How to stop your glasses fogging up in winter?
Why do my glasses fog up?
Before diving in, it’s important to understand why ski goggles fog up in the first place. Science is very simple.
When warm, moist moisture penetrates the glasses and comes in contact with the cool lenses, the water vapor condenses into droplets and accumulates. Many of the tips below are aimed at maximizing ventilation to reduce moisture entering the goggles and minimizing temperature differences between the inside of the lens and the outside environment. Includes proper drying and storage techniques to maintain the anti-fog coating.
When we think of wearing sport masks and goggles in wintertime, “comfort” is usually not the first word that comes to mind. In fact, the pairing is often downright uncomfortable. Wearing both often results in fogged up goggles, soggy masks, and sore noses and ears.
The question becomes “How do we make it easier to head out and enjoy our favorite wintertime activities and sports?” We, for one, don’t want to forgo the outdoors and stay stuck inside.
A NAROO employee said, “I need to be sure that my sports accessories work well and get the job done while I’m exercising. My wintertime comfort necessities include the need for a mask with anti-fogging properties, UV protection for my skin, regulation of warm and cold air, quick evaporation of moisture, blocking the frigid wind, and keeping my face, head, neck, and ears warm. In a few words, it needs to be comfortable and breathable. Oh, and stylish. It needs to match my outfit.”
Well, that is no short list of demands for one accessory. Let’s break down what can be done about wintertime struggles.
How do I deal with foggy glasses and goggles?
Winter sports aficionados and professionals all over are familiar with the issues that come with pairing glasses or goggles with a mask. The two together often result in foggy glasses (or goggles) that make it impossible to see and can be dangerous when driving or performing an activity. We have seen plenty of solutions on the internet, one of which is washing your glasses with soap and wiping with a glasses cloth. While this may (or may not) be effective, it isn’t tested and proven. Those are needed for an athlete’s safety. It’s simpler and more reliable to invest in a face mask that has been engineered and tested to function that way, like the Z5H. This is a mask geared towards all weather activity and engineered to prevent fogging.
Bonus: At NAROO, there are masks that are specifically designed for wearing glasses. Their structure is developed to emit the air around the mouth, not the gap between the nose and the goggles, thus minimizing humidity and fogging.
Will I really be able to breathe more easily with a mask in the wintertime?
Yes!
Sometimes when we put on a sports face shield, just the feeling of cloth covering our noses and mouths is restrictive and extremely uncomfortable. It’s often paired with a fear that we won’t be able to breathe. But a mask like the Z5H can actually aid our breathing rather than stifle it. Without a mask, we breathe in cold air which our lungs struggle to process. The Z5H helps warm the air going into the lungs, thereby helping us with oxygen intake. With a nose clip and special stitching to customize the mask to your face, head, and neck needs, it is a much more comfortable exercise experience than breathing in blistering cold air.
I can’t wear my mask and my goggles comfortably together.
Some may say that the two cannot be used at the same time because the mask may cause the goggles to slip, cause ear and nose discomfort, or fog our lenses.
The solution here is fit and shape. The mask you wear needs to fit your face shape well in order for your goggles to sit comfortably beside or atop it. The mask you choose should be moldable to the bridge of your nose and sit nicely against your cheeks for the perfect mask and goggle pairing. And, the mask you choose should allow the arms of your glasses to fit snugly inside, keeping them in place.
I need a washable mask that does more than one thing.
Many masks on the market are becoming more than one-trick-ponies so that they can accommodate the multiple needs of their wearers. NAROO stands out in that market in that it emphasizes the functionality of its masks in its research and testing. Take again the Z5H. Not only is it an anti-fog mask, but it also protects you up to 99% from UV rays. The fabric is moisture-wicking, which means even if you sweat, it will evaporate quickly. No soggy masks. This is what athletes need, a single solution so that they can focus on the game while the mask focuses on protecting them.
All that is great…but do anti-fog masks look good?
We take fashion as seriously as we take functionality. What good is a great mask if you can’t pair it up with your awesome ski, snowboarding, cycling, or running gear? Many of our masks come in multiple colors and we’re constantly experimenting to keep our fashion game on point. Even masks in classic black come with beautiful stitching and made of quality fabric that pair nicely with anything in your sports closet.
Conclusion? Some masks can create fogging problems while others solve them. Look for the ones that can do that while also providing fit, multiple functions, and style. We think you know where to look.
Antifog Technology by NAROO
Innovative Exoskeleton Structure for Anti-fogging
In order to ensure that athletes can exercise safely and comfortably each winter, we have developed and refined the EX-BONE, an innovative exoskeleton structure that creates a 3D air-warming chamber to warm and humidify inhaled cold air. This chamber simultaneously prevents goggles from fogging and keeps the mask’s fabric from pressing against the nose and mouth, allowing for easy-breathing and easy-speaking. The EX-BONE also keeps fabric dry as it prevents humidity from building up, giving you a dry, warm ride.
Benefits at a glance
- Breathable during exercise and easy to speak in
- 3D air warming chamber to warm and humidify cold, inhaled air
- Anti-fog functions prevent goggles from fogging up during exhalation
- Ergonomic design made of FDA approved materials
- Moisture-wicking and quick-dry in wet conditions
