The Best Sleep Masks of 2026

While a comfortable mattress and quality bedding play their part, eye masks can also be the key to a good night's rest. The best sleep masks block light and stay put on your face while being comfortable by not putting pressure on your eyes.

There’s a wide array of sleep mask options made of different materials, with prices ranging from a few bucks to close to $100, so choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why we tested a dozen of the most popular masks.

We found a few gems during our testing, but the best sleep mask available is the Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask (available at Amazon) , which delivers a comfortable, full-blackout experience.

For luxe light blocking at a lower price, we suggest the silk Alaska Bear eye mask (available at Amazon) as our most affordable pick. Meanwhile, extra-sensitive sleepers will love the Loftie Sleep Mask (available at Amazon), which provides a luxurious, buttery feel with no pressure on your eyes.

---

Other Sleep Masks We Tested

Why You Should Trust Us

Our tester, a stomach sleeper who presses her face into her pillow, took every mask home and slept in each one for at least two nights. Extremely light-sensitive, she noted how she felt falling asleep, whether light seeped in and woke her, if each mask stayed on overnight, and how her face looked and felt in the morning.

For a more objective light-blocking test in our lab, a floodlight was shined in her face while she was seated in a chair to see if she could tell if the lights were on or off. We also washed the masks according to their care instructions to ensure they held up during cleaning.

How to Choose a Sleep Mask

Buying a sleep mask is a personal decision, as people might prioritize different attributes. People who toss and turn need different things from an eye mask than side sleepers or people whose sleep environment isn’t conducive to the best night’s rest. There are, however, some general factors to consider when buying an eye mask.

Fit

The main goal of a sleep mask is to block light, so it’s essential to get a mask that fits your face well so light cannot creep in.

Some people prefer contoured masks with built-in cups designed to reduce pressure on the eyes. However, contoured masks tend to put extra pressure on the skin around a wearer’s eyes when sleeping in some positions, so it is essential to make sure your contoured mask has smooth edges, especially if you’re a stomach or side sleeper.

Material

Nearly as important as fit is the mask’s comfort, as any poking or rough material could impede your sleep.

Sleep masks come in a range of materials. Most of the heavy-duty contoured ones are made of cotton and synthetic fabrics such as memory foam and polyester. You can find flat masks in synthetic materials as well. Still, silk masks are a good option for skincare enthusiasts as this natural fabric is super soft, gentle on the skin, and antibacterial.

Closures

Some masks come with adjustable bands or velcro straps, while others have stretchy elastic bands. Some masks have adjustable and elastic bands. It may be worth considering stretchy bands over other options. A little stretch can prevent them from slipping out of place during the night and falling off.

Read More About Sleep On Reviewed

• The Best Pillows
• The Best Mattresses In a Box
• Does sleeping “wrong” really give you wrinkles?
• With a pet, a partner, or alone—what's the best way to sleep?