Scuba Diving, breathing only in the mouth?

Question

Has anyone who ever scuba dived, had a hard time getting used to only breathing through the mouth?

Answer 1

I use the term "nose-breather" for people that have difficulty switching to mouth breathing for scuba diving.

First, since you nose is enclosed in the mask, you'll learn quickly to breathe through your mouth.  Also, with the regulator in your mouth, it kind of reminds you to breathe through your mouth.

The main problem for nose-breathers is completing the skills for the scuba diving class.  For the mask clearing skills, you have to inhale through your mouth then exhale through your nose.  Making this switch is sometimes difficult.

Answer 2

Yes. I am a diver. It really isnt as hard as it seems. People who were only trying to breathe through their mouths when they read this question, it may seen really really hard to breathe. But under water is much different *in my opinion*

Why do you ask? Are you going to learn how to dive too?

Answer 3

it may take a few times to get use to it but as a swimmer i got it instant

Answer 4

Before learning to dive I had been a long-time swimmer and skin-diver.  I suppose mouth breathing for swimming and snorkeling prepared me for Scuba gear, so I had no problem.

I have heard other people say that adjusting to Scuba Breathing was a bit of an effort for them.  However, I would expect that with experience it will pretty quickly become second nature.  If you are having trouble, I would suggest snorkeling as a way to adapt.  Just swim laps in the pool, but use mask & snorkel until you adjust to the breathing.

Good luck.  Scuba Diving is a great sport that opens up whole new worlds of experience and adventure!