The usage of masks by Americans venturing out into public spaces is now strongly recommended by the Centers for Disease ControlOpens in a new tab (CDC), as it’s one way to help combat the spread of COVID-19. But there are issues with using masks, even when they can be madeOpens in a new tab, or, somehow miraculously, bought. For glasses wearers experiencing “mask-induced lens fog,” however, there are simple, effective ways to combat the problem, some of which are described here.
The CDC is recommending that Americans consider wearing face masks in public settings, President Trump said Friday, though he added he is choosing not to do it.
— Bloomberg Originals (@bbgoriginals) April 4, 2020Opens in a new tab
Seto Wing Hong of Hong Kong University demonstrated the correct way to wear a face mask #coronavirusOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/jHgTg03USuOpens in a new tab
Seto Wing Hong of Hong Kong University, who wears glasses, shows off how he wears a surgical mask.
Kotaku EastOpens in a new tab did a good bit of research into the lens fogging issue, and found recommendations on how to solve the problem from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police DepartmentOpens in a new tab, as well as the video magazine, C ChannelOpens in a new tab. And it seems that, essentially, making sure your glasses don’t steam up while you’re putting on your best rendition of Walter White during a cook at the local Trader Joe’s all comes down to the way you fold your face mask and utilize tissues.
The video above from @drharang on InstagramOpens in a new tab is the best, quick explainer we could find on the topic, as it’s not only a great tutorial, but also features some fun pop music that makes folding pandemic masks seem less apocalyptic. Note that the featured doctor folds the top of his face mask, then places a folded strip of tissue on top of that fold, before applying both to his face.
The best way to wear a cloth face covering according to the CDC. CDCOpens in a new tab
It’s unclear if this same folded tissue trick works with say, a bandana, but it seems like it would. But for those who do use a bandana but find this trick doesn’t work, or even find that no other combination of clothsOpens in a new tab and tissues works, there are still ways to directly keep glasses from fogging up. This wikihow pageOpens in a new tab describes a handful of those ways, including one that simply calls for soaping up your lenses and then removing the residue.
What do you think about these methods for keeping glasses from fogging while wearing face masks? Do you have any proprietary tricks you want to pitch? Let’s clear up this issue once and for all in the comments!
Feature image: Max-Leonhard von SchaperOpens in a new tab
