How to Keep Your Scuba Diving Mask from Fogging

Mask Defogging
11 Nov 2017

How to Keep Your Scuba Diving Mask from Fogging

Every year, over 3 million people participate in scuba diving in the US. Regardless of experience level, every diver deals with fogging on their scuba diving mask at some point. A fogged mask not only limits visibility, but it also serves as a distraction for newer divers. Mask fogging is a result of condensation. Since warm air holds more water vapor than cool air, the vapor condenses into droplets when exposed to the cool air near the lens. Keep reading to find out the best ways to avoid scuba mask fog during your next dive!

Purchase Commercial Mask Defog

If you want a treatment that can last you several dives, commercial defog agents are your best bet. They’re also specifically designed to prevent mask fogging. Always follow the instructions printed on the package. Use your fingers, not fabric, when applying the solution on the inside lens. Rinse the solution off with water once you’re done. Make sure you avoid touching the lens after rinsing. Also, clean your fingers before applying the defog agent. Try Baby Shampoo. If you don’t want to invest in defogging agents, check to see if you have any baby shampoo lying around the house. It can serve as a fairly inexpensive defog solution. Baby shampoo is preferable to standard shampoo because it reduces eye sting. On top of that, it’s also biodegradable and comes in smaller bottles that are easier to bring on a boat. Squeeze out two or three drops of the shampoo and begin to rub the solution on the inside lens with your fingers. After rubbing thoroughly, rinse the scuba diving mask to remove any shampoo.

Exhale Through Your Mouth

Breathing through your nose introduces a steady supply of warm, humid air into your mask, as air from the lungs has a relative humidity of 100%. For this reason, you need to avoid exhaling through your nose if you want to keep your mask free of fog. You should only breathe through your nose when attempting to clear your mask.Do your best to inhale and exhale through your mouth while underwater. This will reduce condensation especially if you are diving in NJ waters.

Clean New Masks With Toothpaste

Even if you buy the best scuba diving mask, you’re not safe from condensation. New masks tend to have residue on the lens, which can cause them to fog up. While you can use commercial cleaners, toothpaste works too. Choose a basic toothpaste that doesn’t have any whitening ingredients because this can cause damage to the lens. Apply plenty of toothpaste on the mask and rub it gently. Then wash it off with water.

Use Your Spit

While it may seem odd, spit is actually one of the most effective ways to prevent mask fogging. Best of all, it won’t cost you a dime. Once you’ve built up enough saliva in your mouth, simply spit on the inside of your mask. Again, use your fingers to rub your spit on the lens. Rinse it off when you’ve applied it to the entire lens.When using spit, don’t rinse your mask in the rinse bucket. This can get other people on the boat sick.

Final Thoughts on Preventing Scuba Diving Mask Fogging

When applying anything to your mask, make sure your fingers are free of any oils, including sunscreen. Otherwise, all your efforts to prevent fogging may go to waste. Some may suggest burning your lens in to remove the coating. Avoid doing this on your own, as it can damage your mask. Try the safer methods outlined above instead.

If you want to learn more or sharpen your scuba skills, feel free to contact us today!