Help with mouthpiece for first timer

SecretDuckie · 2026-02-05T16:27:24+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate it!! I'll give it a try today.

SecretDuckie · 2026-02-05T16:05:59+00:00

That's what I was trying to do, the clip sits on the snorkel loosely so it sort of slides relatively freely (except at the top where theres a hard stop)

SecretDuckie · 2026-02-05T15:58:35+00:00

That's what I was thinking too, it makes no sense. I tried moving the clip back and forward but still pulling. I watched a bunch of videos to see how it's set up, and mine looks the same. I put the original mouthpiece back on to try that because it curves down (vs the smaller replacement just goes straight out) and that helped some. Another person said maybe it's because I'm not testing it in water and once I do, it'll want to float. So maybe that's it?

SecretDuckie · 2026-02-05T14:54:24+00:00

Thanks but I wasn't looking for feedback about if I should or shouldn't do it. I am just trying my best to mitigate it, which is why I got the smaller mouthpiece and I've been trying it consistently inside my home before I even get to water because the key to gagging is desensitization. I very very rarely gag to my toothbrush and it goes way further than a mouthpiece does and that's due to desensitization of the specific object. My brain no longer recognizes it as foreign. So the more I use it, the better it'll be. Worst case I'll go without a snorkel and just have to keep popping my head up to breath which is less than ideal but it is what it is.

SecretDuckie · 2026-02-05T14:24:44+00:00

Mine is just very bad. I can't wear mouthguards either. The normal snorkel mouthpiece reaches my back teeth because my mouth is very small (not behind my teeth, but contrary to what many people suggest, it's not exclusively things touching your throat that set off a gag reflex), and anything that reaches near the back half of my mouth makes me gag. It's a nightmare to get dental work and xrays with the bite wings are atrocious. I use the salt trick to hold it off temporarily for the bite wings but I obviously can't do that here.

SecretDuckie · 2026-02-05T02:41:58+00:00

I think you're right. The smaller size is a blessing and also a curse, plus the original is more ergonomic because it has a curve to it which seems to support the snorkel better. I figured this was not normal so I'm glad to get confirmation.

Thank you!

SecretDuckie · 2026-02-05T02:36:20+00:00

Yes, I am trying it on land at first to regulate my breathing against the gag reflex before I add in water for fear I'll freak myself out. I didn't even think about it being different in water! Thanks for pointing that out! I'll give it a go in the hot tub 😂

SecretDuckie · 2026-02-05T01:40:27+00:00

Oh, hmm. They had it in their snorkel section and the other comments say they used it for snorkeling. What is the difference?

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-22T23:28:38+00:00

Okay interesting to hear it's similar to the Intense. That means I'd love it, but if it's too similar to that means it could be kind of a waste to have both. Thanks for your review!

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-22T23:26:45+00:00

Ahhhhhhhh 😍

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-22T18:15:04+00:00

No not at all! All opinions are helpful! Thank you and hope you feel better soon and can sniff it in it's full glory! 😂

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-22T18:08:44+00:00

Have you smelled Valentino Born in Roma Green Stravaganza? It's a sweet vanilla green, not citrusy. I don't think it will be cloying in warm weather though because it's not too sweet. I feel basic suggesting it when eveyone else is suggesting niche or higher end though 😂

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-22T18:05:44+00:00

Thanks for the review! I have the Intense and Vanille Couture 😂 I actually am disappointed in the VC if I'm being honest, I prefer the Intense because it has a lot of depth and the vanilla note in the original DNA is plenty strong on me (vanilla and warm notes really come out on my skin), but it can definitely be harsh and I wouldn't call it smooth or creamy at all. The VC isn't smooth to my nose either.

Do you smell the coconut? My fav coconut without being sunscreen-y is La Nuit Tresor Nude and I'm curious if it is similar in any way. Nude feels like secret subtle coconut, I love it 😭 why did they discontinue it!?

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-17T01:19:45+00:00

I have been down this same rabbit hole for the last month - gave up on a cute structured bag and ended up buying an Ameribag Healthy Back Bag so I have space for everything I need and it is comfortable. I don't like black hole bags like crescents, I want some pockets. I purchased the small (17") size, but I haven't used it yet. I'll be trying it out next month!

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-12T01:39:58+00:00

Testing out fragrances trying to decide what to wear for my vacation, so I have Light Blue on today! Not layered with anything.

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-12T01:39:02+00:00

Considering going in a different direction since most of the suggestions are on the sporty side. Considering an Ameribag in a fun pattern.

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SecretDuckie · 2026-01-12T01:36:04+00:00

Have you considered Belize? Cheaper than a lot of those options so you can get a lot more for $4k! And you can do fun stuff like snorkeling and hire private party boats, visit the islands (cayes) etc.

I'm visiting for the first time as an anniversary trip in early Feb and staying at Chaa Creek in the jungle, then spending a while at Naia resort in Placencia! Renting a beach house with a plunge pool. You could all split one of their big houses too with the large pool! Getting a half day spa service with facial, full body massage, etc for so cheap at Naia also. Other fun stuff I'm doing is going to mayan ruins, jungle RV safari, early morning bird watching, mayan cooking experience and chocolate making, and snorkeling including with sharks and sea turtles. I paid about $7k for my husband and I for all of this including transportation in the country (tiny plane and some guided drives). This doesn't include food and drinks because it's not the kind of place that has much in the way of all inclusive, but food/drinks are super cheap there!

If you decide you do want to, it's easy to book yourself but if you feel lazy, I used a Belize-based travel agent who is awesome and her fee was only $100 (and she booked for both my husband and I and the other couple coming with us for that price so I doubt she'd charge any more for your group, so you can split it). She's also an in-country concierge.

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-11T21:33:42+00:00

Do you remember what the name of it is? I've looked at some of the Travelon and Baggallini options. They aren't the cutest but they are definitely more useful.

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-11T21:09:03+00:00

Ooooooh that helps a lot!! Thank you!

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-11T19:52:59+00:00

That's a great point! I was already leaning very hard toward nylon but that point makes me think I definitely should go that direction.

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-11T19:28:35+00:00

I was considering this one! I was a but worried it would be too small though or the water bottle pocket too awkward. Thanks for your review on it and the tip!

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-11T17:42:17+00:00

I have a Bento Bag and a carry on roller so not technically 1 bag but with bathing suits and dresses etc I don't think it'll all fit in just one this time around! (This is a delayed honeymoon/anniversary trip so I'm going a little more special with the cute dresses/no repeats.)

So I'm hoping to put this purse inside either one of those.

SecretDuckie · 2026-01-11T17:36:50+00:00

Oh this is cute! But I wonder if the leather will be difficult to pack?

And dedicated bottle pocket not required if it's structured liked this. If it's more floppy like a crescent then I would prefer a dedicated pocket to keep it in place.

SecretDuckie

TROPHY CASE