We have spent days in research, assessment, evaluation, and product testing in order to find the most recommendable compress that is made for dry eyes. Among all the dry eye compresses we reviewed, the Thermalon Dry Eye Compress stood out. We were impressed by its simple yet effective properties. It is very reliable and the technology behind it allows it to deliver the job well. It is comfortable, safe, washable, easy to use, to top it all off
Nothing is as irritating as having dry eyes.
Those of you who have experienced it in one way or another know what I’m talking about. That burning and dehydrated feeling is just enough to keep you annoyed.
If you have consulted someone how to treat it, you may get this answer:
Do an eye compress
Usually, people would immediately reach for their nearest wash cloth and soak it in hot or cold water. And we know that it can be bothersome to soak it again and again because the heat or cold leaves in a matter of minutes.
Well, what if we tell you that there is a more efficient way to apply compress to our eyes?
With a dry eye compress, all you need to do is heat it up or stick it on your freezer and allow your eyes to soak in the moisture longer. Plus, a dry eye compress is a much more conducive way than soaking your washcloth time and time again.
Below are some of the most recommendable dry eye compresses we found. You don’t have to go through long hours of research because we have the results for you.
So sit back and take in the following article:
Comparison Table
| Over-the-Range Microwaves | Watts | Capacity (Cu. Ft) | Venting (CFM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp R1875T | 850 | 1.1 | |
| Samsung ME16K3000AS | 1000 | 1.6 | |
| GE PVM9215SKSS | 1000 | 2.1 | 400 |
| Frigidaire FGMV175QB | 1000 | 1.7 | 300 |
| LG LMV2031ST | 1000 | 2 | 400 |
| Kenmore Elite 80379 | 1050 | 1.8 | 400 |
| GE JVM3160RFSS | 1000 | 1.6 | 300 |
| Whirlpool 119165 | 1000 | 1.9 | |
| Farberware Professional FMO 13AHBKE | 1000 | 1.3 | |
| Sharp R-1214 | 1100 | 1.5 |
How Does a Dry Eye Compress Work?
A compress is a cloth or some other type of material that is applied under pressure to an area of the skin and held in place for a period of time. It can be of any temperature, either hot or cold, and it can be either wet or dry.
Some other compresses are even filled with medication or herbal remedy. The main purpose is to relieve inflammation. That is why you can commonly see this used by those with sprains or injuries.
On the other hand, a dry eye compress is a specialized form of compress that primarily targets dry eyes. It works to unplug oil glands commonly through warm compress. This releases the oil in the glands and let it flow into the eyes.
What Should I Consider Before Buying a Dry Eye Compress?
Before buying yourself a dry eye compress, there are some things you need to consider in order to know if this product fits best for you. It helps that you know what you are getting into before you find yourself wasting both time and money.
Here are some of the things you should take a look at when choosing your dry eye compress:
1. Size
The size is very important when it comes to picking a dry eye compress. It needs to fit perfectly and sit well on your eyes.
When it is too big, you might not feel the pressures or the proper healing benefits on the right spot. The same goes when it is too small.
Also, if the compress does not fit well, you might not be able to use it entirely. So find the perfect size for you by assessing yourself as well as the dry eye compress.
2. Weight
Now you might think that weight does not really matter. But that would be wrong. In fact, it is necessary in giving the right pressure to your eyes.
A dry compress mask that feels weightless won’t give you the kind of compression it actually needs. You will be better off putting over a piece of paper if that is the case. On the other hand, a good and weighty dry eye compress would fall right on to your eyes just enough for you to feel some sort of pressure. You will feel the warm or cold compress seep in in a relaxing way.
However, if you find that the dry eye compress is too heavy, then that is also a concern. You wouldn’t want a rock sitting on your eyes. That would not be comfortable in any way.
Ultimately, choose one that weighs enough—not too light nor too heavy.
Which is Better, Warm Compress or Cold Compress?
Now with the numerous types of compresses around, you may be wondering what really works best. Should you get for warm compress or cold compress or both? Well, we have the breakdown for you.
Warm Compress
Warm compress is for the following:
- Those with Meibomian gland dysfunction; that is if you find that your tears evaporate too quickly.
- Those who finds it difficult to sleep because of strained eyes
Why is that?
Warm compress works to stimulate the oil glands, thus producing more oil. This helps prevent the tears to evaporate too quickly.
Furthermore, warm compress improves blood circulation and helps relax the eyes, which is good for those with strained eyes.
Cold Compress
Contrastingly, cold compress works for the following:
- Those who feel pain from using screens and electronic devices too much that they forget to blink.
- Those who struggle with reading because of burning sensation and/or red eyes.
Why is that?
Cold compress helps reduce the “heat” from those irritated eyes. It also helps with the circulation of blood around the eyes and relieves eyestrain.
Cold compress helps reduce the “heat” from those irritated eyes. It also helps with the circulation of blood around the eyes and relieves eyestrain.
How We Assessed and Evaluated These Products
We scoured through for a number of compresses that specifically target dry eyes. We did research from both physical stores to online websites in order to create a list or inventory of the commonly available ones to consumers. As expected, we got a lot of dry eye compresses (over 30). This left use overwhelmed.
So we thought of narrowing down the list in order to give you the ones that do the most decent job. And, of course, to spare you from having to go through hours of research.
We started our assessment of those products included in our list by eliminating first those who generally gained negative criticisms. These ones are a no-brainer. From that, we arrived at a much shorter list.
Next, we further trim down by establishing a common buying criteria based from general opinions of users as well as recommendations from friends. We consulted forums from those who most likely use the product as well as personal blogs. Some of them are Dry Eye Zone and Vision Aware. The criteria include those we have written above under the buyer’s guide.
Then we were down to our top 5. Here, the process includes some product testing. We personally tried out each of the dry eye compress for days until we finally got the final ranking.
It is important to note that throughout the process we conducted in identifying the top products, we did not receive any inducement from brands, vendors, and manufacturers. Everything that is written here are not influenced in any other way and are free from bias.
Product Reviews
1. Thermalon Dry Eye Compress – Editor’s Top Pick
The Thermalon Dry Eye Compress tops our list among the dry eye compresses we found. This one effectively does the job and we really felt how it replenished moisture and refreshed our eyes.
We also like the comfortability of the product. It is made with non-allergenic soft fabric. So you can add safety to that!
The product is also easy to prepare and use. All it needs is a simple microwave of 15 to 30 seconds. Also, you don’t have to worry about it being too hot to apply. It has a patented Hydro Pearl™ technology that allows it to consistently release hydrating moist heat.
Another thing about it is that it is washable, therefore reusable. When it gets dirty, a simple wash in cold water and air dry is the fix.
The size and weight is also very doable. It is enough to fully cover the eyes and give it the right kind of pressure.
Our comment about this product is that the drying time takes too long. It would have been nice if there is a removable and washable layer to make it easier rather than have the entire thing washed.
Still, this in any way does not affect the effectiveness of the product.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
2. Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress – Reliable Second
Our close contender for the top spot is the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress. This one also effectively does the job. We felt how it did well in hydrating our eyes and offer relaxation.
Physically, the size is great. It has bigger coverage with 9 x 1 x 5 inches. However, it still weighs the same as the one above. So you can see how the amount of beads in it is not enough for its size. It may appear thinner.
Nonetheless, it is very comfortable and safe to use. It has anti-bacterial properties as well as non-allergenic.
The product is microwave activated. Like the one above, all you have to do is microwave the dry eye compress for 20 to 25 seconds. Then, you can apply it on your eyes up to 10 minutes.
Furthermore, it has a patented MediBeads technology that allows it to relieve dry eyes. The beads store water molecules absorbed from the air. In turn, after microwave, the water is released as moist heat.
Also, the Bruder Compress is washable and reusable. So if you are the type to get make-up on the mask, then you can just easily wash it. It does not have a separate washable cover, unfortunately.
However, you must take note not to overheat the mask. We almost did and damage the beads. This would make the product ineffective.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
3. Solana Heat Inc. Dry Eye Compress – Your Hot and Cold Pick
This next product is great for those who want to experience either hot or cold compress. The Solana Heat Inc. Dry Eye Compress is freezer and microwave-friendly.
It is very easy to use. You simply have to microwave it for 20 seconds if you want heat therapy. Or just store it in your freezer how long you want.
The product also comes with a HydroHeat Machine-washable cover that was not present with the two above. You can just take out the cover and wash it as opposed to fully submerging the entire mask.
Furthermore, the product is anti-microbial. So it is safe and does not support bacteria or fungi growth.
The problem we found with this product is the size. We think the mask is too large. You can’t fully get the effects unless you actually clip the excess material in between the eyes. The warm beads can’t properly settle on to the entire eye are because it is just too wide. We listed above its dimensions: 10 x 1 x 3.5 inches.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
4. Kimkoo Silk Sleep Mask&Gel Eye Mask – Cold Therapy Option
Our fourth entry is the Kimkoo Silk Sleep Mask and Gel Eye Mask. This one goes to those who want cold therapy rather than heat. It is a combination of a silk sleep mask with a gel eye mask.
The silk sleep mask is great for its light, breathable, and comfortable properties. You can use it separately or together with the gel eye mask—in case you just want to cover your eyes.
On the other hand, the gel eye mask has a gel insert that gives cold therapy. This is for those who have eye fatigue. Just stick it in the refrigerator for more than 2 hours and then apply.
For its downside, we think that the straps need improvement. It is short, so it can’t properly fit the head. This makes the mask not flush properly underneath the eyes well.
Also, the nose piece in the mask is uncomfortable since it can rub against the face.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
5. MediViz Blepharitis Eye Mask – Fifth Placer
Finally, the last one on our list is the MediViz Blepharitis Eye Mask. This one does a decent job in providing relief from dry eyes and blepharitis.
Like some of the ones above, this is microwave activated. It is very easy to use. All it needs is a quick heat in the microwave for 20 seconds and then apply.
The product has a MediBeads technology that allows the mask to absorb water from the air.
It comes with an elastic strap with Velcro that allows you to adjust the mask according to your preferred length and secure it to your head.
The compress is formulated to resist bacteria. It is also washable and reusable. The product comes with a cloth bag for storage.
Unfortunately, even with the Velcro straps, we think that it is too short. So the velcro really can’t do what it is supposed to do.
And we also find the cloth as a bit scratchy and the eye centers as too wide.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Our Recommendations and How They Compare
After everything is said and done, we are finally down to our final results. Here, we put the Thermalon Dry Eye Compress as our top pick. It is then followed by our runners up: the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress and the Solana Heat Inc. Dry Eye Compress.
The Thermalon Dry Eye Compress undeniably stood out for us because it simply is the most effective one without having any major issues. It is comfortable and safe as well as easy to use.
Its Hydro Pearl technology also makes it deliver the job well in providing moisture to the eyes. On top of that is it is washable and reusable while having just the right size and weight.
The following entries on the other hand also does a very good job. The Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress has all the reliable qualities and properties of a good dry eye compress. However, its amount of beads set it back.
With the Solana Heat Inc. Dry Eye Compress, we also think it is a good product. But it is just too big to ever fit well and give its full benefits and effectiveness.
