Using wash rags for warm compresses doesn't work well

[TRiBaL]

Is their anything else like a heating pad or something that could last longer for using warm compresses. Wash rags don't work very well for me. I got to rewet the rag every like 10 seconds for it to stay warm.

I would imagine there are other option.

[TRiBaL]

kinda like this
http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?id=10001

[dianat]

rice baggy in microwave...do a search

[stella]

Why dont you send for Dr Latkany's eye spar pad(eye mask)
You can get it fom the dryeye shop on this site
I sent for it and it is really good and the heat in it lasts at least 20 mins
its a thick gel pad inside a really thick cotton case that you can wash
you put it in the microwave for 30 secs and secure over your eyes with a strap at the back of your head - the heat is just about right
There Rebecca - not a bad plug for one of your products! yeah
Also - I do steaming every night - Why not give that a try -Face over a basin of boiling water and cover your head with a towel Careful you dont burn yourself mind and only open your eyes after it cools a bit -Very soothing and nice and wet

[TRiBaL]

good ideas thanks guys...

[Rebecca Petris]

Just noticed this. Thanks Stella

Yeah for a simple product it really does well. To me, the key with these things is heat retention. Some compresses get very hot very fast and then cool down fast. You want something that will go to moderately warm and stay there for 10-15 minutes.

[liz56]

I'd also like to chime in with my experiences, using Rebecca's rice baggy. I've had one for three and a half weeks, and it works so well that I look forward to using it each night. I got it, hoping that it might help with some surprise erosions that sprang up after two good months. And I believe that the drops work even better with the compress for getting me through the night.

[Tarah]

Here's what I use for my warm compresses and it works quite well. I use two baby washclothes, folded into rectangles (couple folds). I put them on a saucer in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then, I put them inside a plastic lunch baggie and fold another baby washcloth over them, so baggie doesn't touch my eyelids. Lie down and they will stay on lids and will keep warm for 20 minutes. Works well for me. I want to get Rebecca's rice bag and am going to order when I go to Florida this winter, but this works in the meantime. (Hard to order from Canada due to customs, etc.)

[TRiBaL]

My doctor told me use a moist heating pad some sort. it has to be moist they said. i have order a heating pad from dry eye zone but the doctor is saying it has to be moist.

[Tarah]

I used to use moist pads, but found they dried my lids too much. Probably depends on problem; mine is blepharitis and MGD. Lids get dry and then they're more irritated.

[dianat]

I usually use a heating pad with a wet baby washcloth. I heat the pad up for a few minutes with the wet washcloth folded inside. Then I take the hot washcloth and put it over my eyes. Then I fold the heating pad so that it fits nicely over my eyes. It feels great.

My other method is the rice baggy (panty hose tied up with rice in it). When I heat it, I use the microwave. To prevent burning of the rice, I've always put a glass of water in the microwave with it. This creates steam that is absorbed somewhat by the rice.

So, when I use the nice warm baggy it do get a fair amount of moisture on my eyes as well. The rice isn't wet-feeling, but there is a small amount of water vapor coming from it.

This is by far a superior method to any I've tried. Just be careful not to overheat the rice. Too hot is dangerous and ultimately uncomfortable. The rice will hold it's heat nicely, no need to overdo it. Plus, overheating will cause the rice to break down more quickly.

[Tarah]

Sounds good. How long do you leave the rice bag in the microwave? How often would you need to change the rice? Thanks

[dianat]

Hmmm...I don't do the rice baggy currently, so I'd have to remember... I got out of the habit a while back and have stuck with the heating pad. I probably should make a bag up and get started again. I'd say I probably had the rice bag in the micro for maybe a minute. The water makes a big difference how long you need to heat. The power of the microwave makes a difference as well.

Again, please don't put the rice on your eyes if it is too hot. When mine did get to hot occasionally, I'd put it on my neck for a while until it felt a bit cooler. (A full body rice baggy would be soooo nice!)

The rice lasted maybe three weeks or so. Eventually it started to lose rice "crumbs" as the grains would break down.

Best of luck.

Diana

[Judy]

I've been using my rice baggy (Rebecca's) for about 3 or 4 months now I believe. I put a cup of water in the microwave as Diana does, then set the microwave for 50 or 55 seconds depending on how quickly I will be treating my eyes. I leave it on for about 5 minutes or more (this is right when I go to bed). I very rarely skip doing this...

[bassfan]

...set the microwave for 50 or 55 seconds depending on how quickly I will be treating my eyes...

Caution to anyone that microwave powers are quite different. Experiment here and don't just throw it on your face. I put my Rebeccas rice bag in for 24 seconds and its quite hot, perfect for me. If I put it in for 55, Im pretty sure I'd have a nice rice bag shaped scar on my face for the rest of my life!

bassfan