Are full-faced masks dangerous?

[DeniseM]

Hawaii Snorkeler Dies. Full-Face Masks Still On Sale At Costco

The science on full-face snorkel masks is no longer anecdotal, and Costco's own customers are describing what the research predicted.

beatofhawaii.com

 

[davidvel]

Yes, anyone in the snorkel/dive business knows the risks, which is why any reputable company prohibits them.

It is also a bit of a self fulfilling risk. If you are not comfortable snorkling without these preposterous masks using traditional snorkel equipment that passes air more freely and is easily removed, you really should not be snorkling at all. In harsh terms, it is apparent to anyone watching, it is mostly kooks/elderly that choose to buy these traps.

I would bet if you randomly introduced these to those highly comfortable with the ocean, snorkling, and being underwater, the accident rates among these would be far, far lower than those who choose to use these as a first resort. Which further supports their ban IMO. No non-kook would choose this device.

 

[easyrider]

We bought some of these along time back. We never had a problem with them other than not liking them as much as a regular dive mask. Ours were name brand that costed about $70 about 15+ years ago. The newer full face snorkel masks sold at Walmart and Amazon are really cheap junk. That being said, so are most of the regular snorkel masks at Walmart and Amazon.

The full face snorkel mask is a good product for a short top water snorkel, imo. It's definitely not as good as a regular snorkel set up but it isn't meant to be, imo. Full face snorkel masks are not for anything other than a short top water snorkel. They aren't for swimming. They aren't for diving. Oddly, they were popular during covid as a safety mask as you could install a k95 filter over the snorkel with no reported deaths or co2 concerns.

Anecdotal statements and a study with 20 participants isn't enough evidence to actually ban a product. Using this as an explanation for Maui having a higher death count of tourists that snorkel is bogus, imo. The reason so many more tourist drown in Maui has more to do with the age and physical condition of the tourist, imo.

Bill

 

[davidvel]

We bought some of these along time back. We never had a problem with them other than not liking them as much as a regular dive mask. Ours were name brand that costed about $70 about 15+ years ago. The newer full face snorkel masks sold at Walmart and Amazon are really cheap junk. That being said, so are most of the regular snorkel masks at Walmart and Amazon.

The full face snorkel mask is a good product for a short top water snorkel, imo. It's definitely not as good as a regular snorkel set up but it isn't meant to be, imo. Full face snorkel masks are not for anything other than a short top water snorkel. They aren't for swimming. They aren't for diving. Oddly, they were popular during covid as a safety mask as you could install a k95 filter over the snorkel with no reported deaths or co2 concerns.

Anecdotal statements and a study with 20 participants isn't enough evidence to actually ban a product. Using this as an explanation for Maui having a higher death count of tourists that snorkel is bogus, imo. The reason so many more tourist drown in Maui has more to do with the age and physical condition of the tourist, imo.

Bill

As I said, only kooks use this garbage. No waterman or even wannabe one would go near this with a 100' pole. Confirmed here.

 

[geist1223]

I have been snorkeling for 60 years. I would never use one of these Full Face Masks.

 

[easyrider]

As I said, only kooks use this garbage. No waterman or even wannabe one would go near this with a 100' pole. Confirmed here.

The reality is many millions of full face snorkel masks have been used recreationally by many millions of people who didn't die or they wouldn't still be selling them. There are 5 deaths per million participants globally regarding snorkeling deaths. Maui's death rate of snorkelers is higher than the global rate but is still kind of low considering how many people snorkel in Hawaii.

Hypoxia can be caused by other issues other than a build up of co2 in a snorkel mask . Reduced blood flow, cardiovascular disease, COPD, asthma and anemia can cause hypoxia without a snorkel mask. The demographic that usually dies when snorkeling in Hawaii is a man aged over 55 with a comorbidity. Data proves that this was going on way before full face snorkel masks were in use.

I would say only "kooks" think full face masks have more to do with snorkeler deaths in Maui than the age and health conditions of the participant.

Bill

 

[easyrider]

I have been snorkeling for 60 years. I would never use one of these Full Face Masks.

I like my Aqua Lung and Scuba Pro diving mask for snorkeling mostly because I've been using this these forever. For shallow water the full face mask works pretty good especially with beginners.

Bill

 

[bizaro86]

I like my Aqua Lung and Scuba Pro diving mask for snorkeling mostly because I've been using this these forever. For shallow water the full face mask works pretty good especially with beginners.

Bill

My wife uses one. She gets claustrophic with the regular masks. She paddles around on the surface (never submerging) and I snorkle more seriously. The full face mask allows her to enjoy it at level appropriate for her. I agree nobody who is a serious snorkeller would use one, but I don't think they're really marketed that way.

We spent a lovely week at Kings Land last week and snorkelled multiple spots. It was a non-issue, because she uses it in a way appropriate for its design. As with any product using it incorrectly can be dangerous.

 

[chosshaul]

I have spent many years snorkeling and no longer use a snorkel at all. It is easier for me just to have a pair of goggles and fins. Turning my head slightly to get some air isn’t that big of a deal and I like to dive down without thinking about any snorkel.

Try it some time if you are a comfortable swimmer.

 

[easyrider]

I have spent many years snorkeling and no longer use a snorkel at all. It is easier for me just to have a pair of goggles and fins. Turning my head slightly to get some air isn’t that big of a deal and I like to dive down without thinking about any snorkel.

Try it some time if you are a comfortable swimmer.

For sure, there is nothing better than goggles for swimming. I'm more of a floater than a swimmer these days, lol. I like using a chest float under my rash guard to stay buoyant.

Bill

 

[davidvel]

The reality is many millions of full face snorkel masks have been used recreationally by many millions of people who didn't die or they wouldn't still be selling them. There are 5 deaths per million participants globally regarding snorkeling deaths. Maui's death rate of snorkelers is higher than the global rate but is still kind of low considering how many people snorkel in Hawaii.

Hypoxia can be caused by other issues other than a build up of co2 in a snorkel mask . Reduced blood flow, cardiovascular disease, COPD, asthma and anemia can cause hypoxia without a snorkel mask. The demographic that usually dies when snorkeling in Hawaii is a man aged over 55 with a comorbidity. Data proves that this was going on way before full face snorkel masks were in use.

I would say only "kooks" think full face masks have more to do with snorkeler deaths in Maui than the age and health conditions of the participant.

Bill

I agree, which is why I said the increased risks are likely due as much to the demographics of those that choose these things, as the mask itself. I personally have never seen a confident, healthy looking snorkler using these full face masks, though they may exist. Almost always the put your fins on up on shore, waddle in, and barely able to stay afloat without some supplemental flotation.

 

[easyrider]

I agree, which is why I said the increased risks are likely due as much to the demographics of those that choose these things, as the mask itself.

Well kook kook ka choo, lol.

Bill

 

[mountainboy]

Reduced blood flow, cardiovascular disease, COPD, asthma and anemia can cause hypoxia without a snorkel mask. The demographic that usually dies when snorkeling in Hawaii is a man aged over 55 with a comorbidity. Data proves

Do you work in healthcare @easyrider ?

 

[bizaro86]

Reduced blood flow, cardiovascular disease, COPD, asthma and anemia can cause hypoxia without a snorkel mask. The demographic that usually dies when snorkeling in Hawaii is a man aged over 55 with a comorbidity. Data proves that this was going on way before full face snorkel masks were in use.

I got back today and had to shovel a bunch of snow. Every year in my city a couple of people die (heart attacks) while shoveling snow. Always the same demographic you described in the quoted text.

I don't think they should stop selling snow shovels.

 

[easyrider]

I don't think they should stop selling snow shovels.

Especially in Calgary, eh.

Bill

 

[VacationForever]

When I used to snorkel I simply used the regular snorkel tube and a pair of swimming goggles.

 

[bizaro86]

Especially in Calgary, eh.

Bill

Yeah, it was a disappointing to come back from the Big Island to a driveway with 6 inches of snow on it.