How can divers prevent mask squeeze while diving?

Preventing mask squeeze during a dive is crucial for the comfort and safety of the diver. Mask squeeze occurs when the pressure outside the mask exceeds the pressure inside, leading to discomfort and potential injury. The correct approach is to ensure that air is released into the mask during descent. This effectively equalizes the pressure inside the mask with the increasing pressure from the surrounding water.

When divers descend, the water pressure increases and if there's no air in the mask to counterbalance this pressure, the mask can be forced against the face, causing discomfort or even injury. By allowing air to enter the mask as they descend, divers can maintain equal pressure and avoid the consequences of mask squeeze.

The other methods proposed, like tightening the mask straps or choosing a larger mask size, do not address the fundamental issue of pressure imbalance. Tightening straps may even worsen the discomfort by increasing the pressure on the face without resolving the underlying cause. Using a larger mask might help if the current mask is simply ill-fitting, but again, it does not solve the pressure equality issue. Diving without a mask is impractical and would expose the diver to numerous hazards, making it an unsuitable option.

In summary, ensuring air is released into the mask during descent is the most effective way