slightly problematic because when you dip your head down into the h2o, those valves shut, making it much more difficult to breathe out because of the water pressure against the valves. It is something you can get used to though.
About other full face up masks ship the exhale out the snorkel in narrow and long separated tubes.
Massively Reduced Internal Air Volume - Take a await at the Libera mask side by side to the Wildhorn Seaview 180° V2 mask (click to make the film bigger). Notice how much thinner it is? SEAC has greatly reduced the internal volume of air in the mask. This is designed to brand it easier to broadcast fresh air, instead of re-breathing old air. Although the Wildhorn mask has also been tested for CO2 safety, which you can read more about beneath. One other benefit of the reduced volume is that the mask is more meaty for travel. And there is even so plenty of room for large noses. The Wildhorn mask and many others have big spaces in front end of your face and nose and mouth area.
Silicone Mask Strap and Quick Release Buckles - The bulk of total face up snorkel masks have fabric mask straps. They are hard to tighten, and they make the mask difficult to remove when you are in problem. The Libera mask uses very easily adjustable silicone straps. And at the bottom of the mask those straps adhere with quick release clips. Just push the round push and the mask comes off quickly and easily. Textile straps on other masks besides stay wet longer.
SEAC also has two other masks that we take tried on and institute to be practiced animate. They use the same dedicated snorkel for incoming jiff, and the same separate breathe valves at the top of the mask. They are as well adequately depression volume masks compared to other brands. But they lack the other avant-garde features of the Libera above.
The SEAC Unica has a high quality silicone mask brim, but features the same fabric straps as almost other brands. Although it is still tested for rubber levels of CO2. For only a piffling more money we would buy the Libera.
If you lot are looking for an affordable full confront snorkel mask that has been tested for safe CO2 levels, with the good breathing characteristics of all the SEAC masks, the SEAC Magica is a skilful option. To continue costs down the mask uses a thermoplastic skirt instead of silicone (although some websites say it is silicone).
Body of water Reef Total Face Snorkel Masks
If you cannot become a good fit with one of the SEAC masks to a higher place, then consider the Ocean Reef Aria, with a patented design, and tested for prophylactic CO2 levels. They employ the same testing machines as used for diving rebreather full confront masks. They take found that the harder you exhale, the less CO2 buildup at that place is.
In this mask the snorkel has 3 separated tubes independent within it, the center one is for the inhale, and the outside ones are for the exhale. But we did not breathe as hands in the Ocean Reef mask equally the SEAC above.
Ocean Reef now has an Aria QR (pictured at right), which has quick release clips on the mask strap, which is the one we would get because of that feature. These masks are made in Italy and come up in three sizes, including a child's.
In that location are accessories for these masks to add a Snorkie Talkie radio communicator, a GoPro photographic camera mount (not a corking tool, read more beneath), a marker wing and an optical lens support.
Wildhorn Seaview 180° V2 Full Face Snorkel Mask
Wildhorn Outfitters has besides done testing on their Seaview 180° V2 total confront snorkel mask to brand sure information technology maintains rubber levels of CO2. We contacted the company direct to ask about the specifics of what tests they have done, and this is what they shared: "We used both in-house and third political party testing. Our arroyo was three-fold, theoretical testing based on volume measurements from CAD data, simulated CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis, and physical product testing using both a imitation breathing appliance and human testing with the apply of testing equipment that recorded air flow/volume, pressure level and CO2 concentration. Each stride directed decisions throughout the development process to assure that SV2 addressed critical safety concerns." We were glad to hear they took this effect so seriously.
This mask looks a little different than some others, with the snorkel tube on the side. This tube has separate chambers for inhaling and exhaling.
It is too a rather big mask physically. The snorkel tube does come off for travel. Simply it is large, and the mask itself is also big, with lots of volume of air inside and a huge window. The physical size of information technology makes it more challenging to pack in luggage.
The breathing in the mask flows easily when breathing in, simply we felt like the exhale was a little restricted, so you could feel a slight resistance when animate out. The hole where your breath goes out is a good bit smaller than the diameter of the breathe tube.
The mask does come up with a side mount option for attaching an action camera like a GoPro. This seems like a much better placement than those masks that mount a camera in the forehead area where information technology pops in and out of the water.
Is a Total Confront Snorkeling Mask Right for You?
Check out this list of the pros and cons of these masks to help you decide if you desire to endeavour one.
Pros & Cons of a Total Confront Snorkel Mask
First, the advantages:
Easier for Beginners - No Learning Curve
For beginners a full face snorkel mask can actually be a boon. There is no learning curve or getting comfortable breathing through your mouth. Y'all simply put it on and breathe unremarkably.
Even if you lot are not a beginner, these masks are dandy if you accept issues with sore jaws or mouth from holding onto the snorkel.
Less Mask Fogging Problems
Through a system of airflow across the within of the mask lens, these masks are not every bit prone to fogging. Though equally with any mask, yous do need to go on it clean. Merely d o non use toothpaste similar we recommend to preclude mask fogging on regular masks, equally the lens is plastic and volition be scratched. Endeavor dish soap instead.
Big Unobstructed View
All of these masks and many of the reviews remark on the big unobstructed 180° view that they take. We actually find that the masks offering less peripheral vision than our traditional masks, because of the size of the frame on the sides.
Neat for Men With Mustaches
For men with mustaches, these masks give you the option to not have to shave information technology off. With a beard, there will be some leakage though.
Built-in Dry Snorkel
All full face masks we take seen have a dry valve at the top of the snorkel. This ways that if a moving ridge comes over you or yous submerge the snorkel, it will stop the h2o from coming in. Nosotros recommend these for full general snorkeling, and so this is a skillful feature.
Option for Prescription Lenses
There is the pick of an optical lens support that tin can exist used inside the Ocean Reef Aria full face masks which allows you lot to use prescription lenses. You must have the lenses installed by your optician. And the glasses frames just basically wedge into the mask skirt, so it is not going to be a perfect fit for everyone.
Now for the disadvantages:
Designed for Coincidental Snorkeling - Not Practice
The majority of full confront snorkel masks say they are for casual snorkeling, non exercise. And in our personal experience most masks are more hard to breathe in compared to a standard snorkel. Well-nigh manufacturers actually warn that yous volition not be able to get enough oxygen if you wear one while exercising intensely enough to need to breathe through your mouth. Yous tin discover many reviews of people saying they cannot breathe easily, get headaches or are lightheaded, with most masks. That ways if yous have to swim hard, in a current, there could exist problems. Reason alone not to use one in our minds.
Clean Air Animate Systems Don't Work as Advertised
The DAN study also constitute that none of the tested masks worked as advertised. These masks are supposed to allow y'all to breathe in through one tube, and out some other tube(southward), without mixing. But they found that the seals and valves don't work equally described, and in all of the masks an almost equal corporeality of gas flow happened both directions in all tubes. We have found that to be the case as well. Then really, they are not any dissimilar than a regular snorkel, in regards to re-breathing gases. But, according to the DAN study, and so long as you purchase a reputable mask, they offer prophylactic levels of gas flow, just non in the manner advertised.
Hard to Fit Correctly
These masks take an outer seal that wraps around your forehead, down your face, and under your chin. They as well have an inner seal effectually your nose that is supposed to dissever the upper and lower areas within the mask, with i-manner valves for air flow between. The problem is that man faces are all actually different, and even with different size and brand options, nosotros accept constitute it very hard to go a correctly plumbing fixtures mask. What normally happens is that the mask leaks water, or information technology leaks air catamenia between the inner chambers, which is another reason that the breathing flow patterns don't actually work as advertised, as talked about in the indicate above.
Non for Diving Downward - Despite the Pictures and Videos
Yes, every advertisement and video for full face masks shows people diving down. Merely across going downwards a few feet you really tin can't safely freedive in a full confront snorkel mask. You have no way to equalize the pressure in your ears that quickly increases equally you dive downward. Equalizing commonly requires you to hold your olfactory organ and accident air into your ears. If you don't exercise this you volition damage your ears. And in that location is no access to your nose in this type of mask. At that place is a mask chosen the Ninja Shark Equalizer that does have a flexible olfactory organ pocket. Simply that mask does not solve the other issues that all of these masks have when diving down. They have a lot of book of air inside the mask. All that air creates a strong pressure on your face up as you dive downward. This cannot exist relieved as information technology can with a normal mask past breathing out slightly through your nose. And then, if you like to freedive down to get a closer expect at the reef and creatures, practise not purchase one of these masks.
Fabric Straps Can Exist a Trouble
The fabric straps that come up on virtually full face snorkel masks are both difficult to go tight when putting it on or to loosen when taking off the mask. You lot need to identify a strap holder around the end of the strap in society for information technology to stay where yous have adjusted it to, which is difficult when it is on the back of your caput. Then, when you need to get it off, you accept to go those strap holders loose in order to get the straps loose and get the mask off your head. It is non quick or easy. Although the DAN written report did not find it took a dangerous corporeality of fourth dimension to remove.
We Observe These Masks Very Hot
Something that is very noticeable and uncomfortable for the states is that full face snorkel masks are very hot within. The hot feeling is partly caused by our warm breath in the lower animate area. Simply the large window as well acts like a greenhouse. We have read other reviews stating like experiences, fifty-fifty going as far as to recommend that they are only usable in cool water.
Air Beyond Eyes Is Drying
With these masks your incoming jiff comes in at the top of the mask, and is drawn across the mask in forepart of your eyes, before going through valves into the breathing chamber where your mouth is. This is supposed to assist foreclose the mask from fogging. But nosotros find the constant airflow across our eyes very drying and irritating.
Lens Is Hands Scratched Plastic
A traditional mask is tempered drinking glass. But total face snorkel masks are plastic and are hands scratched, which mars your view. So, y'all must be very careful about how you pack, travel and care for your mask. You should not let it go sandy at all. Full face up masks will likely not final every bit long equally traditional masks because of this.
Beefy for Travel
Speaking of packing, a full confront snorkel mask is a big bulky thing and volition prove more challenging to pack for travel than a traditional mask and snorkel, that take up less room. If you have soft sided baggage the plastic mask could easily be broken during ship.
Talking Non Easy Betwixt Snorkelers
You would call back that it is piece of cake to talk to your snorkel partner with 1 of these on, compared to having to take the snorkel out of your mouth. But in our experience the mask muffles your vox, making it hard to sympathise. So, imagine having to remove your entire mask to talk to someone and then putting it dorsum on each time.
GoPro Mounts at Top Not Useful
A number of full confront snorkel masks come with a GoPro mount just above the lens, almost the superlative of your forehead. While this sounds like a marvelous thought, information technology is pretty useless in real life. You can see in the pictures on this page that the pinnacle of the mask where the photographic camera is mounted is out of the h2o, or nearly so. This means that your camera is taking pictures or videos above the water, not under information technology. Even if y'all tilt the camera down so that it is in the water, it will be looking at the ocean floor, probably non what y'all want for your video. Some masks have started placing the camera mountain on the side of the mask which is an comeback.
If you are absolutely assault using this selection, you tin buy an extension that volition put the camera basically in front of your mask lens like the photos in this Amazon review. With this option yous volition likely get some decent video, but your view from within your mask will be reduced.
Permit U.s.a. Know What You Call up
If you make up one's mind to get one, we would love to read your reviews of the different brands. Please share them hither. If y'all accept a review about the Tribord Easybreath, Thenice, or the Seaview 180°, leave it every bit a comment on the advisable folio in the links below.
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