My favorite mask 👉 https://amzn.to/3KJaXn5 (Hollis M1 Mask)Find your Perfect Mask ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6psyyfcND2g&pp=ygUMY2lyY2xlaHNjdWJhBest Mask Scrub 🤿 https://amzn.to/42CaCZW (Gear Aid Sea Buff) Best Defog Solution 🔗 https://amzn.to/3pEcyTc (Stream2Sea)
Has the annoyance of a foggy mask ever ruined your scuba diving experience? You are not alone. A foggy mask can turn any dive into a frustrating endeavor. However, by properly prepping and maintaining your mask, you can prevent this issue from happening again. In this blog post, we will delve into the steps you can take to ensure a clear view on every dive.
I am Thomas Hughes, a professional scuba instructor, bringing you insights on scuba education, equipment, experiences, and environmental awareness. Here, we will specifically focus on how to prevent your mask from fogging.
Mask fog can indeed be troublesome. Some divers try to clear the fog temporarily by letting a bit of water into their mask and swishing it around. But this fix is only temporary, and let's face it, you don't want to have to do this over and over again every few minutes while you're diving. Luckily, there are two steps you can take to prevent this: prepping your mask properly and using defog.
When you buy a new mask, the manufacturer typically applies a protective film to the lens to prevent scratches or damage during transit. If this film isn't removed properly before your first dive, it can cause constant hot spots of foggy areas all over your mask. Here are three well-known techniques for prepping your mask.
Toothpaste Method: Apply a pea-sized drop of toothpaste on each side of the lens, using your finger to work it in all the crevices. Rinse the mask thoroughly, ensuring all the toothpaste is removed, and let it dry. To test, hold the mask up to your face, breathe a little hot air onto the lens, and look for foggy spots. If any appear, reapply toothpaste and scrub again.
Lighter Method: This technique involves burning off the film on the lens. You should exercise extreme caution as this can potentially damage the mask if not done correctly. Avoid holding the lighter too long in one spot and stay away from the skirt to prevent burning a hole in your mask.
Commercial Cleaner: Commercial products such as Sea Buff by Gear Aid work well to clean and remove the film from the mask. The application process is similar to the toothpaste method. However, these products are typically more expensive and don't necessarily outperform the toothpaste method.
After prepping your mask, it's important to maintain it before each dive. Applying a little bit of defog can go a long way. Here are a few options for defog solutions:
Saliva: Yes, your spit can prevent the mask from fogging. However, there have been instances where divers have developed eye infections, likely from spitting in their masks.
Baby Shampoo: A no-tears, fragrance-free baby shampoo diluted with water can work well as a cleaner and a defog solution.
Commercial Defog Solution: Brands like Stream2Sea and GearAid offer defog solutions that are not overly expensive and last a long time.
Remember, a foggy mask can not only be annoying but also unsafe. It can cause you to miss things on the dive and create an unenjoyable experience. By following these simple steps, you can prevent your mask from fogging and make the most of your diving experience. Happy diving!