John Nitrox wrote:

>         In the early 80s, some masks were sold with purge valve that led
to virgin
> vents which were indicated by little silicone circles.  It wasn't an
> uncommon feature, and the buyer was supposed to poke holes in the
> designated areas if he wanted to use the purge.  In my experience it was a
> mistake to open them and after getting burned once I avoided doing it
> again, and I still have an 18 year old virgin.  From your remarks, I'd
have
> to guess that the factory punches the holes now.  I do look at a lot of
> masks, but not with purge valves.

They made them a lot earlier than the early 80's and for all I know, still
do.  I too learned the hard way.  I also learned with the next mask, to take
the purge valve out of a mask I did not intend to open for it's use.  The
primary problem with nose pocket purge valves is the stress they place on
the mask during nose pinch ear equilization, something I have no choice
about doing.  For me, it's pinch my nose or forget equalizing.  I'm not one
of the lucky ones whose ears equalize with just a twitch of the jaw.

Lee