A Timeline of the Dive Mask

1900s — Single Lens Mask

Single lens diving masks were initially hand made from various materials such as tyre tubes, copper and coated leather for the skirt and panes of glass, but did not compensate for the nose. Equalisation was achieved by the use of small rubber tubes.

The breakthrough came when designers added indented finger pockets near the nose area, allowing divers to grasp their nostrils and pinch, creating back pressure while avoiding a mask flood.

1959 — The Equalizeable Mask

This period introduced refinements focusing on ear equalisation through improved nose pocket design.

1962 — The Purgeable Mask

Designers overcame four important obstacles — equalising the ears easily, purging large amounts of water, widening the field of vision and lowering the internal volume — by adding a functional nose pocket.

1965 — Widening the Range of Vision

Development concentrated on increasing horizontal, or peripheral, vision through larger glass panes, side glass additions, and bent glass creating panoramic effects.

1970 — The Modern Mask

This period marked the convergence of all prior innovations into contemporary mask design, establishing the foundation for the scuba masks we use today.

← Back to the blog