🤿 How to Choose the Best Scuba Mask That Fits (And How to Care for It Like a Pro)

Cuddlefish Divers
Jul 19
3 min read

Whether you're gearing up for your first Open Water dive or upgrading your kit for your next underwater adventure, one thing’s for sure: a good scuba mask can make or break your dive.

A leaky or foggy mask isn’t just annoying—it ruins visibility, distracts your focus, and can even dampen your entire dive experience. But the perfect-fitting mask? It disappears. You don’t even notice it’s there. That’s how it should be.

In this blog, we’ll share key tips to choose the best scuba mask for your face and how to care for your mask so it lasts for many dive trips to come.

🕵️‍♂️ Fit Is Everything: How to Find the Right Scuba Mask

Not all faces are created equal—and neither are masks! Here’s how to ensure your scuba mask fits like a dream.

✅ 1. Do the Suction Test (Without the Strap)

Place the mask on your face without using the strap. Inhale gently through your nose and let go.Does it stay on your face? Perfect! That means you’ve got a good seal.

If it drops or air leaks in, it's not the one. Keep searching!

✅ 2. Check the Skirt Material

The “skirt” is the soft silicone part that seals around your face.Look for:

High-quality silicone: It should be soft, flexible, and durable.
Feathered edges: These improve comfort and seal reliability.

Avoid stiff, cheap plastic skirts—they don’t age well and often cause leaks.

✅ 3. Mind the Nose Pocket

Can you pinch your nose comfortably? That’s crucial for equalizing.If the nose pocket feels too tight, or you struggle to reach it with gloves, try another model.

✅ 4. Single vs Dual Lens? It’s Personal.

Single-lens masks offer a wide, uninterrupted field of view.
Dual-lens masks often support prescription lenses.

Try both styles. Go with what gives you the best clarity and comfort.

✅ 5. Low Volume = Easier Clearing

Masks with a lower internal volume are:

Easier to clear when water gets in
Lighter on your face
Preferred for freediving or underwater photography

Still, some divers love the classic high-volume “Panavision” view. Try before you buy!

🛍 Bonus Tip: Buy in Person When You Can

Online is great, but trying on a mask in-store (or with your dive centre) lets you check for comfort and fit. At Cuddlefish Divers, we help students and divers test masks that work best underwater, not just on land.

🧼 How to Take Care of Your Scuba Mask

Once you find the perfect mask, treat it right so it lasts.

🫧 1. Pre-Dive: Remove Factory Film

New masks often fog up due to a layer of silicone residue on the lenses.

Scrub the inside of the lens with a non-gel toothpaste or a mask scrub solution
Rinse and repeat 2–3 times before first use

🌊 2. Pre-Dive: Use Defog

Before every dive:

Apply defog gel or baby shampoo diluted with water
Spread it gently, then rinse lightly

This keeps your mask crystal-clear underwater.

🚿 3. Post-Dive: Rinse Thoroughly

Saltwater, chlorine, and sunscreen residue can degrade your mask.

Rinse with fresh water after every dive
Avoid hot water—it can warp plastic and silicone
Let it air dry in the shade

🧳 4. Store It Properly

Store in a hard or padded case
Keep out of direct sunlight
Avoid storing near fins or wetsuits (the rubber smell can leach in!)

🐠 In Summary: Your Mask, Your View of the Ocean

A mask is more than just gear—it’s your window to the underwater world.

Key Takeaways:

Fit is everything—use the suction test!
Soft silicone skirts, easy nose access, and low volume are ideal
Clean it well and store it safely to extend its life

If you're unsure, come try on different styles with us. At Cuddlefish Divers, we help new divers find the right mask that fits their face—and their dive style.

📍 Ready to Dive in Singapore?

Planning a dive trip? Don’t just look at marine life—dive with us to see it for real. Whether you’re a beginner or certified diver, Cuddlefish Divers is here to guide you into Singapore’s surprising underwater world.

📲 DM us on Instagram or visit CuddlefishDivers.com to book your dive or ask for mask recommendations.Your perfect fit—and your next dive—awaits!