Time line of the mask

Single lens diving masks were initially hand made from various materials such as tire tubes, copper and coated leather for the skirt and panes of glass, but did not compensate for the nose. Equalization was achieved by the use of a small rubber tubes.  

1900's Single Lens Mask The breakthrough for equalizing ears came when indents, or finger pockets, were molded into the rubber skirt of the mask near the nose so that the diver could grasp their nostrils and pinch, thus creating back pressure while avoiding a mask flood. 

1959 The Equaliz(able) Mask Most of the early efforts were focused on increasing horizontal, or peripheral vision. Some initial ideas was using larger panes of glass, adding glass to the sides and even bending the glass to provide a panoramic effect.

1965 Widening the Range of Vision Most of the early efforts were focused on increasing horizontal, or peripheral vision. Some initial ideas was using larger panes of glass, adding glass to the sides and even bending the glass to provide a panoramic effect.

1962 The Purg(able) Mask Four important obstacles (equalizing the ears easily, purging large amounts of water, widening the field of vision and lowering the internal volume) were overcome and further refinement of the modern mask could begin after adding a simple nose pocket.

1970 The Modern Mask