5 Ways to Stop a Scuba or Snorkel Mask From Leaking (2024)

If you’ve spent a lot of time diving or snorkeling, then you’ve likely encountered a leaky mask.

There are few things more frustrating than this.

While having water inside of your mask doesn’t pose any real danger it can cause added anxiety and discomfort. Plus it’s generally annoying and distracting.

As a PADI Divemaster, with almost 10 years of scuba diving experience, I’ve learned how to deal with leaky masks.

While the leaks can be the fault of the mask itself, a lot of times there’s a few changes we can make on our end in order to help.

Before you buy a new mask or throw away a mask that won’t stop leaking, check out my list of the five best tactics to stop water from entering your mask.

The first thing to check for when attempting to prevent mask leaks, is if the mask fits properly. Not everybody’s face is the same size or shape. Therefore not every mask is going to fit your particular dimensions.

The best way to test a mask in a dry environment is as follows:

1. Without applying the strap, press the mask against your face.
2. Gently inhale through the nose and let go of the mask.
3. If the mask drops, the seal isn’t good. If the mask stays in place as you inhale, you’re good to go.

We advise doing the test more than once just to make sure. If the test fails the first time, then maybe you’ve just positioned the mask incorrectly. Equally the test may work the first time but it’s always worth a second or third try just to be sure.

Testing the mask underwater is the best way to make sure it fits.

Some dive centers or shops will allow you to try before you buy. If not then try and find the same model somewhere else to either rent or borrow and give it a test run.

The first thing you are going to check is that the mask is in good working order. So follow these steps to give the mask a quick once-over.

Firstly check that the mask frame is intact and that the lenses are solidly in place.

Then make sure that the strap looks sturdy and that there are no splits along the entire length of the rubber.

Lastly and maybe most importantly when thinking about leakage is checking the mask skirting. Check that there are no tears or irregularities and be sure you take a peek under the area where the strap attaches to the mask as on some masks this is the first place to go.

Ok so now your mask looks good. Now let’s see if it fits properly!

So our advice is that when fitting a mask. Always rest the skirting against your face first and then follow that up by pulling the strap down over your head.

Also, make sure the strap isn’t positioned too high or too low. It should be placed directly behind the mask on the rounded part of your head. When the strap is positioned too high or too low it can pull on the mask skirt causing it to leak.

Another beginner mistake that will cause your mask to leak is to make the mask too tight. Normally when a trickle of water makes its way into the mask the response of the diver or snorkeler is to tighten up the straps to try and increase the seal. It seems like a logical solution.

But actually, it’s often the wrong thing to do. When you over tighten the mask straps it tends to warp the mask skirt which then allows water to enter more easily making the problem worse.

So if you’re struggling with a leaky mask, try loosening the mask a little. This will allow the skirt to move into position and sit more naturally on your face, hopefully putting an end to your problems.

As a side note, the mask skirt should always be left with at least a little room to move as it is designed to absorb the pressure of air compressing your mask as you descend underwater. This will also help to prevent mask squeeze.

Something else that may cause yourmaskto leak is anything that breaks the seal between your face and the skirting of the mask. This can be as simple as a few stray hairs or your diving hood sitting in the wrong place.

So be sure to pull all your hair back before putting on the mask just to make sure all those stray hairs are out of the way. If you have long hair the best thing is to use a hair tie. Give yourself a ponytail or even an underwater man bun – whatever style you prefer.

When it comes to a mustache or a full-grown beard, this one can be a little tricky. Getting rid of at least the mustache would ofcourse be the best solution but we also understand that many of you just aren’t happy with that idea……So the next step is to pull out the Vaseline! Just apply it gently to the hair directly under the nose and push the hair in a downward position before applying the mask.

If you’re a diver/freediver and use a hood. Then just make sure the mask goes on first and then place the hood over the top of the skirt. This will prevent the hood from getting in the way of a good seal.