A purge valve is a one-way valve located on the bottom of the scuba mask. Its purpose is to allow water that has entered the mask to be purged, or expelled, from the mask without having to remove the mask. When water enters the scuba mask, it causes the volume inside the mask to increase. This increase in volume causes pressure to build up inside the mask. The purge valve is opened in order to equalize the pressure inside and outside of the scuba mask, thus allowing the water to be purged from the mask.
What is a purge valve?
A purge valve is a mechanism on a diving mask that allows the user to clear water from the mask with a minimum of effort. It is usually a one-way valve that opens when the user blows air out of their mouth and closes when they stop blowing. This action forces water and air out of the mask without letting any water back in.
How does a purge valve work?
When you exhale, the air in your scuba mask pushes up against the top of the valve, opening it and allowing the air to escape. This prevents the mask from fogging up. When you inhale, the valve closes and trap air in the mask so you can breathe normally.
Advantages of a purge valve
A purge valve is a small valve located on the bottom of the mask near the nose. This valve allows you to clear water from the mask with a simple exhalation. Purge valves are an essential safety feature and are found on most modern masks.
There are several advantages to having a purge valve on your mask:
- The purge valve makes it easy to clear water from your mask if it leaks or if water gets inside during a dive.
- A purge valve can help prevent Mask Squeeze, which is a condition that can occur when diving at depths of 30 feet or more. Mask Squeeze occurs when the pressure of the water outside the mask is greater than the atmospheric pressure inside the mask, and can cause serious injury.
- A purge valve also allows you to equalize the pressure in your mask while diving, which is important for preventing pain in your ears and sinuses.
Disadvantages of a purge valve
While a purge valve is a very convenient feature, it does have a couple of disadvantages. First of all, purge valves add weight to the mask, which can be a problem for divers who are already carrying a lot of gear. Secondly, purge valves can sometimes leak, which can lead to water getting into the mask.
Conclusion
There are many different types of scuba masks with purge valves on the market today, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. The most important thing to consider is what type of diving you will be doing and what features you need in a mask. With so many different brands and models to choose from, it is important to do your research before making a purchase.
We hope that this guide has been helpful in showing you the different types of scuba masks with purge valves that are available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you find the perfect mask for your needs.