I just heard from someone who used to be a dive master and is now in medical school (not here, he's in the States).
He has told me that there is a correlation between using a snorkel and CO2. What he said was because when a swimmer or snorkeler breathes in and out and because of the width and length of the snorkel tube, that CO2 remains in the bottom of the snorkel so when the swimmer/snorkeler takes each breath, he is inhaling the remains of CO2. This is not a good thing.
Is this why, maybe, that when using a snorkel it appears a swimmer/snorkeler can't get a good breath? I also know that because of the small tubing size, it is hard to really hard to inhale a lot of air, or at least that has been my problem. But CO2?
Is this why when using a snorkel for swimming or snorkeling, breathing can be difficult for some? I know Warren said he uses one, I'd be interested to hear if he has found any problems with using it.
Anyone else?
Donna
Parents
Former Member
The breathing out through your nose or through the snorkel wouldn't make any difference. The dead space is there anyhow because it is a function of the distance of the end of the snorkel to the larynx or pharynx, forget which. The C02 accumulates because of the exchange in the breathing in, not in the breathing out. The snorkel is only good for three things: snorkeling, which would be to look down while breathing without moving your head (and maybe diving to get some fish), which is the original reason for having a snorkel, or for swimming in a pool without moving your head to breathe, or for "exercising" your respiratory system (not probable) making it harder to breathe in air (making it easier once you get rid of the darn thing?). billy fanstone
The breathing out through your nose or through the snorkel wouldn't make any difference. The dead space is there anyhow because it is a function of the distance of the end of the snorkel to the larynx or pharynx, forget which. The C02 accumulates because of the exchange in the breathing in, not in the breathing out. The snorkel is only good for three things: snorkeling, which would be to look down while breathing without moving your head (and maybe diving to get some fish), which is the original reason for having a snorkel, or for swimming in a pool without moving your head to breathe, or for "exercising" your respiratory system (not probable) making it harder to breathe in air (making it easier once you get rid of the darn thing?). billy fanstone
