Nose Clip for Freediving

The Nose Clip in apnea and freediving

The Nose Clip, also known by the English term nose clip, is a specific accessory for apnea and freediving that allows you to close the nostrils without using your fingers. Its main technical function is to allow pressure equalization in the ears during the descent phase, keeping both hands free throughout the dive.

In competitive apnea and technical freediving, using a nose clip is a well-established choice. In disciplines such as Dynamic No Fins (DNF), static apnea (STA), and depth events, keeping the hands free during equalization affects motor coordination, hydrodynamic trim, and overall muscle relaxation. During pool training sessions or open-water sessions, the Nose Clip also reduces the management load associated with manual equalization, allowing greater focus on swimming technique and breath control.

Deep Blue’s Nose Clip category brings together selected models from technical brands specialized in the freediving sector, with solutions that differ in material, pad system, design, and included accessories.

Types of Nose Clips available

The Nose Clips in this category are divided into three distinct construction families, differentiated mainly by the frame material and the nose contact system.

Aluminum Nose Clips with interchangeable pads. The C4 Zeta ALU features a system of interchangeable soft rubber pads, supplied in four different variants to adapt comfort and grip to individual nose morphology and sensitivity preferences. The Cetma Double-C is also made of aluminum alloy and has a shaped double-curve structure from which the body profile takes its name. The contact system uses felt cushions that distribute clamping pressure across the nasal surface. 

PEEK Nose Clips with interchangeable pads. The C4 Zeta PLASTIC and C4 Flow PLASTIC are made of PEEK (Polyetheretherketone); both models use the same interchangeable soft rubber pad system found on the ALU version: four different types by shape and surface finish. The C4 Zeta Plastic is available in three colors (Black, Gray, Blue) and is supplied with a protective case and lanyard. The C4 Flow Plastic stands out for a different structural design compared to the Zeta, with a profile designed to minimize hydrodynamic bulk.

Plastic Nose Clips with adjustable strap. The Mares Nose Clip is made of plastic with a compact ergonomic profile. The attachment system is based on an integrated adjustable strap that allows the nose clip to be worn directly on the nose or on the mask frame, making it compatible with both modes of use. It is a lightweight, low-profile solution.

How to choose a nose clip for apnea

Frame material. Aluminum and PEEK models offer greater structural rigidity than standard plastic, with stable and predictable clamping force over time. The 6082 Anticorodal aluminum of the C4 Zeta ALU and the alloy of the Cetma Double-C ensure good mechanical strength with low weight. The PEEK used for the C4 Zeta Plastic and C4 Flow Plastic adds further chemical resistance and certified biocompatibility to these characteristics, with slightly lower mass for the same structural volume. The plastic Mares Nose Clip is the lightest and most compact model, suitable for versatile use.

Pad system and adaptability to nose morphology. The C4 models are equipped with four types of interchangeable soft rubber pads, differentiated by profile (rounded or flat) and surface finish (raised dots or crossed grooves). This variability makes it possible to find the combination that ensures optimal sealing on a specific nose shape without creating excessive localized pressure. The Cetma Double-C uses felt cushions as the interface element, a material that distributes pressure over a larger surface than direct rigid contact. The Mares Nose Clip does not include interchangeable pads, but the ergonomic body profile adapts through the natural flex of the material.

Use with or without a mask. The Mares Nose Clip is specifically equipped with an adjustable strap for attachment to the mask frame, making it suitable for freedivers who use a mask and prefer to position the clip on the frame before the dive. The C4 models and the Cetma Double-C are worn directly on the nose, with the lanyard serving as a safety system to prevent loss in the water.

Materials and technical features

The materials used in nose clips for apnea must meet specific requirements: dimensional stability in water, resistance to corrosion in saltwater environments, comfort in contact with the skin, and mechanical durability with repeated use.

6082 Anticorodal aluminum is an aluminum-silicon-magnesium alloy with good mechanical strength and moderate corrosion resistance. Suitable for use in saltwater with normal post-use rinsing maintenance.

PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) is a thermoplastic polymer. Its technical characteristics include tensile strength, chemical stability in seawater and saline solutions, and recognized biocompatibility in applications in contact with the skin.

The soft rubber pads on C4 models function as a deformable interface between the rigid clip frame and the nasal tissue. The four available variants address differences in the shape of the nasal septum and subjective preference for contact pressure distribution. 

The felt cushions of the Cetma Double-C are an alternative to rubber pads: felt is a compressible material that adapts to the contact surface, distributing force over a larger area than a rigid element. They are included in the original kit and contribute to comfort during long sessions.

Practical use

The Nose Clip is used in three main contexts: pool training, open-water freediving sessions, and apnea competitions.

In the pool, during static apnea, complete arm relaxation is made easier by not having to manually manage the nostrils, while in dynamic events with and without fins, having the hands free helps maintain hydrodynamic trim without interrupting the swim cycle.

In open water, the Nose Clip is used mainly in depth disciplines, where equalization must be performed continuously and repeatedly during descent. Techniques such as Frenzel equalization and the Frenzel-Fattah maneuver require precise control of pressure in the nasal cavities through tongue and laryngeal movements, without the need to use the hands. The stability of the nose clip on the nose in the presence of currents or swimming movements is therefore an important requirement in this context.

Available brands

C4 Carbon is an Italian brand specialized in the production of technical equipment for apnea and freediving. The C4 nose clip line includes three models — Zeta ALU, Zeta Plastic, and Flow Plastic — which differ in frame material (6082 Anticorodal aluminum or PEEK) and construction profile. A feature common to the entire line is the interchangeable soft rubber pad system in four variants, the included protective case, and the replaceable lanyard.

Cetma is an Italian brand of technical equipment for apnea. The Double-C model is characterized by its double-curve shaped aluminum alloy frame and felt cushions as the interface element with the nose. It is available in four colors and comes with a case, cord lock, and safety lanyard.

Mares is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of underwater equipment. The Mares Nose Clip is a compact plastic solution with an adjustable strap, available in black, suitable for those looking for a versatile accessory to use with or without a mask.

Conclusion

Deep Blue’s Nose Clip category offers a selection of nose clips for apnea and freediving covering three distinct construction families. The C4 Zeta ALU, C4 Zeta Plastic, and C4 Flow Plastic models stand out for their interchangeable pad system in four variants, protective case, and replaceable lanyard. The Cetma Double-C in aluminum alloy with a double-curve structure and felt cushions offers a technical solution with a complete kit. The plastic Mares Nose Clip with adjustable strap completes the selection with a compact and versatile option.

The key difference between the available models lies in the frame material, the nose interface system, and the included accessories—parameters that guide the choice according to type of use, training frequency, and individual nose morphology.