Why do silicon masks fog more?

[Ted Budion]

I understand the basic physics of the mask fogging: exhaled air warmer
inside mask than the outside [water] temperature :duh . But why do silicon
skirted masks fog much more than the old rubber skirted ones; and some
silicon mask much more than others?

I heard at least 3 different explanations, like static electricity on
lenses makes a silicon by-product migrate to lenses and so on. Does somebody have the definite technical answer? What gives

 

[Jon]

Good question!

In addition I would like to know why my Black Silicone masks fog up more than my clear silicone ones and why my OMER Masks fog up more than my Picasso, Cressi's, Technisub, Dacor and Mares?

Maybe Mark L. can tell us why?

I just know that Every black silicone mask I have ever owned takes twice as long to prep as my clear ones and my OMER masks, which I love, seem to take forever to clean up so that they don't fog everytime I dive with them.


Jon

 

[Huan]

I haven't used a clear mask for several years now so I can't remember if the black ones misted more than the clears skirt or not.
But I remember reading that if you wanted to quickly remove the silicon film from the inside of a mask lens the trick was to run a butane cigarette lighter over the inside of the mask (quickly) and then polish the inside off.
It burns the film off apparently.

 

[Amphibious]

I never have a mask fog. one dip, so rubbed in spit, another dip and on my face it goes....

 

[spaghetti]

my omers (asia and alien) don't fog, but it's true that silicone masks fog more if not prepared, because during the production process some small, invisible residual drops of silicone may remain on the lenses, affecting the thermic "equalization" of glass. This is what I've been taught to do before the first use of a silicone mask:

1 warm-up the lenses with the flame of a lighter to destroy small residual drops of silicone
2 rinse lenses with toothpaste, and leave the toothpaste on the lenses for one whole night, then wash with care the mornign after
3 before diving, spit into lenses, rinse and then wash it all in the sea/lake/pool.
instead of spitting you may use antifogging products: i have a scubapro anti-fog, but spit is for free and even more effective

 

[Jon]

The toothpaste trick is all I've ever needed to use on a clear silicone mask, but the black silicones require more.

I have had luck with running them trough the dishwasher for a cycle or two- without the heat on. I've also had success with soaking them overnight in a de-greaser dishwashing soap.

I've gotten the OMER's clean, eventually, but it always takes more than with my other masks.

Jon

 

[Ted Budion]

IMHO< there's rule on what masks fogs what don't. my Cressi Lince has a tendendy to fog when I don't use much. But get this: the lenses aren't original, they're prescription ones.That's the reason of this story

I tend to agree with Terry Maas, who, in a private mail, said that the release agent on the silicone skirt keeps on fogging. I tried all the tricks, tooth past, spit, detergent, cocoanut soap, shampoo, potato skin--except fire on lenses. The best, is saliva, but its tough, nothing than a detergent would take care of, after toroughly rinse the skirt.

It has to do with the actual manufacturing process. Maybe switching the brand of mold release agent could do the trick, that's why, reportedly some batches of the same mask fogs others don't.

 

[Mr. X]

I haven't tried the flame trick - sounds worth a try. My mask was fine out of the box but a diver pal insisted I give it a good clean with white toothpaste -- I used Colgate & if anything it made things worse! I find I have to give my mask a good clean with dishwashing detergent occasionally to get it clean & stop fogging (we use some environmentally friendly product -- but Fairy Liquid sort of thing). Rather than use spit or expensive anti-mist sprays, I rub a tiny drop of Glycerin around the inside of the mask after cleaning; it seems to work & lasts for a few dives.

Anybody tried the auto product Fog-X (Rain-X is super effective -- removes so much water from your windscreen that it is too dry for windscreen wipers!)?

 

[sickbugs]

i use some good ol fashioned spit, and have never had my mask fog up on me... i use a tusa splendive 2..

 

[Mr. X]

i use some good ol fashioned spit, and have never had my mask fog up on me... i use a tusa splendive 2..

How did you come by the name sickbugs?