Abstract: In a first embodiment, a bilateral snorkel apparatus is shown. The bilateral snorkel consists of two tubes connected to a user's mouthpiece at one end and to each other at opposite ends at the back of the user's head. Lateral movement of the snorkel tubes is thus avoided by virtue of the increased rigidity of the tube arrangement. Lateral movement of the mask is also avoided by virtue of connecting the two tubes at the back of the user's head. In a second embodiment, a switchable mouth/nose breathing system is also disclosed. Switching between the mouth and nose is accomplished through a mouth operated hydraulic bladder which enables nose bladders/pads to close the user's nostrils. In a third embodiment, a hydraulically activated valve is illustrated for switching air circulation respectively between the mouth, the nose or for allowing combined mouth/nose breathing.