- Mask Size and Fit: The mask might not be the correct size or shape for your face. If it is too tight, it can press against your face, causing discomfort or pain. The strap has to be horizontal behind your head, if you pull it up at an angle, this might cause pain under your nose.
- Equalization Issues: As you dive deeper, pressure increases. To maintain comfort and prevent barotrauma, you need to equalize the pressure in the air spaces in your body (like your ears and sinuses) with the outside pressure. This is usually done by pinching your nose and gently blowing against it (the Valsalva maneuver). If you’re not equalizing properly or frequently enough, pressure can build up and cause pain.
- Mask Squeeze: This is related to the previous point and can occur when a diver descends and doesn’t equalize the air pressure inside the mask. The increasing pressure outside the mask can cause it to press harder against the face, leading to discomfort or even bruising and bloodshot eyes in severe cases.
- Pre-existing Condition: If you have a sinus infection, nasal allergy, deviated septum, or any other condition that might make your nose or sinuses sensitive, wearing a dive mask could exacerbate these issues.
- Nose Pocket Irritation: The nose pocket of the mask, where your nose sits, might be irritating the skin on your nose, causing discomfort or pain.
If the discomfort persists even after trying to address these potential issues (like by adjusting or replacing the mask, practicing equalization techniques, or treating any pre-existing conditions), it would be a good idea to seek medical advice. Diving with discomfort or pain is not recommended and could potentially be dangerous.