09/08/2022
New Mask Preparation and 'Fogging' prevention
There are many reasons why a mask fogs up during a dive, one of which is it was not prepared properly after purchase. All new masks have a thin layer of silicone on the inside of the lenses, a result of manufacturing. The first step is to remove this.
1. Some divers will tell you that you should try and burn the silicone off with a lighter or match. This actually causes the silicone to reform on the lens, making it harder and more resilient. Thus harder to remove. The heat from the lighter can also cause the lens to heat up and deform the seals, causing leaks.
2. Get some white toothpaste, the gritty type, not gel and place a small amount on each lens (interior). Rub the toothpaste all over the lens firmly so that it covers the lens. You can let it dry. With clean hands rinse the tooth paste off completely with fresh water including any that may have accumulated around the seals. Once done, clean and dry with a cloth and store in the manufacturers box, out of direct sunlight. You may need to repeat the application and removal of toothpaste several times. Just remember to make sure its dry before each repeat. In fact we would recommend doing it several times anyway.
3. Training in a chlorinated pool can also lead to a build up of chemicals that cause fogging. Always ensure you clean using the toothpaste method after being in the pool.
4. Prior to each dive remember to clean your mask inside. Some people use baby oil, others toothpaste. The toothpaste method works best. In the COVID/Post Covid age we no longer use spit. Not even on our own masks.
5. Another cause of fogging is exhaling through the nose. The air coming from your lungs is body temp, warmer than the sea/water you are diving in. Like breathing on glass, this will cause fogging. So try and breath less through your nose.
6. If fogging occurs during the dive, simply flood the mask with a little water to clear the mask lens and then clear the water as you were taught. This is one of the several reasons we teach you how to clear your mask.
7. To prevent mould growing on your mask, wash it thoroughly with warm soapy water, dry thoroughly before storing it in the mask case. Properly maintained a mask can last for years.
Remember...Toothpaste not Spit
