9 Best Warm Compresses for Dry, Irritated Eyes and Eyelid Inflammation
What are Warm Compresses?
A warm compress can include a range of products that are used to heat up the eyelid area to help with eyelid bumps and irritation. It is a therapy that has been around for a long time and it helps with a lot of mild ailments.
They are usually recommended by optometrists or ophthalmologists to help get the proper oils out of your eyelid glands, the meibomian glands.
Traditional compresses meant that you used a clean cloth soaked in hot water. The cloth was then applied and compressed gently onto the eyelids.
DO NOT DO THIS.
We find that the warm washcloth method does NOT hold heat well enough, and you are wasting your time with it. It's not effective!
When to Apply a Warm Compress for Dryness
The key time to apply a warm compress is when you have time to relax and do so. You don’t want to be hurried while doing this. I like to think of it as a “Home Spa Therapy” and take 20-30 minutes twice a day. We recommend morning and night.
In the morning, do it first thing right when you wake up or before you wash your face and shower. We recommend taking this few minutes to meditate and relax. Set your intentions for the day. Ask yourself, what can I do today to make this day great? Also, go over your affirmations such as, “I will conquer this horrible condition.” Say this over and over again because you WILL start to believe it and eventually you WILL conquer whatever you're facing.
At night, we recommend removing your eye makeup first with a MediViz Tea Tree Eyelid Wipe or another favorite eye makeup remover. Then, wash your face with Heyedrate Foaming Face Wash.
After washing and drying your face, we recommend using Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser by spraying it onto a cotton ball or round and then applying it to your eyelids. You can also spray it once on the warm compress mask portion that touches your eyelids for disinfection.
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During the nighttime “Home Spa Therapy” we like to meditate as well. Think of all the things that went RIGHT and that you are grateful for from that day. Do not think about the things that went wrong during your day. That is a victim mentality and will not help you conquer what you're going through. Then, relax and de-stress from a long day.
What to do After a Warm Compress
Meibomian gland expression is key after a warm compress. Check out the great video and article Dr. Jenna put together about meibomian gland expression after a warm compress by clicking here.
What is the Best Warm Compress?
For those with dryness and eyelid inflammation, a warm compress eye mask can be the support you've been searching for. Dryness symptoms currently affect 30 million Americans, and this number is only growing.
For this reason, many new eye masks have come onto the market. Here, we've come up with nine warm compresses to compare and try.
9 Warm Compresses To Try
1. Mediviz Warm Compress With Removable Cover
The Mediviz Warm Compress With Removable Cover is a great option for those that want a mask where they can remove the cover to clean in the washing machine.
The beads inside the mask absorb water from the air, so after the mask is heated in the microwave, it holds the heat really well.
How to use the Mediviz Warm Compress for Dryness:
- Just microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Place the warm compress over closed eyes for 15-20 minutes.
Always test mask temperature prior to application.
2. Heyedrate Warm Compress Mask
The Heyedrate Eye Mask is a soothing mask designed with a soft outer covering and warming beads inside. The velcro straps make it easy to attach the mask behind your head, and it fits any head shape because of this. It is both heat safe for use as a warm compress and safe for freezing, to be used as a cold compress.
How to use the Heyedrate Warm Compress for Irritated Eyes:
- Just microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Place the warm compress over closed eyes for 15-20 minutes.
- Experience the home spa therapy!
Always test mask temperature prior to application.
Click here to check price and purchase
3. Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress
The Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress is a nice option for those with meibomian gland issues. The compress helps stabilize the tear film, improve oil gland function found in the lids, and slow tear evaporation.
The beads inside the mask absorb water from the air, so after the mask is heated in the microwave, it produces a moist heat. I have used this product successfully in our clinics and patients have been happy with the outcome.
How to use the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress:
- Just microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Place the warm compress over closed eyes for 15-20 minutes.
Always test mask temperature prior to application.
Where can I buy the Bruder Mask? What is the price of the Bruder Mask?
4. Mediviz Eye Mask
This is a very similar mask to the MediViz mask mentioned above, but it does not come with the removable cover.
How to use the Mediviz Compress for Dryness:
- Just microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Place the warm compress over closed eyes for 15-20 minutes.
- Experience the home spa therapy!
Always test mask temperature prior to application.
5. EyeGiene Insta-Warmth System
The EyeGiene Insta-Warmth System is unique in that is does not require a microwave to heat. This mask was designed by an ophthalmologist and combines a soft, reusable eye mask and disposable warming wafers to deliver precise warmth to the eyelids.
Each box contains one mask and ten disposable warming wafers, and refills will need to be purchased once they're used up (the only downside to this mask). To use, simply open the foil pouch of warming wafers, insert into the mask, adjust the strap, and place over closed eyelids. This is not a mask that we have used in our clinics before, but it is innovative and provides another option for those without access to a microwave.
How to use the EyeGiene Insta-Warmth System
- Open foil pouch with warming wafers
- Insert into mask
- Allow 5-10 minutes to warm up
- Place over closed eyelids for 10-20 minutes
Always test mask temperature prior to application.
Where can I buy EyeGiene Insta-Warmth System? What is the price of EyeGiene Insta-Warmth System?
6. TICLO'S Heated Warm Eye Compress Mask
How to Use the TICLO'S Heated Warm Eye Compress Mask:
- Simply place in the microwave for 30 seconds - 2 minutes (heat in 30 second increments)
- Then place on eyes for a warm, moisturizing heat therapy session
Always test mask temperature prior to application.
Where can I buy TICLO'S Heated Warm Eye Compress Mask? What is the price of TICLO'S Heated Warm Eye Compress Mask?
7. Disposable Moist Heating Compress Pads
No need to microwave or plug it in, just open and put on. It automatically starts heating and warming up. These are similar to hand warmers you'd use at a cold football game.
How to Use the Disposable 16 Pack Steam Eye Mask:
- No need a microwave or use an electric plug
- Just open and put on closed eyelids
- Each single-use mask lasts for approximately 20-30 minutes
Always test mask temperature prior to application.
Where can I buy Disposable 16 Packs Steam Eye Mask? What is the price of Disposable 16 Packs Steam Eye Mask?
8. Thermalon Compress
The Thermalon Eye Compress replenishes moisture and refreshes the eyes. This mask produces a heat similar to that of the Bruder Mask. Patented Hydro Pearl™ technology is used, and water molecules are continuously absorbed from the air and stored inside the beads. When microwaved, the absorbed water is released as clean, moist heat. The Thermalon mask is washable and reusable, and we've had a lot of success using this mask with our patients.
How to use Thermalon’s Warm Compress:
- Just microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Place the warm compress over closed eyes for 15-20 minutes.
Always test mask temperature prior to application.
Where can I buy Thermalon Products? What is the price of the Thermalon Eye Compress?
9. Mediviz Cooling Eye Mask
This cooling mask is a change up from the other masks. You remove it from the freezer and it helps with puffiness, itchy eyes, sinus issues, and even dryness in some cases.
How to use the Mediviz Cooling Eye Mask:
- Freeze mask for at least two hours prior to using
- Place frozen mask over closed eyes
- Warning: Do not use mask for more than twenty minutes
- Wash with mild soap and water
Where can I buy the Mediviz Cooling Eye Mask? What is the price of the Mediviz Cooling Eye Mask?
How to Make a Warm Compress for Your Eyes
Making a warm compress can also be a pretty simple process if you would rather not purchase one. However, they’re not always as effective as the products mentioned above.
The easiest way to make a warm compress is to:
- Take an organic, new, clean sock and fill it with organic, NON-instant rice or beans
- Simply tie off the end of the sock
- Microwave for 10-30 seconds until warm to the touch, but not too hot.
- Check it on your wrist and if it burns do NOT place it on your eyelids.
- Then, lay back and set it on your eyelids for 10-20 minutes, twice per day.
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