The classification of a nose pad material usually corresponds to the material that comes into direct contact with the wearer's skin, although other materials may be present in the nose pad. For example, some nosepads may contain a firm metal base at the point of attachment to the glasses frame, while other nose pads may use secondary firm materials underlying a soft silicone shell which provide additional support for the overlying nose pad.
Silicone nose pads are often referred to as "non-slip" nosepads; however, nose pads alone do not determine the degree to which eyeglasses may or may not slip from the nose. The overall secure fit of a wearer's glasses is largely determined by how secure the eyeglass temple portion behind the ear matches the contour of the ear. In sunglasses, the front and side contour of the eyewear frame and how they hug the face also plays a significant role.
Screw-In Nose Pad Buyers Guide for Glasses, Designer Eyewear, & Sunglasses Stick-On Nose Pads For Plastic Frames Consumers often use the term stick on nose pad synonymously with the term adhesive nose pad. People in the optical trade generally prefer to use the term adhesive nosepad since the word adhesive more properly describes how a nose pad adheres to an eyeglass frame. The most common stick-on nose pads for plastic frames are available as either foam based stick on nose pads, or silicone based stick on nose pads.
Recently, nose pads that more easily conform to the nasal area of the eyeglass wearer have appeared in the marketplace. These nose pads are composed of a "shape memory polymer" material that becomes more pliable and conformable upon being subjected to the wearer's skin temperature. This feature sometimes eliminates the need to finely adjust the nose pad mounting arms which control the angles in which the nosepad makes contact with the underlying soft nasal tissue.
Replacement nosepads are usually available as an alternative to manufacturer branded nose pads. Although the replacement nosepads are generally less expensive and are available in a variety of materials, they do not contain any custom markings or original custom colors that the branded nose pads may contain. Stop by Classic Optical in Brooklyn to see our selection.