Yes, You Still Need At-Home COVID Tests — And These Are 40% Off

I’ve long wanted a cooling blanket for helping cool me down while I sleep, but while recently sick, I was burning up so badly that I wished I’d just taken the plunge and gotten it — because I could really use it now.

Through my research, I think this is one of the best cooling blankets on the market, particularly for its affordable price. It’s designed with two sides, one with cooling fabric that’s supposed to reduce and absorb heat up to twelve times faster than cotton, while reducing body temperature immediately on contact. The other side is made with super-soft 100% Egyptian cotton for comfy breathability.

It has 19,000 5-star ratings and comes in multiple colors and sizes.

Note: Clip the coupon for an additional discount at checkout.

Promising reviews: “This blanket is amazing- I love to cover myself with a blanket at all times. This blanket is perfect for the summer. I’ve also used it for when my children are sick to help with fevers. We’ve bought 4 of these because we all love them.” — Diet coke queen

When you’re sick, feeling absolutely crummy and just want to sleep, blackout curtains may be your dark horse savior.

I recently contracted COVID and fortunately, had recently bought several pairs of Nicetown thermal-insulated blackout drapes to help with reducing ambient light. They help me sleep better in general, but during my bout with COVID, I felt too weak to contend with bright daylight and needed help resting. I thanked my lucky stars I had these already set up. They also helped wonderfully with temperature control.

I decided on these Nicetown ones after a lot of personal research — with over 31,000 5-star ratings but an under-$30 price tag for a set of two, they were by far the most affordable for the quality that I found. Their rod pockets ensured that no light got in, as opposed to options with grommet detailing. Plus, they had such an abundance of colors and sizes that I was able to get just the type I wanted.

Promising review: “I had no idea these were a thing!!! I wish I knew sooner. Highly recommend them to all. I get questions on them all the time. I can’t stand sun light when gaming to many glares on the screen. These got rid of them why better then my blanket combo. Also I got covid as well and these help out a lot with sleeping during the day!!” — Ben

I rely on my Renpho eye massager HEAVILY for sinus and tension headaches, plus oncoming migraines, which worsen when I’m sick, tired or stressed. They’re also incredible at helping relax my mind and body and put me to sleep. I’m at the point where it’s a full staple in my life, and I will not be without one. It’s also worked wonders for my dry eyes.

The Renpho massagers come in various versions, and I’ve tried a number of them. The updated Renpho Eyeris 1 is probably easiest to use given its included remote, but I’ve ended up preferring the remote-less Renpho Eyeris 2, which recalls my last settings without my having to readjust them every time I turn it on.

Both models offer heat, compressive massage and vibration. You also have the option of music: Renpho’s included classical music, Bluetooth capability so you can stream your own tunes or no music at all, which I prefer.

Note: Clip the coupon for an added discount at checkout.

Promising review: “I didn’t have high expectations but I had a 4 day sinus headache that wouldn’t let up. The very first time I used my eye massager, I actually had some relief. I started using it every night when I went to bed and by the second day of use; I wasn’t hurting anymore. This is now my go to whenever I feel a sinus headache come on or just need to feel ‘calm’ after a stressful day. I would highly recommend and not sure what I would do if this ever breaks down. I’ve recommended it to all of my family and coworkers that they’ve even made a purchase and love theirs too. Don’t miss out! The heat option is phenomenal and the music is soothing.” — Mary

If you feel too weak for a full weighted blanket while you’re sick and fatigued, but still want some anxiety-relief, you might find that a weighted hoodie does the trick.

I own and love my own Thera weighed hoodie even when I’m not sick. But when I was recently ill, the jacket was perfectly sized to give me the calming, compressive relief of a weighted blanket while keeping my legs free and my body cool. Wearing its hood also provided extra calm and a sense of security.

It comes in multiple colors, two materials (fleece or extra-plush) and in sizes XS-XXL; the XS is 8 pounds while the other sizes are 10 pounds. It’s also machine-washable!

A quality eye mask will also serve you well while sick (and beyond) for keeping out light so you can rest and sleep in the daytime. This soft, molded bestseller works “like blackout curtains for your eyes,” reviewers say, and is designed with extra space between the mask and your eyeballs to not add too much pressure.

Promising review: “Both my son and I have used the eye mask. It worked great for him when he had a migraine, and cold-flu season hit and we needed to nap during the day to rest. They are comfortable, and do the job well.” — L.A.

This Briotech hypochlorous acid spray was previously recommended to HuffPost by a dermatologist as a more affordable swap for the popular Tower 28 SOS spray.

Hypochlorous acid is a soothing, potent antimicrobial that gently calms inflammation on skin while serving as a natural disinfectant.

I find that facial wipes usually break me out, so I rely on hypochlorous acid to quickly cleanse my skin when I’m too sick (or tired) to wash my face.

Micellar water is a kind of cleanser removes makeup, pollution, dirt and oil from your face without requiring you to wash it off. That means you can apply it just about anywhere, including from your bedside while sick if your skin is feeling dry or you haven’t been strong enough to conduct your multi-step routine — as long as you have a cotton pad or something similar to apply it with.

Bioderma’s bestselling version is particularly popular for its gentle formula that removes makeup, oil and dirt without requiring rubbing or tugging on skin.

It’s available in six sizes.

Promising review: “Removes makeup so easily and doesn’t irritate your skin at all. I’ve been using bottles of this and doubt that I’ll ever use a different product. It’s especially convenient at the end of a tiring day.” — Tyler Holmes

If you just can’t get comfortable while you’re sick, a body pillow can help provide extra support. I think this Buffy wiggle pillow is a particularly good choice: It’s bendy enough to literally tie into a knot and combines support with floppiness so you can easily move it around.

It comes with a super-soft zippered eucalyptus lyocell cover, which gets softer with each wash, and measures 8 inches by 82 inches.

Promising reviews: “This pillow is the best. Super soft, but firm enough to provide adequate support. Def my favorite pillow.” — Quincey C.

“This pillow is everything.” — Eliza A.

Originally created to soothe the hands of dairy farmers working in the harsh Vermont climate, this cult-fave occlusive balm expertly softens and moisturizes severely dry, chapped skin using a blend of lanolin and petrolatum.

It did wonders to keep my skin protected and supple while I was sick and too weak to moisturize, especially with my increased handwashing. I also rely on it for everyday use on my hands, face, lids and lips.

The tube version has a slanted applicator that makes it easy to apply straight onto the lips. Its tin jar is best for use at home.

Promising reviews: “Bag Balm has been a staple in my skincare routine for years. It’s incredibly effective at healing and soothing dry, cracked skin, especially during the colder months. The formula is thick and rich, providing long-lasting moisture without feeling greasy. It’s also great for minor cuts and abrasions, helping to speed up the healing process. The tin packaging is nostalgic and practical, making it easy to take with me wherever I go. A true multi-purpose balm that everyone should have on hand.” — Brandon