What is a Full Face Snorkel Mask?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n A full face snorkel mask is a piece of equipment used for optimized underwater viewing. Like normal snorkeling gear, it allows you to breathe while floating on the surface of water. The difference is that it offers a more natural experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These masks cover your entire face, with the top portion used for viewing and the bottom half for breathing. The snorkel is built into the mask, allowing users to breathe without a mouthpiece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Full face masks are growing in popularity when it comes to snorkeling as they offer a more relaxed experience with a wider range of vision. The large mask wraps around, giving snorkelers 180 degrees of vision versus just being able to see what\u2019s in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A common misconception with full face masks is that you can breathe underwater if you\u2019re using one. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Like traditional snorkeling gear, you can only breathe when floating on the surface of the water. Once you submerge completely, air won\u2019t be able to come through the snorkel anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most full face masks feature a dry top snorkel that seals when it\u2019s submerged, and reopens once the snorkel resurfaces. This effectively keeps water out of the mask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Full Face Snorkel Mask vs Traditional Snorkel Mask<\/h2>\n\n\n\n There are a few main differences when it comes to full face masks and traditional snorkeling masks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coverage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The main difference between full face masks and traditional masks is the degree of coverage. As mentioned above (and clear from the name), full face masks cover the entire face from top to bottom, while normal masks only cover the eyes and nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breathing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The main benefit of having a full face mask is being able to breathe out of your nose and mouth as you would naturally, versus only through your mouth with a traditional snorkel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You also don\u2019t have to worry about keeping a mouthpiece in position due to the snorkel being built into the mask, making it more comfortable to use and eliminating jaw fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Field of Vision<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Full face masks feature a wrap around design giving users a greater field of vision than they would have while using a traditional mask. Full face masks not only wrap around your entire field of vision, but they extend past the nose, creating a huge lens and optimized visuals for users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extra Seal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Like traditional masks, full face masks come complete with a silicon skirt that creates a seal against your face to keep water out. Because this mask covers your entire face, it moves less and creates a greater seal, making it less prone to leakage than traditional masks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to choose the right size for your face when purchasing to make sure the skirt creates a true watertight seal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anti-Fog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest complaints with traditional snorkel masks is that they fog up. While it\u2019s nearly impossible to entirely eliminate foggy masks, this is drastically reduced when using a full face masks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re interested in learning more about traditional masks and other equipment, check out our full snorkeling gear review.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Pros and Cons of a Full Face Snorkel Mask<\/h2>\n\n\n\n There are certainly advantages and downsides to purchasing and using a full face snorkel mask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if this is the best piece of equipment for your aquatic adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFull face masks are great for beginners<\/strong>. It generally takes some time to get used to breathing with a regular snorkel, but with a full face mask you can breathe regularly.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nNo jaw fatigue<\/strong>! The worst part about using a traditional snorkel for a long period of time is that your jaw gets tired from holding it in your mouth. With a full face mask, there’s no mouthpiece, and thus no jaw fatigue. These masks are great for longer excursions, especially if your jaw tends to tense up easily.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nFull face masks give a large range of view. <\/strong>Because these masks cover your entire face, they give you a complete 180-degree view without any obstruction.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThey’re less prone to fogging. <\/strong>There’s nothing worse than getting in the water and having your mask fog up. However, full face masks fix this for the most part as they don’t fog up due to the unique breathing mechanism and air flow valves.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nCons<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThey’re bulkier than traditional snorkel gear<\/strong>. These masks are notably larger and take up more space than an individual mask with separate snorkel. This makes them less practical to pack for trips.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/71BLkl4vfaL._AC_SL1500_.jpg\")
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