Mask Removal Problems

Question
Hi James I just completed my PADI Open Water dives and am now certified. I did have some problems with mask removal and water entering my nose even when I exhaled through my nose. It took me four attempts to get it and even when I did it was a struggle not to gag because water still went up my nose. The only way I've been able to keep my mask off while still breathing is to hold my nose shut with my fingers (I can do mask removal and clearing doing this, I just plug my nose right up until I put the mask on). I've tried everything from leaning my head forward to scrunching my nose to try and prevent water from going into it but to no avail. This will certainly be a problem if circumstances ever require me to remove my mask so any tips/advice is greatly appreciated!

Answer
Hi Eric,

First off, don't worry, this is a VERY common experience of beginning divers.  Don't get stressed.  Look at it this way, you are not special, which is good ;)

Often, beginners are taught to breath normally.  There is, however, nothing normal about breathing under water.  It is completely abnormal, in fact.  There are many new sensations that accompany this abnormal experience.  One of them is what you are reporting.

"The water went up my nose."

Well, kind of, sort of.

The water FELT like it went up your nose.  It did not, however.  You have the sensation of water going up your nose.  It is, in fact, around and in your nostrils a bit, but it is not flowing into your nose.  Unless you inhale the water, it is not possible that the water can flow into your nose.

You said you 'struggled.'  I'll give you a few tips that will eliminate this struggle, guaranteed.

First off, when we go diving, we want to be the first person prepared, the most relaxed person, the best rested person, the most properly hydrated person and the most comfortable and happy person on the boat or by the pool.  You achieve this by confidence and relaxation, which is gained by training, understanding and experience.  Since you know what to do in ANY experience that might occur during your dive, you are ready to handle it and have no anxiety related to any aspect of the experience.

To overcome the wet-nose sensation discomfort, you must practice in a swimming pool in shallow water.  Enter the water with all your gear in place, properly weighted (not-over weighted), without fins, regulator out of mouth, in right hand.  Mask in left hand, not on face.

First, take several deep breaths, close your eyes, and relax.  Inhale through your mouth exclusively, just like you will do in the water.  Exhale through your nose and mouth.  You'll find this is quite natural feeling.  Just see blue, just be comfortable.  After feeling completely relaxed, place your regulator in your mouth and continue to breathe and exhale as you did before.  When you are very relaxed and comfortable, you will begin to lower yourself into the water (this can be done by kneeling or as appropriate given the pool depth.  You should be able to remove your head from the water at any time.  Knowing you can do this will remove your stress of not being able to breathe.)

When the regulator second stage is submerged but your nose is still dry, you'll notice it makes quite a few bubbles and splashes as you exhale.  Some of this will likely touch your nose.  You may feel the same 'water going up the nose' with just this splashing.  Continue to stay focused on being relaxed, breathing in, slowly, exhaling through your mouth AND nose, slowly.  Lower yourself until your nose is under the water.  You will find that this is now very natural. You can now place your mask on your face.  It is best to do this while exhaling because the mask strap and silicone skirt can cause some pressure on your face when it seals, so the exhaling process creates at least a partial airspace which will eliminate this and allow for more comfort.

You are now wearing your mask, partially filled with water, you are comfortable and breathing fine.  Continue to inhale/exhale as you did before, without any special mask clearing efforts.  You will find that simply exhaling through your properly fitting mask will clear the mask alone.

Remove the mask when you are comfortable.  Again, do this while exhaling through your nose.  This eliminates the feel of the suction and sudden rush of entering water.

You should now be able to repeat this process over and over.

Remember, the water isn't going up your nose.  It's just a new sensation; one of many you'll experience while diving.

Please let me know if this helps, and if you've appreciated the response, please complete the brief review.

saludos,
James