The 10 Best Sleep Masks of 2024
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Maximize your snoozing with these vetted sleep mask picks.
Real Simple / Brian Kopinski
You might associate sleep masks with red-eye flights and long airport layovers—where they definitely have their uses—but you might also benefit from using one at home. “Sleep masks block out any ambient light,” explains Dr. Carolyn D'Ambrosio, MD, chair of the Sleep Medicine Network for the American College of Chest Physicians. Ambient light prevents your body from releasing melatonin, a chemical that helps tell your body when it’s time to fall asleep and time to wake up. So, blocking out that light means melatonin can get released, allowing your body plenty of snoozing.
To select the best sleep masks, we researched dozens of products made from different materials, designed to fit a variety of head shapes. We also considered size, light blockage, care instructions, and price points to further provide you with the best sleep mask options. In addition to Dr. D'Ambrosio, we also spoke to Dr. Abhinav Singh, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine specialist and medical director at the Indiana Sleep Center, for extra expert advice.
Best Overall Sleep Mask: Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask
What Stands Out
This mask’s high nose curve fits snugly around the nose bridge, preventing light from getting in.
What Could Be Improved
People with smaller heads might find this sleep mask a little large.
Our best overall pick was the Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask. The mask’s large size covers the eye area completely, and comes with a fully adjustable headband that has sliders and rings (the same kind you might see on a bra strap) that allow you to lengthen or shorten the strap for a perfect fit. Additionally, the mask also features a high nose curve, which helps it fit snugly against your face and prevents light from creeping in.
We also love that this mask is made from 100% mulberry silk, which is a popular material for a variety of sleep products ranging from silk pillowcases to silk pajamas due to its soft feel and breathability. To add even more comfort, the mask is made with light foam padding, so there’s no tightness or pressure against your eyelids while you sleep. The only thing worth noting about this mask is that it is a little large, so those who have smaller heads may struggle with the mask’s size.
Material: Mulberry silk | Care: Hand wash in cool water, air dry
Best Budget Sleep Mask: Tim & Tina 100% Silk Sleep Mask
What Stands Out
This affordable sleep mask comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
What Could Be Improved
The mask is not contoured, so the fabric can feel tight against your eyelids and eyelashes.
You certainly don’t need to spend a ton of money to get a good sleep mask, and the Tim & Tina Sleep Mask proves this. This mask is made from mulberry silk for a soft feel and comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns that feature stars, closed eyelids, and more. It also has a fully adjustable strap to help suit a variety of head shapes and sizes.
This sleep mask is a little smaller compared to other masks on this list, so it won’t cover as much of your face and eye area, or wrap around the sides of your head. It also does not have the contoured, padded eye cups that some other masks have, meaning the fabric of the mask may feel tight across your eyelids or eyelashes. However, its accessible price point and light material do make it a good choice for those looking for a budget sleep mask.
Material: Mulberry silk | Care: Hand wash
Best Splurge Sleep Mask: Ostrichpillow Ergonomic Eye Mask
What Stands Out
The mask’s ergonomic design helps create a 100% blackout experience.
What Could Be Improved
This mask is on the bulkier side, so it may be tricky for side sleepers.
The Ostrichpillow Eye Mask promises a “100% blackout experience” thanks to its 3D structure that is designed to fit to the contours of your face. This eye mask features six layers of foam and modal fabric, however the molded eye cups allow you to open your eyes without feeling any pressure on your eyelids from all of the material. The hook and loop closure also allows you to adjust the straps to certain set sizes for a more comfortable fit.
Because this mask is a bit bulkier than others, it may not be perfect for side sleepers who might find it uncomfortable to feel the mask between the side of their head and their pillow. Additionally, depending on your face shape, some light may creep in around the nose support area. Not to mention, this mask is more expensive than other options on this list, however the company does offer a 100-day return window, allowing you plenty of time to test it out to see if it works for you.
Material: Foam and modal fabric | Care: Machine washable
Best Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers: MZOO Sleep Eye Mask
What Stands Out
The mask is super-thin at the sides, which is great for side sleepers.
What Could Be Improved
The memory foam material may not be ideal for people who run hot.
Finding a comfortable eye mask can be tough for side sleepers since most masks come with straps that rest on the side of the head which can cause pressure or discomfort while sleeping. The Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask addresses this issue with its contoured memory foam that is designed to be very thin on the side of your face to keep you comfortable in any sleeping position.
The sleep mask’s memory foam is not only thin, but it provides a comfy, cushiony feel to prevent it from feeling too obtrusive on your face. It also features contoured eye sockets and a high nose curve area to block out light. Just note that memory foam can retain heat, so people who run hot at night may want to consider options made from more breathable fabrics.
Material: Memory foam | Care: Hand wash
Best Silk Sleep Mask: Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask
What Stands Out
The ultra-soft mulberry silk fabric comes in a variety of cute colors and prints.
What Could Be Improved
The band is not adjustable, so it can be tough to get a perfect fit.
The Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask is made from 100% mulberry silk, from the mask itself down to the straps. Ideally, since the entire mask is made from silk, any friction that may occur on your hair or skin will be minimal thanks to the material’s light touch. Material aside, the mask also comes in Instagram-worthy solids, stripes, and patterns, including options that match Brooklinen’s bedding offers.
This is a flat, lightweight mask that doesn’t have contoured eye cups, so the fabric lies directly across your eyelids to help block out light. One important thing to note, however, is that the straps on this mask aren’t adjustable. The elastic strap can stretch to accommodate larger heads, but there’s no way to make it smaller, which can prove troublesome for those who have smaller heads.
Material: Mulberry silk | Care: Machine wash cold; lay flat to dry
Best Bamboo Sleep Mask: Simply Organic Bamboo Sleep Mask
See at Simplyorganicbamboo.com
What Stands Out
The sleep mask’s hypoallergenic fabric is gentle on sensitive skin.
What Could Be Improved
The strap can’t be adjusted to fit different head sizes.
Bamboo is another soft, cooling fabric that’s commonly used in products such as bamboo sheets and bamboo pajamas. The benefit of this material is that it doesn’t have the same slippery feeling as silk, making the Simply Organic Bamboo Sleep Mask a solid alternative for those in need of a mask with breathability.
This eye mask is made from 100% bamboo viscose, and the fabric is certified OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, meaning it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. Moreover, this mask is hypoallergenic, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin. Like the Brooklinen mask, this eye mask doesn’t have contoured eye cups that mold to your face, and the elastic strip can’t be adjusted, which can lead to potential size issues.
Material: Bamboo | Care: Machine wash in cold water; lay flat to dry
Best Weighted Sleep Mask: Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask
What Stands Out
The weighted design blocks out light and provides soothing pressure.
What Could Be Improved
This is trickier to use if you are trying to rest while sitting up, like on an airplane.
You’ve heard of weighted blankets, but have you heard about weighted eye masks? The NodPod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask is made of four “pods,” each filled with weighted microbeads. Simply arrange the mask over your head in your preferred sleeping position, and the weighted beads will block out light and prevent the mask from slipping during the night. You can also put this mask in the freezer, and use it cold for natural headache relief.
This eye mask is made with jersey cotton on one side and microfleece on the other, so you can use whichever side you prefer (the cotton is cooler, while the microfleece is warmer). The mask does have a slot and tab option to secure the ends together if you want to sleep sitting up (like on an airplane), however the weighted beads may cause it to slide down your face. Despite this, the mask is machine washable—just be sure to select the delicate option on your washer.
Material: Jersey cotton, microfleece, BPA-free plastic microbeads | Care: Machine wash
Best Contoured Sleep Mask: Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask
What Stands Out
The deep eye cups provide comfort for side and back sleepers.
What Could Be Improved
The velcro strap can be itchy (and loud).
The Nidra Sleep Mask looks like a pair of goggles, and functions basically the same way. The deep, molded cups let you open and close your eyes freely, relieving pressure over your eyelids and preventing your eyelashes from brushing against any fabric. The mask is also designed to fit snugly around your nose, preventing even the faintest amount of light from dripping in.
The adjustable strap lies flat, which is nice for side sleepers. There are also two size options available: The standard mask, which is 22.8cm long and 8cm wide, and the small/slim mask, which is 20cm long and 7.7cm wide. This mask folds in half for easy storage and transport, and comes in a small bag you can pack it in. Just note that the adjustable strap uses velcro, which can be scratchy (and a little noisy to take on/off) and wear out over time.
Material: Polyester with a foam insert | Care: Hand wash
Best Cooling Sleep Mask: Slumber Cloud Silk Sleep Mask
What Stands Out
The mask is made with a temperature-regulating fabric.
What Could Be Improved
The mask lacks some features despite its high price.
While sleep masks certainly help aid in creating a dark environment that’s perfect for snoozing, wearing them can be cumbersome, especially if you tend to get overheated very easily. The Slumber Cloud Silk Cooling Sleep Mask takes this issue into account, providing customers with a mask lining that is made from a breathable, temperature-regulating fabric that is designed to wick away moisture to help you sleep cooler.
While this mask is certainly a top choice for those who need a mask that won’t make them overheat, admittedly, this product doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles other masks on this list have. A few pain points include a lack of molded eye cups and an adjustable strap, in addition to its white color which may not be as effective at blocking out light compared to darker masks. Most importantly, the mask is one of the high-end options on this list, which might be a deterrent for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Material: Silk and lyocell-based liner | Care: Hand wash, line dry
Best Heated Sleep Mask: TOPOINT Heated Eye Mask Moist Heat Eye Compress
What Stands Out
Both masks can be easily warmed in the microwave.
What Could Be Improved
It can be tricky figuring out what is the ideal temperature for your masks.
Unlike other options on this list, the PINPOXE Heated Eye Masks are sold as a two-pack, with each mask containing removable bags filled with heat-retaining seeds. All you have to do is just pop the removable bag out of the mask, and heat it in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds. Once the bag is warmed up, you can place it back in the mask, and then put the mask on to feel the relaxing, warming sensation.
These masks are great for people with dry eyes or headaches, as the warmth can help provide relief. The outer eye mask is machine washable, and there’s an adjustable strap to help get a good fit. The only thing that may be a little cumbersome is trying to figure out what the right temperature is for your mask/face, which may take a little trial and error.
Material: Velvet | Care: Machine wash outer cover
How to Shop for Sleep Masks Like a Pro
Material
The material your sleep mask is made from is a huge factor to consider before committing to a purchase. “Avoid materials with stuffing and excessive scents,” says Dr. Abhinav Singh, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine specialist and medical director at the Indiana Sleep Center. “I would choose materials that are light, breathable and easy to fasten around your head.” Some choices that fall into this category include materials such as bamboo and silk.
Light Blockage
A good sleep mask will provide ample light blockage to help you fall and stay asleep. Generally, a sleep mask should “cover your eyes gently,” Dr. Singh says, and shouldn’t feel too tight around your eyes/face. You may need to try a couple of different masks before finding one that will block out light effectively without feeling like you have a ton of pressure on your eyes.
Size
The right sleep mask fit for you will depend on a variety of things, including your head size and facial features. Do some research before buying an eye mask to figure out whether or not it will fit your head comfortably. You can check a mask’s measurements online before purchasing, and look at whether it has features like an adjustable strap.
Care
Consider whether you’re open to an eye mask you need to hand wash and line dry, or if you prefer something you can machine wash and tumble dry. How often you need to clean your eye mask will depend on how often you use it. Additionally, if you use your mask exclusively for travel or in hotels, you may need to wash it more often than one that you just use at home.
Questions You Might Ask
Do sleep masks actually help you sleep?
As sleep masks are used to block out light, they do directly help with falling and staying asleep since you won’t be disturbed by any brightness in your surrounding environment. Dr. Singh also mentions that sleep masks offer some indirect sleep benefits as well.
“Sleep masks take away the opportunity to interact with a screen, which can eat into your sleep time,” Dr. Singh explains. “This reduces stimulation and allows your mind to be less busy.” Plus, Singh says, if putting on a sleep mask becomes a regular part of your bedtime routine, it can help tell your body that it’s time to wind down and go to sleep.
Is it okay to sleep with a sleep mask every night?
As long as your sleep mask is comfortable, there’s absolutely no problem with wearing it every night. If you’re wearing a sleep mask every night, just be sure to look out for these signs which may indicate it’s time to switch to a different mask option:
The strap digs into your face or ears, causing pain or leaving welts
Your skin is irritated where the mask touches your face
You wake up with headaches or eye pain
You find yourself tossing and turning because the mask moves around on your face at night
What material is best for a sleep mask?
“I would recommend always looking for natural fabrics or organic materials,” says Dr. D'Ambrosio, as these materials tend to be more breathable and are less irritating if you have sensitive skin. Natural fabrics include cotton, silk, bamboo, linen, hemp, and wool.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Nina Bahadur, a writer with over 10 years of experience in home, health, culture, and commerce topics. For this piece, she spent hours researching the best sleep masks, considering their size, materials, care instructions, and light-blocking qualities. She also received expert advice from Dr. Abhinav Singh, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine specialist, medical director at the Indiana Sleep Center, and Dr. Carolyn D'Ambrosio, MD, chair of the Sleep Medicine Network for the American College of Chest Physicians.
For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Real Simple.
