Oculus Rift is one of the best VR headsets currently on the market. Oculus is currently having a limited time offer making the device more affordable. Despite great performance, Oculus Rift has its fair share of drawbacks.
However, the device still offers a lot, it is very comfortable, with accurate motion controllers and plenty of games to enjoy. By making the device comfortable, designers overlooked an important issue – the soft and comfy Rift foam padding absorbs too much sweat!
This can be pretty disgusting, especially if you want to share the headset with someone and it isn’t clean. If not maintained properly, this can even lead to your foam padding getting stinky from all the absorbed sweat, dirt and bacteria.
This issue amplifies if you are playing intense games that require a lot of movement like Echo Arena for example. Hygiene is very important for most people, and so far we have discovered two solutions for the problem at hand.
Remove the foam padding and give it a good rinse!
First off, it is always a good idea to wash your face before putting the headset on. Have in mind that you still shouldn’t put it on your face before it is completely dry.
Once you are done with your VR session, you can remove the Rift foam padding as instructed in the video above. As you can see, don’t try to pull out the foam but the plastic segment that holds it in place.
If you do this regularly, after each use, antibacterial wet wipes will do the trick. Make sure that the wet wipes you use are non-abrasive, so you don’t damage Rift’s foam padding. It is also a good idea to use some type of skin-safe wet wipes, baby wipes or those used for make-up removal.
Use a VR cover
Recognizing the problem with maintaining the hygiene of headsets, companies like VRcover started manufacturing solutions. They offer simple, easy to use products that can really help you out.
The covers are designed to perfectly fit the headset, making sure that in prolonged sessions with Rift, the headset remains clean. They are comfortable as well, but so is the Rift’s original foam padding. However, the covers are much easier to maintain.
Oculus Rift VR Cover set contains 2 padding covers and a microfiber cloth you can use to clean the lenses at a price of $19.00. The covers are 100% cotton and you can wash them with your clothes in a washing machine. Make sure to wash them in cold water (30 Celsius).
While $19.00 may seem excessive for a simple piece of cloth, this purchase will make sure you never have to worry about wearing unclean and sweaty headset again. Besides, the vast majority of users are pleased with the product.
Additional tip:
If you are a really sweaty person and you don’t want to spend 20 bucks on the VR cover, you can use a headband and prevent the sweat from your forehead sliding down to the foam padding.
Warning! – this will make you look silly, but whatever, wearing Oculus Rift already did that.