To see or not to see that is the question

[scubasteven45]

What should I use on a new mask to prevent it from defogging? Some say spit others say commercial stuff and a few say toothpaste but that may scratch the lens. Thanks for the help.

[Zenagirl]

New mask always needs to have the film removed from the lens. Most people use toothpaste (not gel) to do that, rubbing firmly with a finger at least once. I do that then run the mask through the dishwasher with the dry cycle off.

As for defog while diving, you might have to experiment to see what you like. Some people use spit, though I've never found that to work for me, so if I'm on a boat, I use the defog they provide (usually baby shampoo/water in a spray bottle), and for shore diving I use a commercial defog (since I don't shore dive much).

When we go to Bonaire next summer and shore dive a lot for 2 weeks, I'm going to take a sample sized bottle of baby shampoo with me and a small empty spray bottle and mix my own defog.

[Phestr]

The toothpaste has always worked for me and my crew, and we all use baby shampoo for defog. Not cut with water, a small drop directly, spread around and rinsed off. Zenagirl, those sample bottles should last you several trips, mine has lasted 20+ dives.

[WV Diver]

I have been using the Baby shampoo and water, half and half for a long time. It is much, much cheaper than any commercial product and does at least as good a job and better than some.

[namabiru]

Yep. Toothpaste to the inside to start with. I find defog doesn't work so well for me, so I prefer good old spit.

I also have this thing where even though I'll clean my mask and get it ready before I get in the water, I always have to do it again after I splash. So while I'm peddling to the mooring line or waiting for my buddy, I clean my mask again and it's all set.

[finflippers]

Toothpaste to get off the film on a new mask.

For defogging I use one drop of Dawn dish washing detergent in each lens and rub it to a thin coat inside and out and let it dry in while I am getting my gear ready. Once in the water I just dip the mask (no rubbing) and it is good to go. I have tried the commercial stuff but it usually fogs up when I hit the first thermocline.

[namabiru]

Originally Posted by finflippers

I have tried the commercial stuff but it usually fogs up when I hit the first thermocline.

Do you know I have the same darn problem with the commercial stuff? I don't buy it. I only have a container because it came as a comp. item with my mask from ST.

I suppose each person is different, but I really just find spit to be the most effective.

[wxboy911]

I used the paste to get the lenses ready and now I have a travel sized baby shampoo dive gear. I have also used the 500psi mask defog and it worked well for me.

[finflippers]

Originally Posted by wxboy911

I used the paste to get the lenses ready and now I have a travel sized baby shampoo dive gear. I have also used the 500psi mask defog and it worked well for me.

I have tried the 500psi and it makes my stick on magnifying lenses come loose.

[finflippers]

Originally Posted by namabiru

Do you know I have the same darn problem with the commercial stuff? I don't buy it. I only have a container because it came as a comp. item with my mask from ST.

I suppose each person is different, but I really just find spit to be the most effective.

I used to just spit in mine but find myself still having to flood my mask during the dive to be able to see. Since I switched to using Dawn dish washing detergent I have not had any fog ups.