Eye Steamer Mask or Facial Steamer? Maker Rules Compared

How to compare an eye steamer mask with a facial steamer

If you are choosing an eye steamer mask and wondering how it differs from a tabletop facial steamer, the makers' own instructions are the clearest place to look. This guide reads three facial-steamer manuals, from Panasonic, Conair and Beurer, next to the manual for the Beminda Steam Therapy Pro S-400R.

It works through five questions in order: what each device is built for, where your eyes go, how close your face gets, what goes in the tank, and how a session ends. Each instruction stays with the maker that wrote it. Nothing here compares results or comfort. It compares how each maker tells you to use its own device.

The five answers at a glance

What is each device built for, and where does it sit?

Panasonic's North American operating manual describes the EH-SA31 as a household facial ionic steamer intended only for facial care Panasonic. The same manual says to place the unit on a flat surface rather than holding it by hand.

Conair describes the True Glow MDF8 as a tabletop facial sauna system with a detachable full-face mask, or cone, and says not to use it without the cone in place Conair Corporation. Conair also says to use it on a level surface.

Beurer says the FS 60 facial sauna is intended only for private domestic use on the human face Beurer GmbH. Beurer also says to use it only with the facial sauna steam mask attached.

The Beminda Steam Therapy Pro is a rechargeable, hands-free steam eye mask. The S-400R manual describes the current model as a one-button device Beminda.

Where do your eyes go during use?

• Conair warns that the steam is very hot and tells users to always close their eyes before using the sauna Conair Corporation.
• Beurer's instructions say: "Close your eyes during use and protect heat-sensitive areas." Beurer GmbH
• Panasonic's manual warns not to touch or look into the steam outlet during use Panasonic.
• The S-400R manual says to keep your eyes closed Beminda.

Each line is that maker's instruction for its own device. They are not health guidance, and one maker's wording does not carry over to another maker's product.

How close does your face get, and who holds the device?

Panasonic says to keep your face and hands at least 20 cm (8 in) away from the nozzle during operation Panasonic. To cover your whole face, the manual says to direct the steam toward the top of your chin.

Conair says to place your face in a comfortable position close to, but not touching, the rim of the cone Conair Corporation. It also warns never to hold the unit close to your face in one position.

Beurer says to sit in front of the device and bend forward until your face is above the mask Beurer GmbH. It says not to keep your face too close to the mask, and to increase the distance if the steam feels too hot.

The S-400R is the hands-free option in this comparison. Its manual asks you to keep your eyes closed Beminda.

What goes in the water tank?

Panasonic says to use only distilled or purified water Panasonic. Its manual rules out tap, mineral, geothermal, acidulated, ground and ionized alkaline water, and mixing in lotions or aromatic oils.

Conair says to fill the reservoir with cool or warm distilled water only, up to the MAX fill line, while the unit is unplugged Conair Corporation. It also says not to use additives or boiling or steaming water.

Beurer says to fill the water container only with the supplied measuring cup, never directly under running water, and not above the maximum filling level Beurer GmbH. According to Beurer, a full container holds enough water for about 20 minutes of use.

For the Beminda S-400R, the current rule is short:

Use still, unflavored bottled drinking water only. Do not add anything else.

These four water rules differ, so each one applies only to the device it was written for.

How does a session end, and what happens afterwards?

Panasonic says steam starts about 1 minute after you slide the power switch up Panasonic. It lasts about 6 minutes at the FULL mark or about 3 minutes at the HALF mark, and you slide the switch down to turn the appliance off.

Beurer says not to use the facial sauna for longer than 20 minutes per day Beurer GmbH. To stop, the instructions say to turn the switch back to 0, then switch off and unplug the device after use.

Conair's instruction sheet contains conflicting statements about session length and shut-off, so this guide gives no single Conair timing or shut-off rule; check the instructions for your own unit Conair Corporation.

The Beminda Steam Therapy Pro has three 12-minute modes: continuous warm mist, interval warm mist and cool mist.

Each mode lasts 12 minutes, and warm modes include approximately four minutes of warm-up.

The manual adds that mist can appear during warm-up and that there is no sound or signal at the end of it Beminda. At the end of the session, the mask says goodbye and switches off.

After each use, empty, clean and dry the mask.

The manual also says not to submerge the mask or rinse its electrical body.

Choosing by format, not by the word on the box

Put the five answers side by side and the choice comes down to format: a device you set on a table and lean toward, or a mask you wear with your eyes closed.

Each facial steamer's instructions apply to that device, not to the S-400R.

For more on eye-area formats, see how heated eye compress formats differ and these maker-by-maker warm and cold compress instructions.

If a worn, hands-free format with a set session is what you are after, you can view the Beminda Steam Therapy Pro and its specifications.

What this comparison covers

This guide covers operating instructions only: what each device is for, eyes, face position, water and session end. It does not compare comfort, results or suitability for any person.

The Panasonic manual used here is the North American operating manual for the EH-SA31, rated 120 V, 60 Hz Panasonic.

The Beurer manual used here is the European and UK edition for the FS 60, rated 230 to 240 V, 50 to 60 Hz Beurer GmbH.

If you own one of these devices, follow the instructions that came with it.