The Best Eye Masks For Migraines

women with headache wearing eye mask, text says what are the best eye masks for migraines?

If you’ve never experienced a migraine, consider yourself lucky.  The pain can be so debilitating that it’s impossible to function. All you want is for the throbbing to stop, but your pain medicine takes time to work.

Is there anything else you can do? Yes, lie down and try to relax. Put on an eye mask.  Not just any sleep mask though. You need one of the best eye masks for migraines.

Let me explain more about migraines and how an eye mask can help.  Then I will help you choose the right one for you.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head.  Other symptoms may include feeling sick, nauseous, and/or increased sensitivity to light or sound.  Some people find some relief from over-the-counter pain killers or just lying down in a dark and quiet room.

Migraines affect around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men.  If you have frequent or severe migraines, you should speak to your doctor.  They may be able to help with preventative treatment.

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What causes a migraine?

The exact cause of migraines is not known.   It is believed that genetics may play a part as about half of those that suffer from migraines have a close relative that also has issues. (1)  Some people notice that migraines seem to be triggered by factors like starting their period, stress, tiredness, and certain foods or drinks.

How does an eye mask help with migraines?

An eye mask can relieve migraine symptoms as soon as you put it on.  First, it blocks out light which is especially important if you have light sensitivity.  This will help you relax too.

Some eye masks also work as hot or cold compresses to your head or neck which can also help.  An ice pack has a numbing effect, which may dull the sensation of pain. On the other hand, hot packs can relax tense muscles.

You could try using Chamomile tea bags on eyes as they act as mini compresses when warmed or chilled.  There are also some eye masks that use aromatherapy to ease the pain.

The Best Eye Masks for Migraines

Huggaroo Heated/Cooling Migraine Hat

This eye mask is so versatile that it can be fastened around your scalp to use as a headache wrap or used as a heating pad for other parts of your body.  When wrapped around your head, it instantly soothes migraines, tension headaches, and sinus pain with moist heat and pleasing aromatherapy.

The soft, plush fabric (100% polyester) feels luxurious against your skin. Inside it is filled with clay beads, flaxseeds, and 100% natural dried herbs including lavender, peppermint, chamomile, and lemongrass. It’s adjustable so one size will fit everyone.

The Huggaro can also be used for both heat or cold therapy.  You can heat it up in the microwave and it will also release aromatherapy scents from the dried herbs inside.  Put it in the freezer and it becomes a reusable ice pack.

Be sure to follow the instructions for use.  If you have neuropathy from diabetes or any other cause and have decreased perception of pain or temperature, unfortunately, this product is not recommended for you.

Click here to check the price and read more reviews.

Headache Hat

The Headache Hat is similar to the Migraine Hat.  It’s a versatile mask that can be used to treat migraines and other ailments.  It is made of soft, flexible materials such as cotton, spandex and microfleece so it is comfortable to wear.  The lightweight band design allows you to use it as an: eye mask, face mask, neck pillow, on the side, back to front, and more for full-body pain relief.

Unfortunately, the Headache Hat does not have a heat option, but it does have 24 individually wrapped ice cubes that move easily to provide an instant cooling sensation and to target specific pain points.  It comes with a freezer storage bag for your convenience. You can choose from two sizes, regular and extra-large.

Click here to check the price and read more reviews.

Kimkoo Moist Heat Eye Compress Mask

This eye mask is a simple, natural, convenient and effective way to mitigate migraine pain. It’s filled with natural flaxseed so it holds the heat well and absorbs the moisture from the air. The hot water vapor generated helps with eye compression.

Simply put the mask in a clean microwave oven for 30 to 50 seconds and you have a moist hot compress. Put it on then close your eyes for 6-8 minutes and you will feel like a new person.

The strap is elastic and can easily be adjusted for different head sizes  It’s also easy to disassemble and clean.

Click here to check the price and read more reviews.

Lewis N. Clark Comfort Eye Mask

Relax in total darkness with the Lewis N. Clark eye mask.  The soft ridge at the bottom provides extra protection against any light that might leak through. It is made with plush, lightweight, breathable rip-stop nylon that is soothing against your eyes and provides headache relief.

This mask can fit anyone as the elastic strap adjusts from 15.8 inches to 27.6 inches.  Your hair won’t get tangled in it, as It stays put using a buckle, not Velcro. It’s also easy to keep clean and germ-free by washing it by hand.  You get your choice of four different colors.

Click here to check the price and read more reviews.

Happy Wraps Lavender Eye Pillow

The Happy Wraps Eye Pillow is both luxurious and affordable.  It holds gently in place without any straps, while its soft silky satin fabric delivers gentle pressure to your eyes and completely blocks out the light.

The pillow is filled with organic flax seeds and whole lavender buds. There are no fillers or oils. Gently press the lavender buds in the eye pillow to bring out the aroma.  Lavender has been used since ancient times for its calming and soothing properties.

You can use this eye mask for warm or cold therapy. The flax seeds help the pillow to heats up quickly in the microwave or put it in a plastic bag in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. To clean, just wipe it with a damp cloth.

Happy Wraps offers an unconditional money-back guarantee policy! Plus, they include a free sleep eye mask with every eye pillow.  You can choose from nine different colors.

Click here to check the price and read more reviews.

IMAK Compression Pain Relief Mask and Eye Pillow

The IMAK eyemask was designed by an orthopedic surgeon to provide relief from migraines, tension headaches, sinus pain, and eye strain. It’s also ideal for relazing and meditating.

This eye pillow is filled ergoBeads that give a gentle massage to the eye area, while its patented stitching design alleviates direct pressure on eyes.

Its weighted compression aids in the feeling of relaxation.  The mask conforms to the face to block out light.

The cover is made from a breathable cotton material so it’s comfortable to wear and feels good against the skin.  It also has a durable elastic strap to keep the mask in place even if you lie on your side.

Store your IMAK headache eye mask in the freezer and use it to provide soothing cool relief for tired and puffy eyes, without the harshness of ice or frozen gel packs.

Click here to check the price and read more reviews.

Other Things to Try to Relieve Migraine Pain

In addition to taking pain medication or getting an eye mask to relieve your migraine pain, there are a few other remedies you can try:

  • Massage, in general, can help relieve pain from migraines, but some massages are more effective at this than others.  The best massage technique for migraines is Indian Head Massage. It’s easy to do at home and you don’t need any special equipment.  Alternatively, try using an eye massager.
  • Acupressure can provide pain relief.  More specifically, these pressure points can help with headaches.
  • A TENS unit.  If you start TENS therapy as soon as you start to notice migraine symptoms, it can be very effective in managing the pain.
  • Utilize essential oils.  There are several essential oils that can help with the pain. If you think your migraines are caused by stress, you might want to try using a relaxing essential oil like lavender.  The essential oils can be used in a massage or a diffuser.  Note that some eye masks have aromatherapy features built-in and additional essential oils may not be needed.

Other Uses for Eye Masks

Eye masks can be used for more that to treat headaches.  Many people use eye masks to improve their quality of sleep.  They can come in handy when you need to sleep in a place that is not always dark, like an airplane.  Eye masks are also good for your eyes.  They can help with eye fatigue, dry eyes, and puffy eyes.

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Elena Curtis