Anti-Fogging Treatments for New Masks. (a comparison of techniques)

[lowviz]

Yeah, sorry. I should have posted updates.



The polymer that I bought doesn't gel as it gets more concentrated, it just gets thicker and thicker and thicker while becoming a more and more miserable slime. HOWEVER, the slightest bit of this super hydrophilic polymer in baby shampoo is showing remarkable promise as a defogging agent.

I still want to gel ammonium hydroxide for all the reasons previously stated. I hesitate to type this, but I'm now looking into the magic stuff they put into disposable baby diapers...

What is the crystalline substance found in disposable diapers?

 

[Umuntu]

I hesitate to type this, but I'm now looking into the magic stuff they put into disposable baby diapers...

Cutting open diapers and re-purposing the gel … hopefully not used ones

 

[lexvil]

Cutting open diapers and re-purposing the gel … hopefully not used ones

Used ones are much cheaper and easy to find, many are presoaked with an ammonia substance.

 

[lowviz]

Used ones are much cheaper and easy to find

Gaaaaaa!

Speaking as a recently new grandparent, pay for a new one. OMG!

 

[АлександрД]

What is the crystalline substance found in disposable diapers?

Hydrogel - Wikipedia or branded name Orbeez https://www.amazon.com/orbeez/s?k=orbeez

 

[Boston Breakwater]

Edit. Manufacturers use different processes, and materials to make mask "Lenses,"
if you will.
Regardless, the factory film on the new lens is susceptible to fogging. I suggest the old tried and true toothpaste....... Colgate.
Because, of it's granular texture it is helpful for removing the factory film. You may have to scrub it a few times (With your fingers, of, course.) for a few dives. Wether, your mask is "New." or new to you....The application of "Colgate." is extremely helpful.
Another, "Minor." occurence is "Temperature." When passing through a Thermocline the change of temperature degree, could potentially fog your mask.
Your body temperature (Face.) can even cause your mask to fog.
What I do, and have done for 20 years is..
Upon entering the water, I crack the seal of my mask and allow approximately 3 Tablespoons of water in my mask.
I have a level line of water, that runs across the bottom of my mask. The amount of water needed will vary by mask, and may not even work with some designs, or low volume mask.
When, and if my mask fogs.....I look down (Without taking my mask off.) keeping it horizontal, I move the water around on the glass.....by tilting my head in whichever direction is necessary.....like butter in a saucepan.
As you descend, and the pressure increases.....the water will be forced out, you may have to crack your mask again, to allow a little more water in.
Personally, I don't like the smell of Anti-fog, and think it's a waste of money.
I also use "Dawn." to clean my mask before diving....typically will last the whole day.
Note* Many Dive equipment manufacturers have been making mask for decades. You would almost think they would remove the film, or spray it with the Super Duper Fog Inhibitor. I don't believe there is anything that is 100%
Cheers.

 

[tridacna]

Hello. When, I enter the water, I crack the seal of my mask and allow approximately 3 Tablespoons of water in my mask.
I have a level line of water, that runs across the bottom of my mask. The amount of water needed will vary by mask, and may not even work with some designs, or low volume mask.
When, and if my mask fogs.....I look down (Without taking my mask off.) keeping it horizontal, I move the water around on the glass.....by tilting my head in whichever direction is necessary.....like butter in a saucepan.
As you descend, and the pressure increases.....the water will be forced out, you may have to crack your mask again, to allow a little more water in.
Personally, I don't like the smell of Anti-fog, and think it's a waste of money.
Cheers.

If you sneak a peek at the previous 650 or so posts in this thread, you may realize why your post is not really helpful.

 

[a878bob]

I'm always skeptical, but willing to try new things when it may solve a problem.

My former Oceanic mask, extremely difficult to get not to fog, burned, dishwasher, scrubed. So I tried submerged in ammonia for a week, buckles disentegrated in my hand. Won't do that again.

New Oceanic mask, in the bag new. With stickers on the glass new.
Dishwasher x 1, filed the inside only with ammonia x 6 days, rinsed, Sea drops b4 dive today, nothing special, one drop, rub in for a minute and rinse.

Perfect! Yep! Perfect! No Fog!

Water temp 46', 1 hr..

 

[stuartv]

I'm always skeptical, but willing to try new things when it may solve a problem.

My former Oceanic mask, extremely difficult to get not to fog, burned, dishwasher, scrubed. So I tried submerged in ammonia for a week, buckles disentegrated in my hand. Won't do that again.

New Oceanic mask, in the bag new. With stickers on the glass new.
Dishwasher x 1, filed the inside only with ammonia x 6 days, rinsed, Sea drops b4 dive today, nothing special, one drop, rub in for a minute and rinse.

Perfect! Yep! Perfect! No Fog!

Water temp 46', 1 hr..

While soaking with ammonia, did you put the whole mask in a container that would contain the ammonia fumes, or what?

 

[a878bob]

I put it in the mask case, wedged it in about halfway so it would stay level and put enough in to cover the glass.