Credit:
Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
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Credit:
Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
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Mzoo's mask blocks light, avoids pressure on a user's eyes, and is reasonably comfortable on a user's face. Read More
Alaska Bear's mask is smooth, feels well made and does a good job blocking light. Read More
Loftie's silky mask allows for blissful sleep by avoiding pressure on either the eyes or the face. Read More
The Tempur-Sleep Mask did a fantastic job blocking light, but I found it uncomfortable. Read More
The Ostrichpillow did a great job blocking light but I didn't enjoy wearing it. Read More
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.
Mzoo's mask was comfortable and dark.
No pressure on eyeballs
Blocks light
Adjustable and stretchy strap
None that we could find
The Alaska Bear is good quality for its price.
Loftie's mask provided a luxury experience for my face.
Extremely dark
Weirdly shaped
Weird, fuzzy material
Very dark
No pressure on eyelids
Thick material felt uncomfortable on my face
Very comfortable
Silk
Not great at blocking light
Material seemed flimsy
Silk
Comfortable
Didn't stay on well
Not adjustable
None that I could find
Pressure on eyes
Slipped around unevenly
I wore each mask in a dark room while a floodlight was on me.
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.
There are many factors, including light-blocking and comfort, to consider in 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.
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.
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.
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.
Sara Tabin
Sleep Writer
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