This Fogging Mask

Text by Nicolene Olckers

If there is one thing, any diver will tell you, they hate a flooded mask. This skill taught in the beginner phase of scuba diving has had many a diver reconsider becoming a diver. Some more experienced divers, however, will tell you that this is not the only irritation.
After a mask has flooded, there is the additional nuisance of having it continue to fog up because the defogging liquid – usually saliva – has been rinsed off. The diver needs to keep flooding the mask deliberately during the dive to rinse the fog off the inside lens or endure a disappointing hazy dive. And that's when being a master at the mask-flood-and-clear skill will serve you well. You might not enjoy the dive as much,but you will at least be able to see the whaleshark you have wanted to see since learning to dive.

WHY IT HAPPENS
During manufacturing and assembly, the producers of your valuable window to the underwater world use a silicon spray to protect the glass and flexible silicon rubber components. Due to this 'greasy' protection, your mask will need proper cleaning and preparation before taking it on a dive.

PRE DIVE CARE
Every diver will have their bit of advice. Your main goal is to remove the grease from the glass. Not doing this will cause the mask to fog up. New or beginner divers might find this stressful as they are unable to see the environment clearly and/or dread performing the mask flood-and-clear skill they were taught during the open water course.

If you bought a new mask, you could try one of the following methods to degrease the inside of the lens.

THE MINTY
Unpack your mask, i.e., take it out of the packaging.
DO NOT DUNK IT IN WATER AT THIS STAGE!
Use plain white, whitening (which has polishing granules) toothpaste and add two small buds to each lens on the inside. If you have a single lens mask, just add two dots– one left and one on the right-hand side.

The spitting trick doesn't work if you dunk the mask before applying the saliva.
You might have to repeat the toothpaste procedure once or twice to degrease the glass. It may seem a little gross, but it works!
Without adding water rub the toothpaste to cover the lens with your finger. Make small circular movements and use a little force.Continue rubbing until the paste becomes sticky or dry. Let the paste dry out overnight or– if you are a bit rushed – at least for a few hours. Once it has dried, dip your finger in water and polish the paste until it is crumbled.If you find the corners filled with toothpaste,you can use a toothbrush to remove the remaining paste. Then let the mask dry completely.

ONCE YOU USE THE MASK
Collect some saliva in your mouth and spit onto the dry mask. Spread it over the inside of the lens. Leave as is and rinse briefly right before donning it on your face.
NOTE:

• The spitting trick is void should you dunk the mask before applying the saliva.
• You might have to repeat the toothpaste procedure once or twice to get the perfectly degreased glass
• Some find this technique a little grouse.

THE BABY
You can use baby shampoo to prepare the mask similarly. Two small dabs of soap are used to cover the dry mask lens. From there, you would rinse it lightly before donning it. This does not always keep the fogging at bay, but perhaps I am just doing it wrong!
NOTE

• If you rinse it too well, the mask will fog up,and you must resort to the flooding manoeuvre during the dive.
• You might also find that although the shampoo manufacturer states that it will not burn your eyes if you accidentally getthis into your oglers. It isn't enjoyable.
• Getting a soapy taste in your mouth that stays for the duration of the dive is also not very pleasant.
• You will always need to pack the container when diving to protect your mask.

THE BUSH WASH
This one is very effective if done correctly and when you are in isolated places or have not done any preparation between purchasing and using your new mask. You would use approximately a quarter teaspoon of liquid dish washing soap mixed with the finest beach sand or earthy soil to perform "the Minty". The degreasing liquid soap and sand will need to be adequately rinsed from your new mask as it can be irritating should it get in your eyes.From here, you will do the spit routine again or use the baby shampoo.

NOTE
This one worked very well for me while I worked in Mozambique.

BURN IT, BABY
WARNING! This technique can damage your mask's silicone rubber skirt /seal if done incorrectly.
You need a cigarette lighter, but not one with a blowtorch-like flame. Be sure to guide the flame touching the inside of the lens carefully.The flame should leave a black residue due to the burnt protective oil/grease layer. Take care not to burn the rubber skirt of your mask! Once you have completed the burn, leave the mask to cool down. Wipe away the black, sooty
matter with tissue paper or wash it with soap.From here, you can use the baby shampoo or the spitting technique to keep the fog at bay.
NOTE

• Do not dunk the mask in cold water immediately after heating the lens with the flame. It might shatter the glass.
• Be careful not to burn/scorch the rubber skirt,the manufacturer made it perfectly flexible,and in some masks, these are very thin.
  
  

THE MASK
Purchasing a mask is a personal preference.The mask should fit you. It might look like they are one-size-fits-all, but they are all different.You will need to be comfortable with it. Some masks will need a few breaths to clear while others would require half a breath – low volume or -high profile masks. They come in fashionable colours or with transparent rubber skirts, allowing more light around your view. Some divers, specifically photographers, prefer blacked skirted masks as this will enable them to see the image on the camera better. For some divers, the black skirted mask might feel like they have tunnel vision

AFTER THE DIVE
Wash your mask in clean water and leave it out to dry before storing it in a protective container. If you lost the container or never had one, the most straightforward alternative is to tuck the mask in the foot pocket of one of your fins.

CONCLUSION
Because your mask is your window to view the underwater world, having a good, comfortable, fog-free visor is non-negotiable. You will want clear glass through which to see all those magical creatures. It is the key to having great underwater memories. After all, seeing is believing.