Fed up with steaming glasses? We're with you. If you've been asking yourself how to avoid foggy lenses while wearing a face mask, you're not alone. A study on people who wear spectacles in Europe found that 59 per cent of people living in the UK wear glasses, and we have a sneaky suspicion that this problem is universal.
If you fall into the specs category, the solution to fogging up while wearing protective gear to your local pub or on the bus is simpler than you might think. Did you know that there are face masks that are designed to help this problem?
Instead of wearing your glasses halfway down your face to read your shopping list in your favourite greengrocer, the best face masks for glasses wearers will stop you from fogging up entirely. Sounds great, right? But how does this work?
How to stop glasses fogging up with a mask?
The key to understanding how to stop glasses from fogging up is by getting to the root of why they're fogging up in the first place.
Specsavers UK outlines, "Due to the limited airflow, glasses fogging tends to be more common when wearing a medical or cloth face mask because your breath mostly escapes from the top of your mask. When you exhale, your warm breath comes into contact with your cooler lenses, which steams up your lenses and clouds your vision. This steam also creates excess moisture around your glasses which reduces the grip of your nose pads, and makes it easy for them to slip down your face."
From this information, it's clear that we need to ensure that we reduce the amount of warm breath that escapes from the top of our mask, and there are a few easy ways to do that. We'd recommend choosing an option that fits correctly and can be secured around your nose.
Now that's all cleared up - are you looking for a new project? If you're feeling crafty, get your sewing kit out and have a go at making your own face mask.
The best face masks for glasses wearers:
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Best cotton face masks for glasses wearers
Description
This pack of two face masks is brilliant for glasses wearers. Why? Not only does the adjustable nose clip stop your glasses from fogging up, but the brilliant features like the ear straps, integrated filter pockets and five layers help too. Pros: Comfortable to wear, no chaffing and wash up nicely Cons: Glasses will steam if mask is big and filters sold separately
Best disposable face masks for glasses wearers
Description
Decided to go for a last-minute shopping trip or a spot of lunch? Never miss out on an event again because you need to wash your face mask thanks to this disposable option. Not only can these be stored in your handbag easily, but there are also 50 in a pack - meaning you won't run out anytime soon. Pros: Nose strip keeps mask in place, well-made and speedy delivery Cons: Not environmentally friendly and could be a better fit
Best face mask with filter for glasses wearers
Description
If you're having to pull your glasses down your face when wearing a face mask so that you can see through the condensation, we've found the perfect solution for you. This unisex product boasts a breathable valve to reduce fogging, and it works. Pros: Cotton design, comfortable and includes three replaceable filters Cons: Only one in the pack and expensive
Best snood for glasses wearers
www.jdwilliams.co.uk
Description
Instead of buying a traditional face mask, opt for this pretty Ditsy Print Snood Face Covering from JD Williams. The stretchy fabric will fit nicely and should reduce the amount of misting on your glasses. Pros: Lovely floral print, keeps neck warm and double layered Cons: No medical benefits
Best face shield with glasses frame
Description
Have you struggled to get on with a face mask? Try swapping to a visor instead. This pack of ten offers full-face protection with built-in glasses frames. Don't let the glasses frame put you off, these should fit comfortably over them. Amazing! Pros: Full face protection, good value and glasses don't steam up Cons: Hard to attach glasses, but YouTube video available and not as comfortable with prolonged use
Best water resistant face mask for glasses wearers
Description
Designed with glasses wearers in mind, masqd UK is the anti-fogging solution you've been looking for. Not only does it tackle it by redirecting the airflow away from the glasses area, but this option also has a fully waterproof outer layer. Pros: Lightweight material, comfortable to wear and adjustable ear loops Cons: Sizing comes up small and must be put on properly to avoid misting
Best reusable face mask for glasses wearers
Description
Use this mask not once, not twice but up to 30 times to reduce your glasses from steaming up thanks to the metal nose bar feature. We love that these masks are easy to clean and include tons of filters. Pros: Five-layer filters, three reusable face masks in pack and good breathability Cons: Nose strips could be stronger and small sizing