Scuba divers around the world are buzzing about Airmatic Technology, Mares’ revolutionary new approach to breathing underwater. But what exactly is Airmatic, and why is it being called a “once-in-a-century innovation”? This blog dives deep into the technology behind the Mares PLANET 88X TBP, explaining how it works and why it will change the way divers experience air underwater.
What is Airmatic Technology?
Traditional second stage regulators rely on mechanical springs to control airflow. While this has worked for decades, springs introduce resistance, wear over time, and complexity in maintenance.
Airmatic Technology replaces these springs with a pneumatic valve system powered by intermediate pressure from the first stage. This means airflow is controlled without mechanical resistance, giving divers what Mares calls Natural Breathing 2.0 – a sensation so effortless, divers describe it as “air as if it were simply there.”
In simple terms: Airmatic allows your lungs to do the work naturally, while the regulator responds perfectly to your breathing without any spring tension or mechanical interference.
How Does Airmatic Work?
At the heart of Airmatic is a simplified upstream pneumatic design. Unlike conventional regulators, the internal second stage has only three core components:
- Seat: The interface for airflow control.
- Rubber Sealing Pad: Maintains airtight closure when not in use.
- O-ring: Ensures consistent pressure and leak-free performance.
When you inhale, intermediate pressure pushes the valve open, allowing air to flow naturally. When you exhale or stop inhaling, the valve closes automatically. There are no springs to compress or adjust, reducing wear and providing consistent, effortless breathing every dive.
Why Airmatic is Revolutionary
- Effortless Breathing: Divers experience seamless airflow, even at depth or in strong currents.
- Reduced Mechanical Complexity: Fewer parts mean fewer potential failures and more reliable performance over time.
- Low Maintenance: At recommended service intervals (two years or 200 dives), only the sealing pad and O-ring need replacement – no spring adjustments or tuning required.
- Cold Water Ready: Combined with Mares’ all-metal construction, Airmatic ensures stable performance in icy conditions.
- Durable Design: With minimal moving parts, the system is highly resistant to wear and tear.
Airmatic and Natural Breathing 2.0
Natural Breathing 2.0 is more than just a tagline – it’s the actual experience of breathing underwater without effort. Airmatic achieves this by:
- Eliminating mechanical resistance from springs
- Maintaining a smooth, direct airflow path (enhanced by Mares’ Vortex Assisted Design – VAD)
- Ensuring stability at all depths and in variable water conditions
The result is a regulator that feels intuitive, responsive, and natural – whether you’re exploring a shallow reef or a deep wreck.
Tested, Proven, and Ready for Divers
Airmatic Technology has undergone over two years of testing across thousands of dives worldwide. Early adopters report:
- Smooth, consistent airflow under all conditions
- No sudden resistance or pressure fluctuations
- Easy maintenance and long-lasting performance
It’s a system engineered not just for performance, but for reliability, comfort, and simplicity – a combination rarely achieved in traditional regulators.
Why This Matters for Divers
Airmatic Technology is designed for divers who expect the highest level of performance, comfort, and safety underwater. Whether you are:
- A recreational diver exploring tropical reefs
- A technical diver in deep, cold water
- A professional diver needing reliable, low-maintenance gear
…Airmatic ensures every breath is effortless and natural.
Looking Ahead
While the Mares PLANET 88X TBP is the first regulator system to showcase Airmatic Technology, the principles behind it represent a new era of regulator design. Expect more innovations built around pneumatic control and simplified, durable systems that make diving more intuitive and enjoyable.
Learn More About Airmatic Technology
- Experience it firsthand: Available at Mike’s Dive Store from 12 December 2025.
- Book a video consultation: Speak with our diving experts about how Airmatic can improve your underwater experience. - Book Now
- Stay updated: Sign up for diving news and Mares technology updates.
Airmatic Technology isn’t just a feature – it’s a revolution in underwater breathing. Dive into the future with effortless, natural, and reliable airflow.
