Thermal Mask

I normally don't write reviews, but received such great results from this mask that I really wanted to share my experience. When my doctor diagnosed me with Meibomian Gland Disorder, I was devastated to have dry eyes at such a a young age. I went into a health panic doing warm compresses and lid massages twice a day. For about three months, I have been using a USB heated mask. While the results were there, it was very gradual. I'd feel relief for a small period of time afterwards, with noticeable changes over the course of 2-3 weeks. But every morning, I'd still wake up with gritty eyes. But this TearRestore mask is really a game changer! I tried it as soon as I received it, and the results are faster and more sustained than with my USB-heated mask. What I really love about this one is that the temperature around the open-eye slit is warm enough to heat your glands and release those oils as you blink. With the USB one, I was always afraid of turning the heat too high in case my corneas get warped. And that impacts the lid massage afterwards because the heat doesn't feel high enough to get the oils moving as effectively. And I would always feel anxious, afraid of damaging my cornea if I didn't look downwards enough while doing the upper eyelid massage. The eye pocket of the Tear Restore mask, at least for my eyes, hooks perfectly to right until my bottom lashes. It pretty much stays in place when I do small chores during the 8-10 minutes I wear the mask. The hottest of the temperature maintains for a good five minutes, with rest of the remaining minutes still warm enough for my lid massage afterwards. The amount of time that mask stays heated is adequate. Even with the USB one, my doctor had suggested that a temperature of 45C for only 5-6 minutes be enough to warm the oils. The best thing I love about the mask is that it's hot, yet it completely avoids the cornea! I can go straight to gently massaging my upper lids without worrying about the immediate pressure on my heated eyeballs. After my lid massage with this mask, I can really feel the oils afterwards. I was struggling with a scratchy feeling in my right eye for the last few days, so I had been using eye drops twice a day. Yesterday with this mask, I was able to get by without using eye drops. It even got rid of this pesky clogged gland on my eyelid margin that was irritating my eye whenever I blinked. I know some reviewers did complain about having to boil this mask afterwards for reuse, but I didn't find it too inconvenient. I just toss it in the kettle, let boil, and leave until the kettle is cooled later to pour the water out to remove the mask. Your eye area does get red after using this mask, but it clears up after 15-20 minutes. I just make sure to do the mask before my skincare regime so I can moisturize well afterwards. I promise I am not a paid reviewer. I honestly just love this mask so much. I was starting to feel a little desperate with my dry eye regime and this mask gives me hope! My contacts have been feeling more comfortable and my eyes a little wetter. This morning, I woke up without the usual scratchiness of my eyes. It was still there, but not as noticeable as before. I am optimistic and hope to see good results with this mask!

This product has the right idea in that the heat is not placed onto the eyes, which can change the shape of the corneas. However it has a ways to go for being user friendly. Once the inner mask is activated by the metal piece the heat is nice, but it is awkward to fit it around the eye holes in the mask. The mask can be shaped to your head a little bit but not sufficiently to keep the eye holes in place on my head. Then when you take it off, you have to boil the hardened mask every time you use it. Good idea but very awkward to use and who wants to boil it afterward. I used it once and threw it in the trash.

I like this product because some days I don’t want a full mask over my eyes making me have to sit for ten minutes unable to do anything. This allows me to see so I never have to skip on recommended dry eye treatment. I can use it while I work and kill two birds with one stone. The temperature is not too high but I’m fine with it. The negative is having you put it in boiling water is not convenient. Mine does not stay soft after I pull it out of the water so I can’t just have it ready to go, click the metal thingie and use it. Instead, I have to use it immediately after I soften it with boiling water, then I click the metal and use it. I’m not sure why this happens but I see I’m not the only one. I’d give it a 3 for convenience of prep/use but higher marks because it is one of few products that allow one to be productive during use. I do and will continue to use it and am happy I purchased it. Also, it’s fun to look like the phantom of the opera when on FaceTime with family…

I'm not sure if I should start with the product to the vendor? I'll save the best for last. The TearRestore Open-Eye Warm Compress Mask, was really a surprise. Easy to put together and use. I've used the little heat pouches similar to this before, so I knew what to do there. Then simply put the compress in place and put the mask on. I've learned one of the important things when trying to improve dry eye is to blink, blink, blink, and then blink again. The TearRestore Mask really made that part easy. Unlike most warming eye masked that completely cover the eyes, blinking is soon forgotten as you lay back and enjoy the warmth. The TearRestore Mask is more like a weird set of glasses, you are able to continue with most things (watching TV, really a book, or working on the computer) unless you need to wear prescription glasses to see anything, but you are able to do the most important thing, blink! I will swear by this product, it works. Now for the best part. Even though I bought this off Amazon, I purchase from a small business owner. I really believe in supporting small businesses whenever possible. What I really appreciate about working with small businesses is the personal touch they expend. They show their appreciation to their customers. Shortly after my masked arrived I received an email from the owner thanking me for the purchase. I'll be keeping the business in mind while shopping in the future. Thanks for the personal touch.

Everything it claims it will do is spot on. Unfortunate trying to achieve that result in real life doesn't work so well. I think the company should get a couple of smart people together and figure out how to make it work smoothly, easily and maybe things like being able to put it in a microwave would be great. Also a good set of instructions that you put it in hot water after you use it instead of before , and why, would be helpful. All in all I would be most interested in the next update but as of right now I think I'll just throw this one in the garbage.

No more microwaving. No more hot towels. No more trying to get the right temperature. No more not being blindfolded! This mask and its inner mask is a game changer. It works like magic. Really easy to use.

An awkward to use and cheap plastic product. Didn't warm up adequately. Hugely overpriced and disappointing !!

This mask just didn't help as much as the basic eye masks. Because it doesn't contact the eyelids, the benefits are minimized.

Expensive and only worked once before it broke. I have followed all instructions and online help to try and fix. Defective product. Can't get a refund or exchange.

As expected

The mask idea is great - the heat pack self-heating worked once. I submerge it in hot water & wait for it to cool down enough to use. Because it is a US product, I did not seek a refund. Otherwise, a good product for assistance to remedy dry eye syndrome.