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Best Sleep Masks for Blocking out Light and Staying Asleep
A sleep mask is an accessory placed over the eyes to block out light during sleep. They’re typically made of a soft, lightweight material such as cotton, polyester, nylon, or silk, but some models also have foam padding to cushion your face and block out more light.
Light acts as a signal to our bodies to help us wake up in the morning and stay awake. Many people use sleep masks at night to make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep masks can be useful for shift workers and other people who normally sleep during the day. They can also help people fall asleep on planes and other forms of public transportation. Some people even use sleep masks during the day to feel more relaxed.
Our picks for the best sleep masks reflect a variety of designs, materials, and price-points. In addition to our picks, we’ll cover what to look for in a sleep mask and other factors that can contribute to quality sleep.
Spoiler Alert — Here’s Our Pick for Best Sleep Mask
The Manta Pro Sleep Mask offers plush cushioning for both eyes and an adjustable strap. The mask does a great job of blocking out light without feeling heavy or bulky.
Top Picks Overview
- Best Overall – Manta Pro Sleep Mask
- Best Value – Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask
- Most Comfortable – Saatva Silk Eye Mask
- Best Luxury – Baloo Living Sleep Stone Mask
- Best Smart Mask – Bía Smart Sleep Mask
- Softest – Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Sleep Mask
- Best Multi-Purpose – Ostrichpillow Hot & Cold Eye Mask
- Best Cooling – Swanwick Silk Sleep Mask
In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Manta Pro Sleep Mask
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Manta Sleep products
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Who it’s best for
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Those seeking an eye mask that completely blocks out light
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Side and back sleepers
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People who sleep hot
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Highlights
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Foam eye cups are ventilated for breathability
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100% blackout design ideal for flights and day sleeping
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Strap is angled to prevent irritation around your ears
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Price
$79
Material
Polyester with foam and mesh eye cups
Manta Sleep’s lineup includes a wide assortment of sleep masks, but our testing team found the Pro blocks out more light and sleeps more comfortably than most of the brand’s other offerings. Layered eye cups crafted from soft foam with mesh screens to promote ventilation and cooling, so you can enjoy a complete blackout effect without becoming too warm. An adjustable strap angled for your ears adds to the comfortable design.
The mask is compact and travel-friendly, making it a great accessory for long flights, train rides, or road trips where you might be exposed to light while sleeping. Our hands-on tests also show the mask’s ergonomic shape is a good fit for side and back sleeping. Since the mask is completely machine-washable, it’s a breeze to keep clean. Each order includes a carrying case that doubles as a laundry bag.
The Pro Sleep Mask is competitively priced and Manta provides free ground shipping for all U.S. customers. You may return the mask for any reason within 60 days and receive a full refund. Manta also backs each purchase with a six-month warranty, so you may exchange the mask if you decide it isn’t right for you after the initial trial ends.
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Who it’s best for
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People who tend to overheat when using a sleep mask
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Sleepers with sensitive skin
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Shoppers on a tight budget
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Highlights
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100% mulberry silk with a charmeuse weave
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Elastic band
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Wide color and pattern selection
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365-night trial period
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Price
$29
Material
Mulberry silk
Mulberry silk is a popular sleep mask material due to its natural softness and breathability. However, it’s also fairly expensive to source and can drive up the price-point by a significant degree. The Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask is a notable exception. The mask is produced from pure silk with a charmeuse weave that enhances the material’s soft feel, but its sticker price is quite reasonable.
Shoppers can choose from a variety of colors, including several limited-edition options with eye-catching patterns. The mask has a one-size-fits-all design thanks to its elastic strap. The silk’s smooth texture means the mask won’t create lines around your eyes or irritate your skin, nor will it damage your hair.
The mask is machine-washable, but it should be laid flat to dry. Owners can also hand-wash the silk to remove minor stains or blemishes.
Brooklinen allows returns within 365 days of the delivery date. This trial period far surpasses that of most competing sleep mask brands. The company also covers shipping fees for U.S. orders.
Most Comfortable
Saatva Silk Eye Mask
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Saatva products
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Who it’s best for
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Hot sleepers
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Those looking for an eye mask that minimizes creases
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High-end shoppers
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Highlights
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Shell composed of smooth, luxurious mulberry silk
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Fiber fill provides padding without too much weight
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Available in two colors
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Price
$60
Material
Mulberry silk shell with polyester fiber fill
Saatva’s reputation for high-quality sleep products extends well beyond the company’s product line. Take the Silk Eye Mask, an affordable yet luxurious accessory to help you sleep in less-than-optimal settings. The mask and elastic band are encased in mulberry silk, a naturally breathable material that feels cool to the touch. Mulberry silk is also exceptionally smooth, so the mask is easy on your skin and shouldn’t cause creases around the corners of your eyes.
Since the band is highly flexible, this is a one-size-fits-all mask that can accommodate most people regardless of their facial structure. The interior is cushioned with plush fiber fill for added comfort. Although silk is a highly durable material, machine washing can cause permanent damage, so Saatva recommends hand washing with mild detergent and laying the mask flat to dry. You can also spot clean as needed. Please note that the Silk Eye Mask is fairly lightweight. If you want a little more heft, Saatva offers a weighted silk eye mask containing glass beads.
Two colors are available, slate and sand, both of which accentuate the silk’s lustrous sheen. Saatva offers free shipping with each order, and the company’s sleep trial spans 45 nights in length. If you decide to keep your Silk Eye Mask, you’ll also receive a 1-year warranty against structural defects.
Best Luxury
Baloo Living Sleep Stone Mask
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Baloo Living products
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Who it’s best for
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People who want a mask that blocks out light and sound
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Those interested in using a sleep stone
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Sleepers with sensitive skin
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Highlights
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Smooth satin construction with spandex
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Adjustable Velcro backing
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Lightweight and light-blocking
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Forehead pocket for storing a sleep stone
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Price
$64
Material
Mulberry silk
The Baloo Sleep Stone Mask is a unique sleep mask made with a secret pocket to insert a sleep stone that rests over the forehead. The mask comes with one sleep stone crystal for the pocket, with choices of purple fluorite, blue lace agate, rose quartz, and amethyst currently available. Up to three stones can be added to an order for an additional charge.
The Sleep Stone Mask is made from silky-smooth satin with a bit of spandex blended in for stretch and adjustability. The mask’s wrap-around design covers the top of the head, including the ears. It has a gap for the bridge of the nose and fastens securely via a Velcro closure at the back of the head. The mouth, nose, and jaw are left free, while the mask can hug loosely enough to allow room for earbud-style headphones.
The mask provides considerable comfort with its soft, gentle feel and smooth finish. The satin construction is relatively thick yet lightweight, allowing the Sleep Stone Mask to block out light and sound without feeling too heavy. The mask is machine-washable for easy care, though it should be air-dried.
The Baloo Sleep Stone Mask ships free to the contiguous U.S., with paid shipping available to Alaska and Hawaii. Each mask is covered by a 30-day return period.
Best Smart Mask
Bía Smart Sleep Mask
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Bía products
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Who it’s best for
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People who enjoy using sleep trackers
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Back and side sleepers
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Those who sleep best in completely dark conditions
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Highlights
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Smart technology tracks sleep patterns
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Foam design offers comfortable cushioning
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Two color options
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Price
$389
Material
Two color options
The Bía Smart Sleep Mask goes above and beyond your average sleep mask. Equipped with unique sleep-tracking functions, the mask helps promote more restful sleep by blocking light and using neurofeedback technology.
Available in a black or grey color option, the mask has a thick foam design that fits snugly and comfortably over your eyes. In addition to blocking out light, the mask tracks brain activity during sleep to get a snapshot of your sleep quality. The mask is engineered to enhance higher quality sleep by using neurofeedback data it’s collected from your brain activity.
The mask is ergonomically designed to fit any head shape, thanks to an adjustable strap. It should comfortably accommodate back sleepers and even side sleepers, who sometimes have a trickier time with bulky sleep masks. The Bía app provides lifetime access to the neurofeedback features, as well as calming sleep sounds, a sunrise wakeup function, and personalized sleep advice.
Bía offers a 60-day sleep trial with this mask. Shipping is free in the U.S.
Softest
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Sleep Mask
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Tempurpedic products
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Who it’s best for
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People with sensitive skin
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Those who like the feel of memory foam
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Sleepers who need total darkness
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Highlights
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Cushioned with proprietary TEMPUR memory foam
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Easily adjustable elastic strap
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Soft, velvety shell fabric
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Affordable pricing and free shipping within the contiguous U.S.
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Price
$29
Material
TEMPUR foam insert with polyester shell
Tempur-Pedic’s reputation for luxuriously crafted sleep products extends beyond the company’s mattresses and pillows. The TEMPUR-Sleep Mask is padded with TEMPUR material, the same proprietary memory foam used in other Tempur-Pedic products. The foam has a high-density composition, so it won’t deteriorate as quickly as the foams used in many competing masks. A velvety shell with an exceptionally soft feel encases the foam.
The mask’s elastic strap is outfitted with a Velcro closure to ensure a secure and customizable fit. Its oversize design is intended to completely cover the eyes to simulate total darkness and promote sleep in any environment. The foam should not be exposed to water, so the mask should be spot-cleaned if smudges occur.
Tempur-Pedic provides free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S.
Best Multi-Purpose
Ostrichpillow Hot & Cold Eye Mask
Get 15% off Hot & Cold Eye Mask with code: COOL15
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Who it’s best for
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People who enjoy weighted sleep masks
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Those who experience eye strain
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Sleepers seeking a mask with a plush feel
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Highlights
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Mask can be heated or frozen, depending on desired therapy
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Weighted design offers gentle compression
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Soft shell is cushioned with foam to enhance comfort
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Price
$39
Material
71% polyester, 27% cotton, 2% spandex
Ostrichpillow’s Hot & Cold Eye Mask has a comfortable design that’s well suited for blocking out light during sleep. It also offers therapeutic relief for anyone who experiences aches such as eye strain or muscle tension.
The mask may be heated or frozen, depending on your therapy needs. Chilling the mask can help alleviate red or irritated eyes, while heating the mask may relax muscle tension. The mask’s edge is cushioned with foam to sit more comfortably against your skin, and the weighted design applies slight pressure to the area around your eyes to help block out light. This gentle compression is also soothing and stress-relieving for some sleepers.
The shell is composed of a polyester and cotton blend, with a touch of spandex for a slightly stretchy quality. It’s filled with natural clay beads that may be heated or frozen as many times as needed. The mask comes with a cotton bag for microwaving the mask, as well as a zippered EVA bag that contains the mask while in the freezer. You can choose between a blue or gray color option.
Ostrichpillow allows returns within 100 days, and the mask is backed by a 2-year warranty. Shipping is $4.99 for purchases $80 and under, with free shipping for purchases over $80.
Best Cooling
Swanwick Silk Sleep Mask
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Swanwick products
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Who it’s best for
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Hot sleepers
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People who need to sleep during the day
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Value seekers
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Highlights
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Silk composition offers luxurious softness and exceptional breathability
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Oversized design ensures plenty of coverage for any wearer
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Gentle feel helps prevent lines and wrinkles
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Price
$49
Material
100% silk
If you’re a hot sleeper, wearing eye masks made from non-breathable materials can cause discomfort. The Silk Sleep Mask from Swanwick is composed of pure silk, ensuring a cool-to-the-touch feel at all times. Silk is also naturally soft and the fabric glides gently across your skin, so you won’t need to worry about wrinkles or waking up with unsightly lines on your face.
The mask is oversized to completely cover both eyes and prevent light from entering. This makes it particularly well suited to shift workers and other people who need to sleep during the daylight hours. Silk is resistant to dirt and oil buildup, so the mask shouldn’t retain too much odor — but you can wash it for extra freshness. Swanwick recommends washing the mask in lukewarm water with non-alkaline soap, then laying it flat to dry. Black and blue colors are available.
The Silk Sleep Mask is reasonably priced and Swanwick offers affordable flat-rate delivery for customers in the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 30-night trial period with free return shipping if you aren’t satisfied with the mask.
How Do Sleep Masks Work?
Sleep masks are completely opaque and are designed to fit snugly over both eyes. They are typically made from one or more of the following materials:
- Natural fibers: Fabrics such as cotton and silk are light, breathable, and hypoallergenic. One notable downside of sleep masks made of natural fibers is that they tend to degrade quickly after repeated washes.
- Synthetic fibers: Synthetic fabrics such as polyester are not as breathable as natural fibers, but they are usually just as soft and lightweight. Like sleep masks made of cotton and silk, those made of polyester typically wear out over time.
- Foam materials: Foam sleep masks are designed to conform to the wearer’s face. Sleep masks made with polyfoam or memory foam often come with recessed cavities that prevent the eyes from coming in direct contact with the mask to help reduce irritation and discomfort.
Sleep masks are usually made with elastic bands that fit over the head for added comfort, and some feature side vents to improve air circulation. Sleep masks are typically designed to be worn with earplugs, and some models come with a pair of earplugs.
The primary function of a sleep mask is to block light during sleep. By creating a darkened sleep environment, masks can aid with sleep in the following ways:
Improved melatonin levels: Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps control circadian rhythm and the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is produced during periods of darkness and creates feelings of drowsiness that make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Sleep masks can effectively regulate melatonin production for people who sleep during periods of daylight. This includes individuals who work at night, as well as people trying to fall asleep on an airplane or those attempting to reset their sleep cycle after traveling through different time zones.
Sleep restoration: Getting a sufficient amount of deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep plays an essential role in a person’s overall health and well-being. Quality sleep can also improve focus and help alleviate stress, as well as lower the risk of accidents at work or on the road. Sleep masks promote more restorative sleep by regulating melatonin production and helping people remain asleep throughout the night.
How to Choose a Sleep Mask
A sleep mask refers to any sleep aid that covers both eyes in order to block out light and improve overall sleep quality. They are normally made from natural or synthetic fabrics, such as cotton, silk, or polyester, and some also feature foam components.
What to Look For in a Sleep Mask
When shopping for a sleep mask and comparing different brands and models, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
Composition
Sleep masks made of natural fibers differ in feel from those made of synthetic fibers, and the same is true of foam-based models.
Effectiveness
Although the difference may seem slight, a sleep mask that blocks out 90% of light will be far less effective than one that blocks out 95% to 99% of light.
Portability
If you plan to use a sleep mask while traveling, a lightweight model that comes with a carrying case may be the best option.
Eye Protection
Some sleep mask wearers don’t mind if their eyes come into contact with the mask, but for those who experience irritation and discomfort, a mask with recessed eye cavities will usually be best.
Band Adjusters
For side sleepers, a mask with plastic or metal band adjusters may cause discomfort by pressing into the side of the head.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using a Sleep Mask
Some advantages of sleep masks include:
- Low cost: Sleep masks are a less expensive way to block and control light compared with other options such as blackout curtains.
- Lightweight and portable: Even weighted sleep masks typically weigh less than a pound, and most masks are foldable for easier portability.
- Easy to clean: Sleep masks are usually machine-washable or can be washed by hand, avoiding the need for costly dry-cleaning or other specialty cleaning methods.
- Customizable fit: Sleep masks typically feature an elastic band with fasteners or hook-and-loop closures that can be adjusted for a more comfortable fit.
- Breathable: Some common sleep mask materials, such as silk and cotton, are naturally breathable. Additionally, some models are designed with vents to improve air circulation.
Disadvantages of sleep masks may include:
- Adjustment period: Sleepers normally require several nights to acclimate themselves to a sleep mask. The adjustment period may be longer for some individuals, and this can result in poor sleep quality in the meantime.
- Not built to last: Sleep masks should be cleaned frequently, and repeated wash cycles can cause the materials to degrade quickly. Generally, masks with higher price-points have longer lifespans than more affordable options, but this can vary based on the materials used.
- May be uncomfortable for side sleeping: Some sleep masks feature small plastic or metal fasteners on the side of the strap that can cause pain or discomfort for side sleepers, although many models forgo these parts to provide comfort regardless of sleep position.
- Visible effects: Some sleep mask models may result in wear lines around the eyes and cheeks, smudged makeup, or tousled hair.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. As a chronic insomniac, she aims to bring her findings to anyone struggling with getting adequate rest. Her expertise is in creating informative, trustworthy, and useful health content. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.