During mask clearing, which action is recommended for the final exhalation?

During mask clearing, which action is recommended for the final exhalation?

• A. Look up during the last exhalation to make the bottom of the mask skirt the lowest point
• B. Look down to verify the mask seals
• C. Hold your breath briefly while clearing
• D. Exhale through your nose while keeping eyes forward

Answer: (A)

The action is about using the final exhalation to push water out of the mask by making the bottom edge the lowest point. Looking up during that last exhale positions the mask skirt so gravity helps water drain toward the bottom edge and out of the mask. Exhaling through the nose while looking up fills the mask with air and creates a clear path for water to escape, making the clearing smoother. Holding your breath stops the air flow needed to clear, and looking forward or down doesn’t establish the drain path as effectively.

The action is about using the final exhalation to push water out of the mask by making the bottom edge the lowest point. Looking up during that last exhale positions the mask skirt so gravity helps water drain toward the bottom edge and out of the mask. Exhaling through the nose while looking up fills the mask with air and creates a clear path for water to escape, making the clearing smoother. Holding your breath stops the air flow needed to clear, and looking forward or down doesn’t establish the drain path as effectively.