Replies

1. 
   danski0224 | Nov 17, 2007 02:40am | #1

   Same problem here.

   Solution- get yourself a silicone respirator with the separate filters. I like the 3M version.

   They cost a bit more, but no more fogging, and I find it to be easier to breathe through than a paper mask (not those cheesy "comfort masks"). I can work with it all day without a problem or discomfort.

   Like this: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Health/Safety/Products/Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LES9MG812H2_nid=9WCT6KC8GRbeQQFFG1G8R7gl

    

2. 
   Sphere | Nov 17, 2007 03:24am | #2

   Use the SCUBA divers trick, plenty of saliva to clean the lenses, no more fogging.

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   "If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"

3. 
   Waters | Nov 17, 2007 03:41am | #3

   There are paper masks with a valve in them that opens when you exhale.  (I never inhaled...)

   These don't fog my glasses at all.  Sherwin williams carries the 10 pak or whatever--they're more expensive but worth it.  I use mine until they are so filthy you wouldn't htink of putting it on your face... then blow 'em out and run them thru the laundry...

   I can't wear any other mask without fogging.  It seems I have sort of a high bridge of the nose which gaps the mask and the glasses are right there.  The masks I use pinch down well too, with their aluminum band across the bridge of the nose...

1. 
   andyfew322 | Nov 17, 2007 06:43am | #5

   those are probably the best for cheap

4. 
   toolbear | Nov 17, 2007 05:44am | #4

   I have the same problem and have never found a face mask or respirator that did not fog my glasses. So...

   Back in the '90s I invested in a powered air supply helmet. It works fine. Use it for painting, dust, etc.

   There is a battery pack with filter on the belt, hose to a hard hat with
   face shield and the air blows down over your glasses and exist through the neck seal.

   The current version is at WoodCrafters (as was the original).

   Look for Triton Powered Respirator.

   If you are really serious, I chatted a trim carppie working on a 7 mil custom home - he had a half mask with HEPA filters - and no glasses. I'd get one, but the motor/filter unit was $500.

   The ToolBear

   "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

5. 
   caseyr | Nov 17, 2007 06:49am | #6

   Many of the better half mask or full mask respirators can be fitted with air supplies. They get a bit pricey, however. If you use one in a limited area, you can get a A.C. powered air supply pump, but it ain't cheap either. The full face masks seem to come in either a tight fitting design, which is what I have, or a loose one such as shown in the Taunton article:
   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/pages/w00149.asp

   Some of the full face masks have a separate "cup" that fits around the nose, thus isolating the air from the nose and mouth from the lens. This might work without the supplied air unless you sweat so much that you build up moisture in that area even without your breath.

   Most of the rubber or soft plastic half masks that I have tried do not play well with goggles or safety glasses. A year or two back, someone claimed in a Breaktime thread that a particular make was slim enough in the nose so that safety glasses would fit correctly, but I don't recall the brand. Perhaps a judicious searc could turn it up.

   Most safety supply stores have solutions or towelettes that supposedly will decrease the fogging (I can definitely say that the ones that I have tried will not stop it completely, however.) Most safety supply stores also have a selection of various half and full masks so you may want to seek out a safety supply store rather than a hardware store or home center if you want a good quality mask. I find that my local safety supply store is actually less expensive on such items than the big boxes.

6. 
   popawheelie | Nov 17, 2007 06:50am | #7

   The ones with the valve in them solve this problem. When you inhale the mask is pulled slightly tighter on your face. But when you exhale they invariably aren't that tight so your exhaled breath goes past your glasses.

   The valve lets the air out the front or side so it doesn't go past your glasses. they also last longer because they stay drier. The ones without the valve pick up a lot of moisture from your exhaled breath going through them. They kind of shut down if they get to laden with moisture.