Fourth Element Face Masks ARE NOW IN STOCK designed to offer protection and comfort using ECONYL® regenerated nylon, made in part from lost fishing nets.

These masks are suitable for use with or without filters and can be machine washed, dried and reused indefinitely, reducing waste. Remove filter before washing.
The masks are secured with a double cord and knotted around the back of the head to avoid discomfort on the ears, but can be easily converted to ear loops if needed.
All face masks come with three PM 2.5 filters which have five layers of filtration including an activated carbon core layer.
Please note:
1. Not suitable for children
2. Please ensure mask covers face well and is secured firmly
3. If soiled, remove immediately, do no touch eyes or mouth and safely stow mask until it can be washed
4. Please wash at 30 degrees C after every use with your regular laundry detergent
5. To be used in conjunction with other safety measures such as hand washing and not touching your face
Please note that this product cannot be returned due to Health & Hygiene reasons.

​Tracey and I  have had time in the last few months to sit and watch a well known diving forum. It is incredibly frustrating to see the same types of posts coming up time and time again. 

'I am very stressed about my mask skills in open water'
'I had a panic attack because....'
'How do I fix panic'

I could give thousands of examples in the last three months that as an instructor have me pulling my hair out. How as a PROFESSIONAL can instructors be allowing this to occur.

The problem comes back to the same old way of thinking and delivering instruction. 

One of the issues is that many instructors teach a course on a timescale instead of teaching the person in front of them. If they have any issues with a skill in training, there seems to be a lack of coaching driving them to post on an internet forum looking for help resolving the issues.

I sat in on a webinar recently and the words 'As a scuba instructor I have the opportunity to see fear changes to courage,' were spoken along with 'as a scuba instructor I can transform another human being, and change a life for the better and forever.' 
​
Looking at this forum, it is clear that there are some methods falling short of this credence.
​We can help you break this cycle.

Written By: ​Bridget

Following on from our article on Ocean Reef and being able to use their Full Face Snorkel masks as PPE Equipment, an independent report has now been published

Evaluation of Protection Level, Respiratory Safety of Commercially Available Snorkel Masks as Personal Protection Devices Against Aerosolized Contaminants and SARS-CoV2

The spread of Covid -19 virus has led to a worldwide shortage of personal protection devices (PPD) for medical and paramedical personnel. Adaptation of commercially available snorkel masks to serve as full face masks has been proposed.  Scientific Studies tested protection levels and risk of carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation.

Methods:
A ‘fit’ test was performed, analogous to gas mask testing. Respiratory safety was evaluated by measuring end-tidal CO2 and oxygen saturation while wearing the masks in rest and during physical exercise.

Conclusion
"Snorkel masks, when fitted with a 3D adaptor and a ventilator filter, can provide protection comparable to N95/FFP2 or even N99/FFP3 levels (depending on the type of filter used, electrostatic, or pleated). They should not be used with a makeshift N95/FFP2 covering of snorkel opening, both for reasons of efficiency and safety.
Breathing comfort and safety for Ocean Reef masks with adaptors is adequate, with minimal end-tidal CO2 increase at rest and good exercise tolerance"

If we have a few people interested in the adapters, then we are happy to bring them into stock.  For our current stock of Full Face Masks have a look at our online store, but better still, pop into the shop and we can fit you to ensure it fits.