Regulators

Regulators FAQ

Regulators form an important part of your scuba diving equipment.  These practical devices regulate the air and gases from the tank and convert them into air that you can breathe.  You cannot just breathe air straight from the tank as it is under intense pressure so the regulator is essential.

To help you learn more about how regulators work and why you need them here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

1.  How do regulators work?

Regulators connect straight to your air tank and typically have two pressure chambers.  These process the high pressured air coming out of your tank and decrease the pressure. This means the pressurised air can be reduced from 3,000 psi (pounds per square inch) to around just 150 psi.  Regulators also control the air coming out of the tank.  This means air will only be released when you breathe in using the regulator.  This prevents any wastage and ensures the tank lasts a long a possible.

2.  What is a balanced regulator?

Regulators can compensate for pressure decreases are you change depth and also as the gas in the tank runs lower.  Balanced regulators deliver a constant rate of air during your dive session.  This means that no matter how low the tank gets or how deep you dive you should still be able to breathe easily.  Unbalanced regulators do not do this and so you as dive deeper and the pressure in the tank decreases it can become much more difficult to breathe from your tank.

3. Do I need a backup breather?

Backup breathers are an important safety option when you are on a longer dive.  They provide you with an additional supply of air should your main tank run out.  These backup breathers also have their own regulators so if anything should happen to your primary regulator you would still have an air supply to use until you have made your way back to the surface safely.

4. Why do I get jaw fatigue using my regulator?

You will need to grip your regulator in your mouth to keep it in place.  This means on a longer dive jaw fatigue can be a problem.  You can reduce jaw fatigue by making sure the mouthpiece to your regulator is comfortable and fits you properly.  If the mouthpiece is too large or small it can be awkward and you may have to grip it quite tightly causing more pronounced jaw fatigue.  If the mouthpiece is causing rubbing around your mouth you should consider choosing a silicone design.  These are softer and easier to grip than rubber options and can be much kinder on your mouth.