Best Sleep Masks
Find the best eye masks for sleep so you can sleep anywhere, anytime with ease.
Aug 26th, 2022 •
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Imagine a sleep mask. What do you see? An image of a young, beautiful person, swaddled in satin sheets, her hair spread across a memory foam pillow, as sunlight trickles through the window.
A sleep mask evokes images of bedtime bliss. But it’s also a functional sleep aid for those of us who need to sleep in complete darkness. If you’re trying to get some shut-eye on a daytime flight, experiencing jet lag, sleeping in a room with east-facing windows, if your partner or roommate stays up later than you, a great way to block out light is with an eye mask for sleep. This will help you fall asleep when you want, where you want, and stay asleep when the sun comes up or a light flickers on.
What To Look For In A Sleep Mask
Sleep masks are commonly made from silk, nylon, cotton, or polyester. Some include a layer of padding to increase comfort, and may even be contoured around the eyes to allow you to open your eyes and blink freely. They are secured with an elastic or velcro band that wraps around the head to keep them in place.
When choosing a sleep mask, you’ll want to look for a mask that easily molds to your face shape to completely block out darkness. You’ll also want to consider the fabric of your mask – it will rub against your skin for eight straight hours, after all! Temperature is another consideration, as a mask that traps heat will be irritating to the skin and may cause you to wake up. These are the downfalls of masks made from synthetic materials.
Weight of the mask is another consideration. While a mask with additional padding may take a night to get used to, it will help block out additional light. Masks with foam padding around the eyes are also less likely to dry out eyes and skin than close-fitting masks. When you take the time to get used to sleeping with a cover over your eyes, this should not be an issue in the long run.
Masks should be made completely of soft materials. Some masts include a plastic or metal adjustment band, which impedes comfort and sleep quality.
All in all, you will want to choose the least invasive sleep mask possible. Sleep masks are an affordable sleep aid, with prices ranging from $10 all the way up to $50.
Best Sleep Masks
When evaluating the best sleep masks, we’ve taken into account price, functionality, materials, additional benefits, and more. Here are our top choices.
Best Sleep Mask For Travel
Bucky 40 Blinks Eye Mask for Travel & Sleep — $14
The 40 Blinks Sleep Mask by Bucky is a lightweight polyester sleep mask with a poly foam insert which contours to your face to completely block out light. Bucky is known for creating products for travel comfort, and this sleep mask doesn’t disappoint. The molded foam contours eliminate pressure on your eyes, allowing you to blink freely while wearing the mask. With a velcro strap, you can adjust the mask to your perfect fit and wake up free from unsightly lines on your face. It might look a bit sporty, but the Bucky mask is available in tons of patterns and colors. However, reviewers report that the mask is not long-lasting when used daily, and may be better for occasional travel, napping, and less frequent use.
Bedtime Bliss makes our list for the variety of add-ons that come with the mask. Not only does the adjustable strap on this mask help it to stay in place if you’re a side sleeper or a stomach sleeper, it comes with earplugs and a chic carry-case to help the contoured eye area maintain shape when you throw it in a carry-on bag.
The MAVOGEL Cotton Eye Mask gains points from us due to its natural cotton material and padded construction. The strap adjusts with a plastic adjustor, and the nose bridge is moldable to your nose shape and size, allowing you to fully customize the mask. It also features innovative side-wings, which block out additional light which may creep in from the sides of other masks. This mask is 100% handmade and comes with a carry case.
Another offering by MAVOGEL is a newly designed sleep mask with a wraparound plush band. The wraparound design prevents light from creeping in around your eyes and nose, and won’t snag on your hair like other masks with a velcro strap. This option is made from 100% cotton and modal, a silky, breathable hypoallergenic material which is gentle on the skin and won’t irritate sensitive skin or allergies. This design also eliminates pressure and sleep marks that are caused by elastic bands in other sleep masks.
This sleep mask by Gravity weighs in at one lb, making it perfect for relieving pressure around the eyes and sinuses and distributing weight across facial pressure points. It is composed of soft fleece on the outside and lined with premium satin, while the internal weight comes from polyester and silica beads. The pressure has been shown to increase serotonin and melatonin production while decreasing cortisol – the stress hormone. It can even be chilled in the freezer for additional headache relief. However, the plastic connector of this mask may be a distraction for back-sleepers if not using a good pillow.
This weighted silk eye mask by Astura includes the benefit of aromatherapy. The scent of lavender has been shown to relieve anxiety, stress, and headaches, and has been a favorite scent for pillow mists and more. It’s also customizable, with removable pouches of flax seeds and lavender for nights when you want less weight on your face. It can be placed in the freezer for cold therapy or heated with a moist towel. This mask is extremely lux and the 100% silk means it is dry-cleaned only, so if you’re willing to put a bit more care into your therapeutic sleep mask, this one’s for you!
How Light Impacts Sleep
Our natural sleep cycle operates on a circadian rhythm, which is a 24-hour cycle of waking and sleeping. Your circadian rhythm is driven by the release of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland which readies the body for sleep when it gets dark outside, signaling to the brain to relax muscles, invoke feelings of drowsiness, and drop the body temperature. Melatonin levels rise at night, peaking around 3 AM, and fall throughout the day. Growing darkness in the evening signals to the body that it is time to release melatonin and get ready for sleep.
Evening light exposure suppresses the body’s naturally timed melatonin release, keeping you from falling asleep when you want to, and keeping you up for longer periods of time. This has become a problem in modern times especially, as artificial light from phone screens, electrical lights, televisions, and computers also inhibits the release of melatonin. This may lead to occasional issues falling asleep, or more serious sleep disorders like insomnia.
Reasons to use a sleep mask
In urban areas, it’s almost impossible to find complete darkness, as light from street lamps, cars zooming by, and other buildings constantly pollute your room. Blackout curtains may help with this, but even slivers of light from a hallway lamp finding their way under your bedroom door can disrupt your sleep cycle.
Other sources of light in your room also contribute to a disrupted sleep cycle. You may have never considered that the blue light emitted from your phone screen when you receive an alert or notification can also signal to the body that it’s time to wake up.
Sleeping with a partner who stays up later than you might also be keeping your body from falling asleep. Whether your partner is awake and reading in bed with a reading light, responding to emails on his or her iPad or iPhone, or likes to keep the TV on while he or she sleeps, all of this inhibits your body’s ability to fall asleep.
Jet-lag and travel are factors that impact your sleep cycle. When entering a new time zone, it’s essential you get your body rested and on the correct sleep schedule, so as not to feel drowsy during the day and miss out on your trip. One great way to get your body on the right sleep schedule is to get some shut-eye on the plane. A sleep mask will help you block out the seat lights from other travelers, as well as the plane’s overhead lights.
For those prone to migraines or sinus problems, sleep masks can provide pain relief by providing light pressure around the eyes and nose, allowing you to sleep in greater comfort. Heavier masks with a foam insert will provide the greatest benefit.
Sleep masks will also be useful to those who work a night shift and need to sleep during the day.
Types of sleep masks
With so many types of sleep masks available on the marketplace, choosing the right one for you can be tough. To narrow down your choices, you’ll need to think about what your primary use is for your sleep mask. Do you intend on wearing it every night at home? Or simply while traveling? Perhaps you work night shifts and want to block out the light? There are various sleep masks to suit your requirements.
Travel sleep masks
One of the bests masks for use while traveling is this Simple Health Global Sleeping Mask. Not only does it block all light, helping you to fall into a deep REM sleep quickly in any body position (ideal if you’re sleeping in an upright position in a car, train or plane), but it also comes with gel inserts, which provide cool/warm therapy. This allows you to de-stress without relying on drugs or medication. This sleep mask, which is very lightweight, comes with a handy carry pouch and ear plugs – everything you need to enjoy a peaceful sleep while on the move!
Sleep masks for side sleeping
If you sleep on your side, it’s important to choose a mask that’s flexible and that does not dig into your face. You may prefer a mask with a streamlined profile so that it is not easily dislodged with varying sleep positions throughout the night. The 3D Sleep Mask by PrettyCare is contoured to the shape of your face, ensuring that you enjoy a comfortable sleep. It is also slim and lightweight, weighing only 0.4oz and measuring 0.6mm in thickness, and its advanced 3D Technology means that it fits all sizes. The mask’s extra-large eye cavities ensure that you don’t feel cramped when wearing it, allowing you to drift off into a relaxing sleep. Despite its slight build, this sleep mask is an effective tool for blocking out light.
Sleep masks to help with puffy eyes
There are various reasons why you may have puffy eyes, from lack of sleep to allergies and even staring at a computer screen all day. The good news is, there are certain sleep masks on the market that are designed to soothe your eyes. These are known as gel masks and they can be placed in the fridge for around an hour to provide your eyes with relaxing cold therapy. For warm therapy, simply put the gel mask in warm water. The Earth Therapeutics Cooling Gel Sleep Mask comes highly recommended for soothing puffy eyes. With its therapeutic layer of gel beads lined with soft plush fleece, you can look forward to treating them to a spa-like experience.
Related: Best Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
Materials used in sleep masks
It’s important to consider the materials used in sleep masks, particularly if you’re allergic or irritated by specific fabrics. They’re available in various materials, and each has its own pros and cons.
Silk
Silk is widely considered the queen of fabrics. It’s soft and luxurious, making it the perfect material for sleep masks. What’s more, it’s effective at blocking light, resulting in a state of pure darkness. Silk sleep masks feel light on the skin and softer on the eyes, allowing for a comfortable night’s sleep. Some of the best silk sleep masks, such as the 100% Natural Silk Sleep Mask from P&J Health, are made from high quality silk that feels extra thick. This sleep mask is made from 100% natural silk, which means that there are no chemicals used in its production. It is worth bearing in mind that silk sleep masks do get dirty easily and become weaker after repeated washing.
Cotton
Cotton is widely used in sleep masks. Not only is it effective at blocking light, but it’s also very comfortable. Some of the highest quality sleep masks are made from natural cotton, such as this Hibermate 200 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sleeping Eye Mask. Cotton sleep masks are ideal for those who have sensitive skin as it does not result in allergies. They rest gently over the eye area, blocking out unwanted light. Cotton masks do become softer with time, however, they can also become discoloured after numerous washes.
Polyester
Polyester sleep masks are durable and very lightweight, making them excellent for travel. This uxcell® Polyester Travel Home Night Rest Eyes Shade Mask is popular amongst people who want to sleep while traveling. As well as blocking out all sources of light, it’s also easy care, hand washable and hang dry. As polyester sleep masks are so lightweight, they do not make contact with the eyes, allowing to sleep without that feeling of pressure. Keep in mind that masks made of polyester don’t wick away moisture particularly well and so can irritate sensitive skin.
Satin
Satin sleep masks tend to be combined with other materials, such as silk or cotton, and often foam is added as well. These masks do feel good to wear as they’re soft on the skin and don’t pull or damage the hair at the back of the head. Satin masks can be washed; however this must be done on a low temperature to avoid shrinking or discolouring. Take a look at the Dreamy Satin Eye Mask if you’re seeking a comfortable satin mask that blocks out light well.
Sleep mask pros and cons
Pros
- They block out the light. Sleep masks help you to enjoy a deeper, more relaxing sleep.
- Aids sleep while traveling. Sleeping while on the move can be tough, but a sleep mask can limit disruption, helping you to drift off into a peaceful sleep.
- Soothes puffy eyes. Gel masks are available that contain enhanced cooling gel beads. These masks help to reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes.
Cons
- They can lead to oversleeping. Sleep masks block out the light, making it more likely that you will oversleep. Your body naturally wakes up when the sun is up, but sleep masks can disrupt your internal body clock.
- They can leave wear lines. Many sleep masks have elastic straps to hold them around the head. These bands can leave wear lines if they’re tight. Fortunately, a lot of masks have adjustable straps in order to prevent this problem.
FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions )
Does a sleep mask really help you sleep better?
Yes, sleep masks are one of the best tools that can be used to prevent sleep problems and achieve longer, deeper sleep. They work by blocking out light which increases the production of melatonin – a sleep hormone.
Which sleep mask should I choose?
Choosing a sleep mask can be challenging, particularly with so much choice available to you. When selecting a mask, you need to ask yourself when and where you intend on wearing it. If you plan on wearing a sleep mask while traveling, opt for a travel mask, or if you’re a shift worker who wants to get restful sleep during sunlight hours, you’ll need to choose a mask that’s highly effective at blocking out light. The ALASKA BEAR® Natural silk sleep mask is a popular choice.
What else can I do to sleep better?
As well as wearing a sleep mask, you could also invest in ear plugs. When you wear both a sleep mask and ear plugs, you block out both light and noise, increasing your chances of falling asleep and staying asleep for longer. The Bedtime Bliss BTB01 Contoured & Comfortable Black Sleep Mask with Moldex Ear Plugs is a good choice if you’re looking to purchase both of these sleep aids.
Is sleep really important?
Yes! Sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. Without good quality sleep, you could be at an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke and diabetes.
Conclusion
Good quality sleep is vital for your physical and mental help, so if you’re a poor sleeper, it certainly makes sense to invest in tools to help you sleep better. Many sleep aids have been developed over the years, but sleep masks remain one the simplest and most effective means of improving sleep. There are countless sleep masks on the market, so you will need to consider your options carefully in order to select the best sleep mask for you. Not only will you need to decide what your primary use of a sleep mask will be, but you’ll need to decide which material you want it to be made from. There are sleep masks made from various materials, including silk, cotton, polyester and satin and each has different positive and negative qualities. Once you have selected the right sleep mask, you can look forward to a comfortable and relaxing sleep.
