SnorkelMatch

Which snorkel mask fits you?

Six quick questions about your face, your eyes and how you swim. You get a mask type with the reasons behind it, the safety notes that apply to you, and a link to find your size.

Question 1 of 6

Who is the mask for?

Answers stay in this browser.

The two types, side by side

Parts of a full-face snorkel maskA full-face mask seen from the front: a snorkel with a dry top on the crown, one large lens, an inner breathing chamber over the nose and mouth, a silicone skirt that seals around the whole face, straps at the sides and a drain valve at the chin.StrapDry-top snorkelLensSilicone skirtBreathingchamberDrain valve
Parts of a traditional snorkel mask and snorkelA traditional two-window mask seen from the front, with a nose pocket between the lenses, a silicone skirt, a strap with buckles, and a separate snorkel tube clipped at the side ending in a mouthpiece.SnorkelMouthpieceTempered lensBuckleSilicone skirtNose pocket
Fig. 1A full-face mask (one lens, a breathing chamber over nose and mouth) and a traditional mask (a nose pocket, with a separate snorkel and mouthpiece).

The full comparison, with what each official source says, is in full-face vs traditional snorkel mask.

Questions people ask

How does the quiz decide?

Each answer adds a point or two toward one type, for a reason we show you (a mouthpiece you cannot hold, facial hair, a child, a weaker swimmer). When the gap is small the result says either type can work, because the fit then decides.

Does the quiz say which mask is safest?

No. It points to a type and lists the precautions official sources give. It does not rate products and is not safety training or medical advice.

Are my answers saved?

No. They stay in this page while you use it and disappear when you leave or start again.

What if I wear glasses?

Glasses cannot go under a mask because the arms break the seal. The result adds the prescription options: lenses in a traditional mask or an insert frame in a full-face mask.

Sources

  1. [1]
    Hawaii Department of Health, Hawaii Ocean Safety: Snorkeling Safety

    "Always snorkel with a buddy"; "Use an anti-fog product in your mask"; "Make sure your face mask fits properly and does not leak"; "Consider using a floatation device appropriate for snorkeling, such as a floating vest or belt"; "If you become dizzy, disoriented, or begin to feel a headache, you may be experiencing carbon dioxide buildup in your snorkel gear"; on full-face masks: "there is currently not enough evidence to show a direct increase in risk", theories include "Carbon dioxide buildup", "Difficulty removing the mask", "Poor fit allowing leaking of water"; "breathe only through your nose using slow, calm breaths"; "Practice breathing through the snorkel and removing the mask on your own before you get in the water."; "If you are renting equipment, rent only from a licensed vendor, and talk to them about using this equipment properly." Read on 2026-10-09.

  2. [2]
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Preventing Drowning

    "Drowning happens in seconds and is often silent."; "Designate a responsible adult to supervise closely and constantly when children are in or near water"; "Life jackets should be used by children for all activities while in and around natural water."; "Always swim with a buddy."; "Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming"; "Do not hyperventilate before swimming underwater or try to hold your breath underwater for long periods of time." Read on 2026-10-09.

  3. [3]
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Healthy Habits: Keeping Water Away from Contact Lenses

    "Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before water activities such as showering or swimming."; "If water touches contact lenses for any reason, take them out as soon as possible."; "For those who are actively involved in swimming or other water sports and concerned about being able to see well enough without wearing lenses, prescription goggles may be a good option." Read on 2026-10-09.

  4. [4]
    Children (Basel), 2025;12(9):1148 (PubMed 41007014): Full-Face Snorkeling Masks Carry a Risk of Hypercapnia and Drowning in Younger Children: A Case Series

    Abstract: three children under six years of age; conclusion: "When inappropriately used by younger children, full-face snorkeling masks may have a mechanical dead space larger than tidal volume, with a significant increased risk of rebreathing of CO2". Read on 2026-10-09.

  5. [5]
    U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Warning about one full-face snorkel mask model, March 5, 2026

    The notice says the mask "can cause consumers to experience labored breathing, causing loss of consciousness or excess fluid in the lungs that can lead to drowning" and "can give rise to increased levels of carbon dioxide"; CPSC "has received reports from five consumers who had trouble breathing, felt light-headed or lost consciousness"; "About 84,000 of these full-face snorkel masks were sold from March 2019 through February 2026". See the notice for the affected model. Read on 2026-10-09.

  6. [6]
    Divers Alert Network (DAN): Mask Squeeze (Facial Barotrauma)

    "You should be able to achieve an appropriate seal by gently placing the mask on your face and inhaling through your nose. The mask should seal to your face and not fall off even without the mask strap in place. It is not unusual for a small amount of leakage to occur while diving, especially if you have facial hair." Equalizing a mask means "adding air to the space in the mask (by exhaling through your nose)". Read on 2026-10-09.

  7. [7]
    Ocean Reef (manufacturer): Aria snorkeling mask FAQ

    Leakage "from the facial seal (due to beard, hair or a not correct fit)" drains through the valve; the product "has not been made for free diving"; the optical lens support "allows to use optical lenses (lenses not included) with the mask". Read on 2026-10-09.