Another mask fog fix

[Narcd_dvr]

I've got prescription lenses glued to my mask and defog, spit or toothpaste doesn't prevent fogging. However, what I've found that works great, is when I first use a mask scrub and then the mask defog.

 

[pescador775]

Pesky,
Thanks for the baby shampoo tip.
I had a buddy who had a Scuba Pro mask from hell that just would not stay "clean." I decided to take on the task and clean it for him. I went through the usual process of scrubbing the mask with Ajax, toothpaste, shampoo etc making sure that I cleaned the lens, skirt, strap…every square inch of the mask inside and out. Well, it worked but for only one day of diving. Then he was right back to looking through the fog. We finally discovered that he was using a Armor All on his regulator hoses and a few other items and was cross contaminating his mask after handling his other gear. Odd thing that he never had a problem with his older mask with a black rubber skirt.


couv

I have two, oval masks (vintage) made by different companies and neither of these masks fog up, not ever. I have a new Champion from France but haven't tried it yet. However, my cleaning/fog tests look good for this mask.

If anybody can remember the specific brand and type of toothpaste that works on a silicone mask I would appreciate hearing about it.

 

[Teamcasa]

I have found that in the case of my lovely bride's mask, a ScubaPro, if we leave it in the sealed case for more than a few days, it requires significant cleaning to prevent fogging. Now, after diving and cleaning, we leave it out of the hard case until it time to pack the gear and go diving. Baby shampoo and a quick rinse - waa laa, no more fogging. My mask never seems to fog, clean or dirty, go figure! Spit and away I go!

Dave

 

[KYDan]

I've seen two products that use a silicon base. Trident makes one, and I don't know the manufactuer of a product called "Fog Off."

The second product says to apply it (to a dry surface?) and buff until clear. It reminds me of the instructions for the Rain-ex product. Not that I'd want to put Rain-ex near my eyes. I've heard that Fog Off seems to work well.

I have no interest in either product. I'm just relaying what I heard. My spit works just fine. My sweetie's doesn't work at all. Your saliva my vary.

KYDan

 

[Couv]

Pesky,

Just plain toothpaste, like Colgate Regular; no gel or additives. The cheap stuff you get in the free airline kit.

couv

 

[Couv]

I have found that in the case of my lovely bride's mask, a ScubaPro, if we leave it in the sealed case for more than a few days, it requires significant cleaning to prevent fogging. Now, after diving and cleaning, we leave it out of the hard case until it time to pack the gear and go diving. Baby shampoo and a quick rinse - waa laa, no more fogging. My mask never seems to fog, clean or dirty, go figure! Spit and away I go!

Dave

Teamcasa,

Have you tried cleaning the mask case as well? There may be a preservative that was applied to it or residue left over from the mask.

couv

 

[Teamcasa]

Teamcasa,

Have you tried cleaning the mask case as well? There may be a preservative that was applied to it or residue left over from the mask.

couv

Yep, but plastic seems to off-gas for some time. It's not a real problem any more but it was a real issue when the mask and box were new.


Dave

 

[pescador775]

Finally, I found the answer. The Promate frameless mask will no longer fog whatsoever, all day. The baby shampoo was good but would only last an hour. That was not what I wanted; for, when freediving, I stay in the water 2-3 hours. As you remember, the other stuff, toothpaste, etc, had no beneficial effect whatsoever. The mask would not "break in" and a spit rinse just caused more fog. Not now.

I swabbed the lens with Star Brite Liquid Rubbing Compound, polished it out and rinsed, and rinsed. Then, the mask was dried and aired for 24 hours. (the stuff has an odor). I did the hot breath test and there was partial fog. Oh, well. Then, I spit rinsed and tested. Result, no fog at all, nada. I dived with the mask two full days with just a spit rinse at the start of the day. Great.

 

[Couv]

..snip

I swabbed the lens with Star Brite Liquid Rubbing Compound, ... Then, I spit rinsed and tested. Result, no fog at all, nada. I dived with the mask two full days with just a spit rinse at the start of the day. Great.

Pesky,

Is this automotive paint rubbing compound?

thanks,

couv

 

[The_DivePirate]

Yep, but plastic seems to off-gas for some time. It's not a real problem any more but it was a real issue when the mask and box were new.


Dave

Yes plastic and silicone off gas for a long time. It seems that manufacturers send the masks right out after making them, some LDS's have them in stock for awhile which seems too help in the off gassing proccess, so when you get a mask that has sat around for awhile it may have less issues. The idea of letting it set out of the case would help. I usually start by using the toothpaste, scrubbing it in quite well then letting it dry up some, then scrubbing it again. The paste will again get moist and scrub in again quite well. I do this a couple of times and that usually works. I only use baby shampoo after that, leaving a slight film in the mask seems too work well. I don't use j&j's, just the generic stuff it works well and I'm cheap.