How to Stop Glasses Fogging While Wearing a Mask
From today, the SA government have stated that face masks are now mandatory for everyone when outdoors. This is one of the best ways we can overcome this virus, however it can also present some personal challenges!
During the first COVID-19 outbreak earlier in 2020, we’ve come up with some great ways to stop our glasses from fogging up while wearing our face masks.
Here are our top tips!
Sarah's tip: Wash your lenses with soapy water.
This tip was developed when surgeons had problems with their glasses fogging up midway through surgery! Before putting on your face mask, wash your lenses with warm soapy water, and shake off the excess. Let your glasses air dry before you put them on and voila! the soap on your lenses leaves behind a protective film on your glasses that stops the fog from building up. You can read more behind the science here.
Danielle's tip: Tighten your mask.
Your glasses fog up because much of your exhaled air is directed up towards your glasses. When the warm water vapour hits the cool lens, it causes the water to condense and mist up. Tightening your mask so that less air escapes through the top will stop your lenses from fogging up as much. This dentist’s face mask hack is amazing; watch it here!
Jan's tip: Use a mask that moulds to your nose.
Many masks that you buy will have a flexible nose bridge that can be shaped to mould to your nose. This makes the mask fit much better and stops air from escaping through the top of the mask and fogging up your glasses. If your mask does not have one, you can make your own with twist ties or pipe cleaners. You can download instructions on how to make your own mask from the NSW government here.
Martin's tip: Don't forget about your kids!
Most masks that are commercially available only come in the one size, which means they are way too big for little ones. Here’s a video explaining how to best fit a standard adult sized mask for your kids.
One last thing… Get tested
- Get tested if you have symptoms
- Cover when you cough
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay home if sick
- Frequently sanitise your hands
- Disinfect surfaces regularly
- Maintain social distancing
