Are you a long-time member of the ‘bespectacled’ squad? Or, have you recently started wearing glasses? Whatever the case, the significance of comfort is quite undeniable. One of the ways by which glasses feel comfy is through nose pads.
Eyeglass nose pads are two small pieces that separate your nose from the rim of the frames. They ensure that your spectacles are snugly fitting and prevent any slipping and sliding.
But, simultaneously, ill-fitting or improperly- adjusted nose pads can be the cause of eyeglass discomfort. If you have been experiencing issues, such as dents, pain and overall discomfort from your spectacles, the nose pads might be at fault.
But, don’t worry, as this blog has got you covered. You can consider it as your go-to and all-around guide for glasses nose pads.
What Are Glasses Nose Pads?
Nose pads are among the most important parts of eyeglasses. They are tiny support systems for the bridge of your spectacles and help keep them in the right place.
Nose pads can be broadly categorised into two types - fixed and adjustable.
As the name suggests, fixed nose pads are immobile. It means you cannot move them. On the other hand, adjustable nose pads are movable and are usually found in non-metallic adhesive-type frames.
Metal frames have external nose pads, whereas, acetate frames do not need external nose pads, as they are built into the rims.
Importance of Nose Pads
Wondering what these teeny-tiny structures have to offer in the overall functionality of your glasses? Well, trust us, they have a lot of importance. The old phrase, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ holds quite apt for nose pads.
- Nose pads prevent your glasses from sliding off your face. They are especially beneficial if you have a low nose bridge.
- They ensure comfort and long hours of wearability.
- Nose pads provide more support to your frames.
- They also facilitate fashion. Glasses with nose pads are excellent for fashion and exude a vintage and sophisticated appeal.
- Metal frames with nose pads might prevent skin allergies, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Want to know if your glasses are irritating the nose? Our latest blog might provide an answer!
Do All Glasses Have Nose Pads?
The answer is both yes and no. Most acetate frames do not have a visible nose pad on the outside. But, there is still a nose pad, which is relatively small and affixed to the rim of the frames.
However, plastic or acetate frames depend on a saddle nose bridge for support. A saddle bridge helps in evenly distributing the weight of the frames and offering comfort and a snug fit.
Similarly, acetate or plastic frames without any external nose pads may come with a keyhole nose bridge that is renowned for offering more wriggle room with the fit. The keyhole nose bridge distributes the weight of the frame to the side of the nose instead of at the top. Such nose bridges are a great choice for people with wider noses.
Types of Nose Pad Materials
Knowing about nose pads means that you need to be aware of the atypical materials they are made of. These include -
1. Silicone
To begin with, silicone nose pads for glasses are quite common.
Their pros include -
- Excellent comfort and a lightweight feel.
- Silicon is a pliable or malleable material. Hence, it adjusts to the shape of your nose and facilitates uniform weight distribution on the face.
- Silicon nose pads offer the perfect fit in most cases.
- They are excellent for outdoor use and are found in a lot of sunglasses.
However, the main consideration with silicon eyeglass nose pads is that they absorb dirt and sweat quickly and require frequent cleaning.
2. Polycarbonate Nose Pads
Polycarbonate (PC) is a robust and hard plastic material. It is quite commonly used for nose pads.
Some of the pros of polycarbonate nose cushions for glasses are -
- They are great options for people who prefer hard nose pads.
- Polycarbonate nose pads are incredibly lightweight, which is their main USP.
- They are very durable and long-lasting because of their porous-resistant properties.
- Polycarbonate spectacles nose pads are easy to mount; so, it is a win-win for both the optician and the eyeglass-wearer.
But, one of the apparent advantages of polycarbonate nose pads - their hardness - can be uncomfortable for some people. Moreover, improper adjustment of the nose pads can cause the weight of the spectacles to leave dents on the skin owing to pressure.
3. PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride Nose Pads
Another common material used in glass nose pads is polyvinyl chloride or PVC. They look and feel pretty similar to silicon nose pads.
The pros of PVC eyeglass frame nose pads are -
- PVC nose pads are available in both hard and soft compositions.
- They are easy to wear and comfortable.
- They require less maintenance than silicon nose pads.
Apart from the materials mentioned above, you can find glass nose pads in rubber, titanium glass and even ceramic materials.
Common Nose Pad Shapes
Nose pads for eyeglasses come in different shapes, such as D-shaped, oval-shaped, round, etc. The shape of nose cushions for spectacles depends on the discretion of the manufacturer.
Usually, the shape of the nose pad is designed in a way that distributes the weight of the spectacles over your entire nasal area for comfort and a lightweight feel. Secondly, the right nose pad shape also complements the overarching look of the glasses.
Some of the most common nose pad shapes are -
- D-shaped
- Oval
- Teardrop
- Soft wing
- Round
- Strap bridge
Common Nose Pads Sizes
Nose pads for glasses come in diverse sizes too. They are usually measured in millimetres (mm) along the vertical stretch - from top to bottom. Usually, common nose pad sizes include -
- 9 mm
- 11 mm
- 13 mm
- 25 mm
But, you can find custom-built nose pad sizes for optimal comfort. And, when we talk about the ideal nose pad size, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The key here is comfort.
The nose pads you choose should not be too tight. They should not give you dents and pain. Likewise, they should not be too loose. If it feels that your glasses will fall off your nose bridge, then the nose pads are bigger than the optimal size.
Want some extra tips on preventing your glasses from sliding down? We have the answer!
Why Are Glasses with Nose Pads Helpful?
If you are wondering whether glasses nose pads are for you, let me tell you, they come with their fair share of advantages.
- Nose pads for glasses can mitigate the burden on the nose bridge. So, you feel more comfortable when wearing them.
- Glasses with nose pads have a non-slip effect. So, the scope of your spectacles falling is quite less.
- Opting for replacement nose pads for glasses makes it easier to adjust your frames for optimal comfort.
If the three points highlighted above resonate with you, then eyeglass frame nose pads might be a good investment.
However, if you experience excessive dents, allergies or red marks with nose pads, it is best to steer clear of them.
Wrapping It Up
So, there we have it, a comprehensive guide on nose pads for glasses. These tiny tools are, indeed, a game-changer for spectacles. If you want to know whether you should opt for glasses with visible nose pads or those without external nose pads, our free 7-day Home Trial Box can help. Simply select two frames with nose pads and two frames without nose pads. Try them out for 7 days at your home and make a thoughtful decision!
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