Are bright mornings ruining your sleep? Is getting up at the crack of dawn making you worn out by lunchtime? Well, maybe you need a good sleep mask to make all those issues go away!
Your bodyβs circadian clock responds to light as a signal to be awake. So, you can beat the clock and catch those extra ZZZs with an eye mask! Say goodbye to tired eyes.
I know what youβre thinkingβ¦ theyβre uncomfortable to wear or they donβt block out all the light coming in so whatβs the point, right?
We hear that a lot at The Sleep Advisors, so weβve put the top products on the market to the test, to find which is the best eye mask available right now!
Our top picks
We've put together a brief overview of the best sleep mask along with our other favourites. Even though some have a lower rating, they are still some of the best eye masks we have tried. Different features make one better than another so it comes down to what you're looking for. Of course, we still have our overall favourite that we would recommend to everyone.
The best overall because it can suit anyone and everyone, but it is the most expensive.
Best all-rounder
First up we have this gorgeous midnight blue eye mask, but itβs also available in many other colours. This one has the perfect design to help you sleep due to the strong velcro closure on the wide band. Thereβs no risk of this coming off during the night. The wide band covers your ears which muffles sound whilst reaching past your nose blocking light from outside. So you can have a blacked-out and a quiet nightβs sleep. The Drowsy Sleep Mask is the most expensive from our selection. You feel the production value from the moment you open the pull-out tray. Inside the box, youβll find the eye mask embroidered with the Drowsy logo and a card welcoming you to the Deep Sleep Club β sign me up!
It was a lot to get used to on the first night because I never usually wear an eye mask, so it was an adjustment. However, by the second night, Iβd become comfortable with wearing it and my sleep quality did improve.
It didnβt seem to rub off any skincare products I used before bed. I could still get the benefits from them. If you do have an extensive nighttime skincare routine, just keep in mind that the mask will need to be washed more. In this case, pop it in the washing machine on a cold, delicate cycle or hand wash it. For those who use a silk pillowcase, you might find this is a difficult combo. The materials will slide across each other very easily β especially with the wider band around the back of your head.
The mask also covers your ears and provides some noise cancellation.
Lightweight
Super lightweight & comfortable.
Premium eye mask design
This eye mask cuts no corners when it comes to quality.
Disadvantages
Pricey
It may be more expensive than similar products on the market.
Not ideal for silk pillowcases
There might not be enough traction between the mask and the pillowcase.
Best for design: Cozy Earth Stretch-Knit Bamboo Sleep Mask
This is the one you need for the ideal shape, but it might initially slip down during the night.
Best for design
Now from Cozy Earth, we have their Stretch-Knit Bamboo Sleep Mask. This is the slimmest option we found and I was intrigued to feel the difference. It seems to have the right amount of fabric for an eye mask β not too much and not too little. I did find that some light is still let in due to this design, but it's possible to rest it in a way that hides the light. It was annoying to find what worked for me, however, a few nights in I figured it out.
This eye mask has a wide elastic band that fits tight to your head and can stretch to fit larger head sizes. Itβs a lightly padded mask with a bit more around the edge, creating a border that helps with light blocking. Once again, you have plenty of colours to choose fromβ¦ You could even match them with your pyjamas!
After trialling Cozy Earthβs mask, I found that I was waking up in the morning with fresh eyes, thanks to the comfortably soft and cool feel.
I noticed that my eyes werenβt so puffy after a good nightβs sleep. One downside of the mask is that youβll need to get the right positioning on your head. I initially found that it would slip down at night. This means I had to wake up to readjust it.
You'll hardly notice you're wearing the mask at all.
Cool to the touch
This is a great option for hot sleepers or those living in hot areas.
Plenty of colours to chose from
The eye mask comes in 8 different colours.
Disadvantages
Not the perfect eye mask
The eye mask might slip off during the first few nights.
Best value: Panda London Bamboo Eye Mask
For those who are new to eye masks or working with a budget, yet donβt mind some light making its way through.
Best Value
Next up is our trusted eye mask from Panda London β and the cheapest option too. If youβre new to trying out eye masks then this one might be best for you. You can get the feel for an eye mask, without splashing as much cash for one with all the bells and whistles. Everything about this bamboo mask is ethically sourced β from product to packaging. Opening the box creates the sense of a big reveal, finding the eye mask at the centre of it. In the box, you will see a reusable silky drawstring bag with the eye mask inside. One thing I did notice was the slight cardboard smell to the product which is expected with the recycled craft paper. As you use it, youβll find it reduces over a couple of nights after itβs had time to air out.
I could feel the coolness from the mask when I first took it out of the fabric bag, so I was excited to try it out. However, I was unsure about the thin strap as I had been used to the wider band.
It was good to see that itβs a secure elasticated strap that you can adjust to fit you comfortably. There was no chance of this eye mask slipping off my head whilst I was sleeping. I can confirm the coolness I initially felt was still present when it came to wearing it. The Panda eye mask does effectively block out most of the light so no standby lights will be poking through. But, you may find some light peeps through in the morning β but hey, at least you know itβs time to wake up soon.
Even though it's one of the cheaper eye masks, it's still very high-quality.
Cool to the touch
The eye mask feels cool to the touch.
Disadvantages
Slight cardboard smell
While it does go away rather quickly, it's still present.
Best for Comfort: Aeyla Eucalyptus Silk Eye Mask
Next up, the one we guarantee youβll find comfortable, and the whole experience is enjoyable, but bear in mind that some might find it slightly too loose.
Best for comfort
Here we have Aeylaβs Eucalyptus Silk Eye Mask and every part of the product experience has been carefully considered. From the fun sleep quote on the outside of the box, the quote inside the box and the product card. The box opening and mask reveal are the same as Pandaβs Eye Mask, so this makes the unboxing experience exciting. This product is made using eucalyptus which gives it a similar feeling to silk. Not only is it soft with a cooling sensation, but itβs also kind to your skin and hair to prevent breakouts and split ends. As for the design, the banding on the eye mask is elasticated to fit different size heads and the main piece is somewhat padded on your eyes. Both of these make it comfortable to wear throughout the night.
During the testing process, I found that this one wasnβt as tight fitting as other sleep masks. Some people may find that this is more comfortable for them.
However, I felt that it moved about during the night so I would need to move it back to position a few times. With the shape of the mask, I did notice that there was room for light to be let in. If youβre someone who likes to sleep in pitch black then you might need to opt for another choice as it can be difficult to fall asleep. Overall, itβs very comfortable to wear, it comes in a drawstring bag to keep it protected between uses and is gentle on your eyes.
A bit cheaper than most of the other eye masks we've featured.
Nice to the touch
The mask is very soft and cool to the touch.
Disadvantages
Not a very tight fit
The mask can slip off during the night.
Doesn't block out 100% of light
Some light might seep in during the morning.
Best for Sustainability: Ethical Bedding Organic Eye Mask
You should consider this one for an environmentally-friendly option thatβs classy, but it could be a little too big for some.
Best for sustainability
This eye mask from Ethical Bedding may look simple in its design but itβs very effective. Itβs made with eucalyptus silk, the same as Aeylaβs, ensuring softness around your eyes. The Organic Eye Mask comes packaged in a neat little bag that you can reuse to keep your eye mask safe from night to night. As a bonus, it is reasonably priced too! We're pleased to see that they have introduced this eye mask in more colours now – we can't wait to have have a collection of them all.
Ethical Beddingβs eye mask uses the typical design seen with many masks. However, this one blocks out almost every bit of light which others usually find difficult to achieve. I enjoyed trying out this mask as I found it cushioned my eyes which is exactly what I look for in an eye mask. One thing I did find was that it was slightly loose on me so it did fall during the night. So, those who find it hard to get back to sleep might be affected by this. However, the elastic strap will fit a wide range of people making it inclusive for everyone. You could even have this as an accessory in your guest bedroom so anyone who stays can enjoy a well-rested nightβs sleep.
Ethical bedding lives up to its name by using eco-friendly materials.
100% light blocking
Perfect for sleepers who want a 100% light-blocking mask.
Disadvantages
Not for everyone
Light sleepers might need a mask that offers a tighter fit.
Best for Softness: LilySilk Elegant One Piece Silk Sleep Eye Mask
A smooth and lightweight choice, yet not so adjustable.
Best for softness
The LilySilk Elegant One Piece Silk Sleep Mask has a similar design to the Drowsy Sleep Mask. The noticeable difference is this one has a thinner structure. This might be better for those who prefer to have a lightweight eye mask thatβs not so bulky to sleep with. However, this does mean itβs not as padded around your head and eyes.
On a side note, I like that it comes in reusable packaging that you can use for any future items you need to send. Simply unpeel the strip and reseal it for another use.
I cannot get over how silky smooth this mask is. Itβs incredibly soft and makes me want to wear it all day every day. Thanks to the soft fabric, it's gentle on the skin and hair so even though thereβs a wide band all the way around your head, it doesnβt cause any frizz or irritation. The velcro thatβs been used on the LilySilk Sleep Mask is quite strong making it secure, and the risk of it moving at night is very slim.
One downside is that thereβs only a small dip in the design for your nose and doesnβt come as far down as other options. So, itβs likely that light will come through β like it did for me.
Your skin won't be irritated as the mask is soft & gentle.
Breathable
SIlk is very cool and breathable.
Reusable packaging
You can easily reuse the packaging.
Disadvantages
Not perfect for everyone
Small nose dip that can let some light through.
Features to look for in the best sleep mask
Like any other product, a sleep mask has its own set of defining features. However, you need to know what makes a sleep mask good so that you can choose the best one for yourself (or maybe even make a DIY mask for yourself).
So, let's take a closer look and explain what criteria we had in mind when we were doing our testing. Here's everything you should look out for when searching for the best eye mask on the market.
Light blocking
Excessive light can be an issue for quality sleep. It could disturb your body's ability to achieve REM sleep and it could easily wake you up in the morning, leaving you grumpy and tired all day long. That is why the most important feature of every sleep mask should be its ability to block out light.
A thin mask might be very comfortable to wear, but if the fabric is too thin, you could be looking at a see-through mask, which pretty much defies the purpose of a sleep mask at that point. To us, this is the number one thing you should look for in a sleep mask. It has to be able to protect your eyes from all light so that you can stay asleep for as long as you want.
That is precisely why we paid the most attention to this feature when we were testing the sleep masks and why we feel you should, too. And, as you could see, even something as seemingly inconsequential as a small nose dip can lead to some light getting through. This is why it's usually best to look for an eye mask that also offers a sleep trial of some kind.
Material
Eye masks come in all shapes and sizes, with plenty of different materials being in the rotation as well. Arguably, the most popular material for mask manufacturing is cotton. Cotton is super-soft, sits nicely on your face, is breathable and blocks out light quite well. It is also inexpensive and easy to wash, making it that more popular.
The next most popular material would be pure silk. A silk sleep mask is somewhat of a luxury item, but its unparalleled softness, comfort and cooling abilities make it arguably the best material for people who value their beauty sleep or are afraid they'll end up overheating during the night.
On a similar note, there are eucalyptus and bamboo sleep masks. Both of these are eco-friendly choices that also offer breathability and a very soft texture. And if you've ever had bamboo bedding, you'll know that it offers a premium experience.
The most affordable option would be a polyester sleep mask. Polyester is an inexpensive fabric, mostly used to make eye masks that mimic the feel and look of silk. Naturally, they're not as good as the pure silk masks, but they do manage to get the job done.
Finally, you could even get a foam or beads-filled sleep mask, if you prefer a contoured mask. These are arguably the best at blocking out light, but they do pack some extra weight and might not be as comfortable as their silky counterparts, so you should keep that in mind.
Overall comfort
Some masks are more comfortable than others – that's just the way it goes. Some cover only your eyes, while others cover over half of your face.
However, it's up to personal preference which type would be more comfortable for you. Those who get claustrophobic will likely want a thinner mask. And those who don't want even a single beam of light to reach their eyes might like the pitch-black atmosphere of a full-face sleeping mask.
Be that as it may, the fabric from which the sleep mask is made of will greatly affect how comfortable the mask is. Silk will undoubtedly feel better on your face than polyester, but that's not the end of the story when it comes to comfort.
The band that keeps the mask in place will also affect how comfortable the mask will feel on your face. In addition, eyecups in some contoured masks will also play a significant role in the overall comfort of a sleep mask, as well as the shape or weight of the mask.
Your sleeping position
While it might seem like a non-factor, keep your sleeping position in mind when searching for the best sleep mask. In general, there are three rules to follow. Back sleepers should look for a contoured mask with a deep cup that will block the light from all angles. Furthermore, since your face will entirely support the mask's weight, you should probably avoid weighted models.
On the other hand, side sleepers should avoid contoured models, as they may be interfering with the pillow and causing some discomfort around the eyes. A light, soft mask should do the trick here. Finally, stomach sleepers should also look for a mask that's light and soft to prevent creases and squishes as they sleep.
Closure type
While this likely isn't as substantial of a factor as the others, there's a reason we listed it as a key feature. Namely, most eye masks these days have the pull on closure type. In other words, it's a one-size-fits-all that relies on elastic straps to keep the eye mask secure. Some also have adjustable straps that allow you to make it a bit tighter or looser.
However, there are also eye masks with a hook and loop or buckle closure type. These eye masks are generally more adjustable, however, they might be a poor choice for back sleepers as they're bulkier. And some eye masks stay in the middle with velcro straps, which are highly adjustable and don't cause any discomfort.
So, while it's not nearly as important as the material or the design, take a look and see which closure type suits your needs best.
Tips for buying and using a sleep mask
Before you go out and buy one, you should take your time to get familiar with some tips and tricks to help you find the best eye mask on the market.
Here are three.
First up, read the reviews. There are so many options out there and it would be easy to just get the first one you come across, but chances are, you're going to get stuck with an uncomfortable, lousy product that way. Instead, read the reviews, both user and expert, and find out what they have to say about a particular product you're interested in.
Next up, you have to keep in mind your sleeping position. Not every eye mask is fitting for every sleeper, as we've mentioned earlier, so make sure to find one that will fit perfectly.
Finally, don't forget to wash your mask. Dead skin cells will certainly build up on your mask during the night (about 300 000 per night to be precise). Therefore, you must clean your eye mask at least twice a week, if not more often. If you want to save time, we'd advise getting a couple of masks and just batch-washing them at the end of the week.
Exposure to artificial light, whether emanating from TV screens or computer monitors, can have significant implications for your sleep quality and overall well-being. Artificial light, particularly in the form of blue light emitted by screens, can interfere with your circadian rhythm, leading to decreased melatonin production.
Melatonin, often referred to as the “sleep hormone,” plays a crucial role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle. Without adequate melatonin, you might find yourself susceptible to sleep disorders, including insomnia. This is where the importance of an eye mask, be it a weighted sleep mask, silk eye mask, cotton sleep mask, or a contoured sleep mask, comes into play. By effectively blocking out external light, these masks help create a conducive sleeping environment, preserving your melatonin levels and preventing sleep disruptions.
Furthermore, maintaining a healthy sleep routine is closely linked to various aspects of your well-being, including weight management. Research has established a direct connection between inadequate sleep, typically 6 hours or less per night, and an increased risk of obesity. Short sleep duration can impact hunger hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, leading to altered appetite regulation. Sleep-deprived individuals often experience heightened hunger, making them more prone to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain. In this context, the use of an eye mask can contribute to maintaining a regular and restful sleep pattern, indirectly supporting your efforts to stay in shape.
In the grand scheme of things, a night of deep, high-quality sleep is undeniably vital for your overall health and well-being. Sleep influences numerous aspects of your physical and mental health, from immune function to cognitive performance. With the aid of a sleep eye mask, you can enhance the quality of your sleep. This small yet effective accessory promotes restfulness by eliminating potential disruptions caused by light and, consequently, facilitates the restoration of your body and mind during the night. In essence, a sleep eye mask not only helps you sleep better but also plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and enhancing your health in the long run.
It might help prevent sleep disorders such as insomnia
It might help you stay in shape and possibly even lose weight
It improves your overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are a lot of eye masks for sleeping on the market and it's all about finding the perfect one for you. As someone who has struggled to sleep with an eye mask, I made it my mission to find ones that I enjoyed wearing. Thankfully, that's what I did and hopefully you will find that these ones work for you too. I'm not going to stop using my gold eye masks and bright eye firming mask in my skincare routine, but I will definitely be adding sleep mask to leave me feeling refreshed every morning.
A sleep mask is worth it to get rid of those tired, puffy eyes.
Spread the word
FAQs about sleep masks
We thought we should end things by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about sleep eye masks. Sometimes, you could know just about everything about the product from a technical standpoint but still, have some doubts. So, on that note, here are some answers you might find useful.
Is wearing a sleep mask bad for your eyes?
In a word – no. Unless a sleep mask is on too tight, it is perfectly safe to wear one. It won't affect your eyes or your eyesight in any harmful way.
How long should I wear a sleep mask?
In general, you should wear an eye mask for as long as you're asleep.
What material is the best for a sleep mask?
It all depends on your preference, but many would argue that the best material for a sleep mask is pure silk. A silk sleep mask is soft, comfortable, easy on the eyes, and it will work well regardless of your sleeping position.
There are no comments yet
"*" indicates required fields