TearRestore Reusable Open Eye Heated Mask Compress for Dry Eyes and Styes

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 is made of two parts: A mask that fits on your face and an insert that fits on the mask. The insert contains a chemical compound that, when "disturbed" by the click of a metal plate inside it, freezes and produces heat. But freezing and producing heat you may say? Well, the chemical has a high freezing point, so when it freezes, it releases energy in the form of heat. It can be reused, in theory forever, by exposing it to boiling water (which thaws the compound inside, resetting its state.) But why the one-star review? 1) The insert didn't last: After about 15 uses, the insert stopped "resetting" under boiling water. This of course happened 4 days after my amazon return window closed. I don't want to buy an insert every month like a subscription service. 2) It's annoying to use: To "reset" the insert, you need to throw it into boiling water. The problem is that you need to wait for the chemical reaction to completely finish before doing that. So, my natural instinct here is to use it, and then boil it for the next time, but that cannot be done. Instead, you need to use it. Then leave it alone for hours (until the reaction completely stops) and then boil it right before you use it next time. Also, the whole boil water / dump insert into water / wait a lot gets old pretty fast. 3) The mask doesn't fit well: They should have opted for an elastic band but instead use an adjustable one. It's somewhat hard to fit the mask on the face since you can't stretch the bands temporarily to adjust it into position. 4) Being able to "see" is somewhat of a moot point for me: Basically, you can't wear glasses with this, and the heat will make your eyes water a bit and vision will suffer. I think a closed mask will be easier and more relaxing in the end.

Best option available to treat blocked tear ducts I developed from xc skiing daily. The Dr. that treated my eyes said to apply heat 4x per day for 10-15 mins. I started with hot wash cloths, then a microwave heat pack. But spending an hour total daily with my eyes closed treating the symptoms go old quick. This allows a lot of freedom and the heat isn't sitting directly on your eyeballs. They seem to last about 10 mins and are easy to use if you have an electric kettle. It really works on getting the fluids moving properly in your eyes and no more puffiness after treating. The new tear restore moisturizing drops are also fantastic. I really appreciate these products and am glad to have my eyes looking and feeling healthy again.

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 bought this to help with dry eye/MGD symptoms. The mask does heat evenly and is simple to use, and the warmth feels soothing while it's on, but does not last longer than 7-8 minutes. Unfortunately, the relief is short-term. I didn't notice any lasting improvement with my symptoms. The fit is acceptable but not especially comfortable.

Works well to heat eyelids at maximum heat for about 5mins and then gradually fades. I use two to maintain top temp for 10mins as needed for a stubborn chazaloin. Recommended

Disappointments: 1 - the "adjustable and moldable" hard plastic mask designed to hold the heated insert does not stay if you bend it and goes right back to its initial shape, which is kind of rectangular. It might fit a Lego block-shaped head appropriately, but like most humans my head is rounded. Doesn't fit, doesn't adjust 2 - heat is not applied to the eyes because the heated insert sits nowhere near my face, except the bridge of my nose, which doesn't need it 3 - you have to activate the insert before you place it on the hard mask, because you need both hands to snap the activator button and are supposed to massage the insert (?!) before using 4 - the insert doesn't fit the mask well. Very difficult to get the stiffened, heated insert to fit and stay on the poorly designed posts for both eye openings without damaging it and creating leaks 5 - this thing is sized for a child. When I finally managed to get it assembled and on my face, the eye openings were too close together 6 - because it is too small and the openings for the eyes themselves are also too small, the insert was blocking my vision, and every time I blinked it hit my eyelashes or brushed aginst my eye itself. Since the whole point of this mask is for you to blink during use so oil is pumped out of the meibomian glands, that doesn't work 7 - using the insert without the plastic holder is possible if you lie down, but the eye openings are still too close together so it hits my eyelashes/eyeballs if I blink 8 - the "reusable" mask insert will stop working. The limited number of uses is called out in the product packaging, which you only receive after purchasing. It is not apparent in the product images, and in fact the product images almost seem specifically designed to exclude the "Intended Use" section of the instructions which specifically says the contents of the heat pack will ultimately no longer be able to be boiled back into liquid form. It was in no way clear that this product has limited useful life based on the product listing Likes: 1 - the exothermic reaction that generates heat as it hardens is fun to watch and technologically interesting 2 - the temperature reached by the insert was just right, warm enough to do the job but not hot enough to damage delicate skin 3 - the best way I found to reactivate the insert was to get water to a full boil in a heavy pot, then drop the insert in and immediately turn the heat off. Gently prod any thick spots with a silicone spatula and let it soak and cool naturally while doing other things. The retained heat from the heavy pot is just right to fully reliquify the heat mask I really wanted to like this, but it is not a one-size-fits-all item and has been created and marketed as such

So, how does it help to warm the areas above and below the eyelids, but not the eyelids themselves? That's the first problem. It makes the area around your eye sweat, which is uncomfortable, but it doesn't warm the problem area. To add insult to injury, every time you use it, you have to boil the insert to use it again. How is this more convenient than using the microwave for a few seconds? There's nothing more to say. There are far better products for the purpose.

I used twice and the metal piece is no longer reactivating the heat. I literally have to submerge the mast into hot water before using, but it is not the idea, because once on my face, it cools down rapidly. Even after using and putting it in boiling water, once our, pad dried to store, the inside liquid is hard again. For the very high price, it is a worseless piece of akward equipment. I do not recomment the product. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to obtain a beter and wiser opinion.

Such poor quality & not comfortable. The strap didn’t reach around my head, I’ve got a tiny head. The mask didn’t activate when I had clicked the metal thing multiple times and it took quite a bit to get it going. And the heat didn’t even last for 10 minutes. What a piece of crap product. And there are no instructions on how to heat it with hot water, except in the kettle that they want to sell you.

As expected

Way too big and loose on your face

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