Full-face snorkelling masks: what you need to know

A full-face mask covers the whole face and lets you breathe through your nose, with no mouthpiece. Many people find it more comfortable than the classic set, which is why it is often brought along by those trying snorkelling for the first time.

There is a lot of conflicting talk around these masks, from "they are banned everywhere" to "they are completely safe". Below is what regulators and research actually say, and what rules follow from that for a tourist.

Is there an official ban?

The short answer: there is no full international ban on using full-face masks for snorkelling. There is no general state ban for tourists in Egypt either.

However, a number of organisations and operators recommend against using such masks, or restrict their use on their own tours for safety reasons.

In particular, the Chamber of Diving and Watersports of Egypt (CDWS) issued an official recommendation for operators to avoid the use of full-face masks following a number of incidents. But that was a recommendation, not a full ban in law.

What the research shows

Some studies have indeed found higher CO2 build-up in full-face masks and a greater risk of rebreathing exhaled air compared with a classic mask and snorkel.

That said, the problem does not affect all users equally. The risk depends on:

• build quality
• whether the valves are working
• the person's physical condition
• age
• cardiovascular and lung conditions
• how hard you are swimming

Some experts hold that many snorkelling accidents are linked not to CO2 alone but to a combination of factors: exertion, undiagnosed heart conditions, immersion pulmonary oedema, fatigue and breathing resistance.

In 2026 the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning about one specific mask model after complaints of loss of consciousness and difficulty breathing. That was a ban on a particular product, not on all full-face masks.

Two conclusions follow, and both matter equally. The claim that "all full-face masks are lethally dangerous" is not supported by official data. The claim that "they are completely safe" does not match the research either.

Rules for tourists

1. Using a full-face mask is the tourist's personal choice.
2. There is no full official ban on using such masks in Egypt.
3. Some tour companies and dive centres may set their own restrictions on their use.
4. People with heart or lung conditions, hypertension or breathing disorders are advised to refrain from using full-face masks.
5. If dizziness, shortness of breath, panic or severe fatigue set in, you must stop swimming immediately.
6. Before use, check that the valves work and that the mask is undamaged.
7. Cheap unknown models without verified safety testing are not recommended.
8. Children need constant adult supervision, as their risk of breathing difficulty is higher.
9. Even strong swimmers are advised not to go far from the group or the shore while using a full-face mask.
10. Responsibility for using the mask and for assessing your own state of health rests with the user, unless the rules of a particular tour operator provide otherwise.

🤿 How this works with us

On our snorkelling tours the equipment available for hire is the classic set: a mask, a snorkel and fins, at $5 per item. We do not carry full-face masks for hire.

If you bring your own full-face mask, we set no separate restrictions. If you start to feel unwell, tell the guide straight away rather than waiting until you are back on shore.

How to fit a classic mask to the shape of your face is covered separately: seven steps to choosing a snorkelling mask.

In short

As things stand there is no official worldwide or Egyptian ban on full-face masks for snorkelling, but official warnings about possible risks do exist.

The question is therefore treated as one of personal responsibility and individual tolerance, rather than as banned equipment.

If you are unsure, the classic set remains a straightforward option: it is better studied and is available for hire on virtually any snorkelling tour.