I suffer from chronic headaches — and this $80 eye massager works wonders for pain (2024)

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a chronic headache disorder. Like many people, I suffered from the occasional headache due to weather changes or hormonal swings, but three years ago, that all changed. I began experiencing debilitating headaches every single day, even being forced to take a leave from work to manage my pain. Even with a diagnosis, I still experience frequent severe headaches. I’ve tried every at-home remedy and hack there is with little to no success; that is, until three months ago when I purchased the Renpho Eye Massagerfrom Amazon Canada.

The Details

The Renpho Eyeris1 Eye Mask is a massaging mask designed to relax your eyes while reducing puffiness, dryness and dark circles. The mask’s heating pads heat to between 104 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit while massaging your eyes and temples. The mask has an adjustable strap and folds in half for compact storage. When the mask is unfolded, it measures at ‎10 x 5 x 3 cm and weighs 660 grams. It also plays calming music and has Bluetooth capabilities to play sounds from different devices.

I’ve used it for 90 days — does it actually help with headaches?

When you live with chronic pain, anything that can bring you a little relief becomes your best friend. I do a lot to manage my headache pain, from taking medication to expensive massages, and the Renpho Eye Massager has permanently been added to my pain-fighting arsenal.

The combination of heat and pressure on my eyes and temples is unlike any headache remedy I have ever used, and it really does alleviate my pain. I reach for this eye mask three to four times a week, and now I won’t even travel without it. I even look forward to playing an audiobook or podcast, lying on my couch and getting a massage from the eye mask.

What I like about it:

The eye mask relieves pain and pressure from headaches: Unlike a lot of other electric massagers I’ve used in the past, it heats up surprisingly well and does so quickly. The mask inflates and deflates, creating pressure against my eyes and temples that soothe my headaches.

It’s comfortable: The mask has an adjustable strap and is comfortable to wear while lying down. The adjustable strap also allows me to manually adjust the intensity of the pressure on your eyes and temples.

It’s great for travel: The eye massager conveniently folds in half and comes with a protective fabric carrying case, taking up no more room in my carry-on than my over-ear headphones.

Easy to use: The Renpho Eye Massager is ready to use right out of the box. There’s no assembly, and the instructions are straightforward. I also love the remote. Once you’ve used it a few times, it’s easy to remember where the mode and volume buttons are located — an important feature for when your vision is obstructed by the mask.

What I don’t like about it

It needs to be charged often: There have been a small number of times when I have needed headache relief only to find that the battery on the eye mask is low. The device gives no indication of battery life until it’s in use and will turn off if the charge isn’t sufficient. Over time, I have learned that it lasts roughly four or five uses with the heat on before needing to be recharged. It takes between two and three hours to become fully charged.

The mask makes unwanted noise: I expected the eye mask to make noise while it massages, and other than the vibrating feature, I find the noise to be tolerable (less than 45 decibels). However, it also speaks when you turn it on or change modes, and it automatically plays music. You can mute these features once the mask is on and going, but I wish it was something I could turn off permanently. If your migraines or headaches increase your sensitivity to sounds these features may bother you.

Would I buy it again?

Simple answer: absolutely. If I woke up tomorrow and my Renpho Eyeris1 Eye Mask went missing or became a victim of my dog’s chewing habits, I would have a new one in my cart within minutes. It has become indispensable in my constant fight against headache pain.

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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