A personal pet peeve of mine is my Mask fogging up while playing. I find that it happens more so playing outdoors, but it can occasionally happen playing indoors as well.

So the question becomes why do masks fog? Masks fog when the moisture from your face evaporates into the space between your mask and then condensates on your lens. This typically occurs at two times: when you sweat a lot and release lots of moisture from your face or when your face is considerably warmer than the outside air. The first situation typically occurs during hot days while the second, similar to a windshield that fogs, happens when the outside air is considerably colder than the air around your face.

So now you might be saying well how to I prevent this; I can’t stop sweating, and I can’t regulate my body temperature to equal that of the air around me. So here are a few suggestions.

Thermal Lenses – I would strongly suggest investing in a mask with a thermal lens. Thermal Lenses basically consist of two lenses that are places together with a small are-filled space between them. The space between the two lenses acts as a barrier between your body temperature and the outside temperature. Because of this barrier your inner lens remains closer to the temperature of your body while the outside lens remains closer to the temperature outside. Through out my testing I would say that a Thermal Mask is the most effective way to reduce fogging.

Anti-Fog Spray – There are many companies out there that market anti-fog spray's and creams. Anti-fog sprays have been around longer than paintball as they have been marketed to scuba divers since before I can remember. The concept of an anti-fog spray is to keep moisture from condensing of flat surfaces. The basic principal is to spray a mist (or apply some cream) of the anti-fog on the lens, which will in turn prevent fog vapors from gathering on your lens. The results for anti-fogging sprays and creams are mixed. In my opinion it is a very cheap and easy way to possibly prevent your mask from fogging. With that being said on really hot and humid days it may only delay how long before your mask fogs.

Mask Fans – Originally these started out as an extra that could be added to your mask to help prevent fogging. Now some masks are created with the fan build into the mask. The fans sit above the goggles and blow air down over the lens to help evaporate moisture of the lens. In comparison to anti-fog sprays fans are a more expensive option. Depending on your mask fans can range from $20 to $50, they require batteries to operate, make a considerable amount of noise, and are prone to break. Despite all that they do effectively reduce fog.

Dry the Foam – Inside every mask is form that helps the mask fit snug to your face. Depending on the form that is inside your mask it can collect some of the moisture from your face while you are playing. I find it very helpful in-between games to take a towel and press it against the form to remove as much of that extra moisture before I play the next game.

Being able to see your targets while playing paintball is important; so having a clear mask is essential. In most circumstances you can prevent fogging by using one or a combination of the tips listed above. You need to find out which combination works best for you. Also remember that what works for you playing indoors many not work as well playing outdoors.