Bubbles in your face and dry mouth...

[Chilkie]

Hello forumites. I had my first closed water training class and subsequently my first closed water dive in the pool last night. It was really enjoyable. My class provided an Oceanic GT-3 regulator for use.
I noticed when you are not moving forward that the bubbles come out directly upward and in your face. I was wondering if there is a regulator that typically pushes the spent air out to the sides? I thought this might be something to take into account when purchasing.
I also developed a case of dry mouth using this regulator. I was wondering if this is an issue with all regulators or are some regulators better than others at helping to avoid this?
Thanks!

[acamato]

Dry mouth comes form breathing compressed air. When air is compressed to fill your tank it get dried. There is a extremely low moisure content in the air. There are a few things on the makret to solve the issue. On of them is the Apollo biofilter. Apollo Sports: Dive Gear: Regulators: Bio-Filter

[rox@ucf11]

you could also get an all metal 1st stage regulator such as some of the mares regs etc.... or bring a caprisun down and drink it underwater

[Damselfish]

Certain regs are also better for the dry mouth thing, though as said this is somewhat a fact of diving life so I wouldn't let this be your only criteria in choosing a reg. The Sherwood Oasis and I think some of the other Sherwoods have metal fins inside where moisture from your breath will condense and that's supposed to help. There are probably others. Also some old regs are metal rather than plastic and will be better, though that's probably not what you will buy for your first reg.

Being well hydrated helps, you want to be hydrated for many reasons. Also, a couple years ago I stumbled across a dry mouth spray called Oasis which you can get in the toothpaste section at a drugstore, it helps alot. (I looked at the ingredients and make my own now to refill the bottle, I use about 1/3 veggie glycerin and 2/3 distilled water, with a couple drops of mint extract.)

As far as bubbles, some regs have wider exhaust T's (the part the bubbles come out of) or are otherwise designed to make the bubbles interfere less. You may find that information in some reviews, at least if a reg is especially good or bad about it. I happen to have a very compact reg (the Aqualung Mikron) and this is probably it's weak point, but it's a compromise I made for a travel reg, and fact is I've gotten used to it and rarely notice the bubbles anymore. You will probably find you get used to the bubbles somewhat. Also when you're diving for real, rather than doing exercises in class, you are usually moving forward at least a little or else are in a position where the bubbles won't be coming right up your face and it's less of a problem.

[TommyB]

Originally Posted by Chilkie

I was wondering if there is a regulator that typically pushes the spent air out to the sides? I thought this might be something to take into account when purchasing.
Thanks!

Yes,
The Atomic M1 has a larger T that moves the exhaust bubbles to the side of the face.

Atomic M1 Regulator reviews and discounts, Atomic

[Chilkie]

Thanks gang. I appreciate the feedback.

[mksmith713]

Pop a stick of gum in your mouth before you dive????????

Nah......

[CompuDude]

In addition to the Atomic regs, if you can find one (they were only sold in Europe and discontinued several years ago), ScubaPro made an extended bubble deflector for several models of their regulators, including the S600. I have them and it's fantastic. The Atomic extended exhaust T is not as good, but does also help.

[Straegen]

Wonder why they don't actually have extended deflectors for regs. I am sure there is a good reason just can't think of it.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by Straegen

Wonder why they don't actually have extended deflectors for regs. I am sure there is a good reason just can't think of it.

Costs more, makes the regs look funkier on the store shelf. People aren't screaming for it. I guarantee if ScubaPro had sold the extended bubble deflectors faster than they could make them, they would still be making them and they would be offering them on all models. Look at the Atomic regs... they actually offer an extended T (standard on the M1, optional on several others) but very few people bother changing the stock T (much smaller). Doesn't exactly scream "demand" to the manufacturer. People want smaller and lighter.