Exposure to 24-hour lighting is a relatively new concept in human evolution. TV screens, smartphones, laptops, street lights and night-time fluorescent lamps disrupt the circadian rhythm of the 24-hour cycle controlled by the body’s internal clock, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. A sleep eye mask can help if the bedroom is not dark enough or if people need to get some sleep during the day.
We tested 14 different masks through material assessment, sleep testing with each mask worn for at least two nights, and fit assessment to different face shapes and head circumference. As a result, we found three excellent options: a type that accepts the masses as smooth as silk, a padded memory foam mask, and a mask with a light and contoured shape. All of these are well-made, comfortable all night and have excellent light shielding properties.
What we focused on
light blocking property
First and foremost, we focused on a sleep eye mask that is excellent at creating complete darkness.
Fit feeling
We asked several people with various face and nose shapes to wear the selected masks.
Softness and breathability
The mask directly touches the face, so the softer it is, the better. Preference was given to masks made of soft and breathable material.
Dream-like comfort
While a good sleep eye mask will shut off the light, the best sleep eye mask is so comfortable that you will forget that you are wearing it.
Who this is for
A sleep eye mask can help when light must be blocked from the sleeping environment. If you’re already using it (for long-haul flights, or even old bandanas), it may be time to consider upgrading to a product that our site has carefully selected. Airline masks and glittering designs (imagine Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast with Tiffany) are usually poorly designed (light leaks from the edge) or can be so unpleasant that they can be removed at night.
Home ceiling lighting, street lights, and light from laptops, smartphones, and TVs are dramatically increasing our average daily light exposure, said Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, a sleep specialist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. More than a third of Americans (PDF) report that outdoor or indoor light interferes with sleep. Nighttime light exposure makes falling asleep difficult and causes night awakenings. This interferes with the transition of the sleep cycle and reduces the overall quality of sleep. It is difficult to get a fully dark sleep environment, especially for frequent business travelers and night workers. Sleep eye masks are an affordable way to solve this problem, and the latest research also shows that wearing them at night helps with memory retention, learning ability, and improving next-day alertness. Sleep eye masks do not cure insomnia (in which case you should consult your doctor), but they should help you get better sleep.
A silky crowd-pleaser: Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask
The study was well received by all test participants, regardless of their sleep posture. Alaska Vea Natural Silk Sleep Mask is comfortable, soft and lightweight. All of our test participants (whether they were lying on their back, on their sides or lying on their stomach) liked where this mask was, and it performed above average on all test items including fit, accommodation and comfort. If you’ve ever used a traditional sleep mask, this silk lining gives you a feeling of familiarity, yet amazingly comfortable and skin-friendly.
It is especially good for sleeping on the stomach. Test participants who sleep on their stomach indicated that a convex sleep mask would transform when their face touches the pillow, disrupting their sleep. The Alaska Bear Sleep Mask, on the other hand, keeps you flat even when sandwiched between your pillow and your face. The mask is lined with mulberry silk on both sides, and maintains breathability even when it adheres to the skin.
It fits various face shapes and has good light shielding. If the convex mask does not fit your face or sleep style, this silk mask is a good option. The flat design of the Alaska Bear Sleep Mask fits almost any face shape or nose type. It doesn’t completely cover the face like a structural mask, but all the testers realized that the light protection effect was enough.
A padded, contoured mask: Mzoo Sleep Mask
It doesn’t slip out all night. Even the participants in the side-to-side test panel noted that the sleep mask may not fit their preferred sleeping position, but the mask remained worn throughout the night. One test participant said that even when sleeping on their side, there is no light leaking from around the bridge of the nose.
Completely blocks the light. One tester described it as “ideal for a nap by the sun’s strong window.” Whether you want to sleep in the midday sun or control the afterglow at night, it will completely block all light. Long-term testing personnel praised the Mzoo Sleep Mask for helping improve sleep quality on board airplanes and at home, even stating that they prefer the mask over light-resistant curtains.
The padded goggles-like design is especially comfortable. The eye cup on the Mzoo sleep mask has a convex gap that allows you to open and close your eyes. The gap is surrounded by a memory foam pad that fits around the orbit. Thus, people do not feel as if their eyes are being forced shut, but they may feel a slight pressure near the temples, eyebrows, or cheek bones. The testers said that this feeling is good. It’s more like wearing goggles than a sleep mask, but it definitely works, said one representative. Another person in charge appreciated the fact that the shape of the eye cup does not touch the eyelashes. It is also a suitable choice for eyelash extension wearers.
A structured, lightweight convex mask: Manta Sleep Mask
Even the slightest light can interfere with REM sleep and deep sleep, causing you to feel fatigued after sleep. The manta covers the eyes completely and fits tightly around the eyes, blocking 100% of the light even in the middle of the day. You will always get a deep, uninterrupted sleep. The manta is designed to fit your face perfectly. The eye cup position, angle, and tightness of the strap can be adjusted infinitely. It is a natural fit that almost does not make you feel that you are wearing a mask, just like a custom-made.
Manta is made from ultra-soft, breathable and durable materials for uncompromising comfort. It fits gently on the face and does not put any pressure on the eyes. The deep-molded eye cup provides complete comfort in any position. You can sleep well on your back, side, or face down.
Designed for busy life, it is surprisingly easy to clean. Simply wash it with cold water, put the eye cup in the attached storage pouch (can also be used as a convenient washing mesh net), spread it flat, and dry it naturally. Wake up every day with a clean and healthy sleep.
Self Heating : BeHoomi Steam Eye Mask
How to use BeHoomi steam eye mask is 2 steps. Just open it and put it on. No need for a microwave or electricity, it’s easier to refresh your eyes. The warm eye mask has a thermal effect and a comfortable wearing feeling.
Unlike commercially available thermal eye masks, BeHoomi uses non-woven rhomboid design upgrade version that does not produce lint. Gentle on the skin and hypoallergenic, the steam eye mask fits your eyes perfectly. The improved cotton fabric has excellent breathability, making your eyes feel warmer and more comfortable around your eyes while using a hot compress eye mask. The temperature of this thermal eye mask is 104°F to 113°F (about 40°C to 45°C). Slightly higher than the temperature of the human body, it feels warm, but not hot. A thermal eye mask will make you feel comfortable and help you fall asleep faster. Each disposable eye mask lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes, and you can enjoy a heated eye mask like an eye spa every time.
Best Breathable mask : Manta Pro Sleep Mask
It provides ultimate comfort and complete light protection in all aspects for deeper, higher quality sleep. A slim tilt-adjustable strap and C-shaped eye cup guarantee comfort when you sleep on your side. It completely blocks light even at midday. Instantly go to a deep sleep anytime, anywhere. Breathable cooling material allows free air circulation within the mask. It has a fully adjustable eye cup and head strap for a fit that feels like it was made for you. Always use premium materials that are softer, more durable, and drier than most fabrics
Best for cooling: Fygrip 3D Cooling Eye Mask Sleep Mask
It is comfortable without the fur. It has a patented 3D contour design with deep and wide eye pockets provides large space for your eyes to blink freely and put non pressure on your eye.
The features an ergonomic outline and an innovative heightened soft barrier, Fygrip sleep mask ensures to block light completely. It give the perfect cooling to the eyes. It is made up of premium cooling fabric and slow rebound memory foam, these eye masks provide a ultra comfortable cooling touch on your eyes for a cozy sleep. The elastic buckle strap of the face mask can be easily adjusted as you wish. These eye masks is suitable for all sleeping position. The edge thinned design make it perfect for side sleepers.
How we picked and tested
The evaluation criteria for a sleep eye mask are as follows:
Light shielding: A good sleep eye mask will block most of the light, even if direct sunlight hits your face.
Comfortable feel even when worn all night: The mask directly touches the face, so the softer and less present it is, the better. We focused on breathable materials like silk. While gently touching the eyelids, it also prevents the face from becoming excessively hot, even on a sultry night. It should be lightweight (ideally 42g or less) but strong enough to retain its shape.
Adjustable strap: You need a strap that fits all head sizes and shapes. While most mask straps use Velcro or plastic fasteners to adjust the tightness, test participants preferred a buckle-type strap that doesn’t get tangled around their hair.
Convex eye cup: A sleep eye mask that creates space between the eyelids and the mask does not interfere with eye movement or blinking. Most testers found this design to be more comfortable than the flat type, which feels heavy on the eyelids and eyelashes. If you don’t like this feeling or tend to sleep with makeup on, a convex cup-shaped sleep eye mask is the best choice.
Versatile design: Sleep eye masks should fit a wide variety of face and nose shapes. We excluded those that wrinkled people with clear nasal muscles and those that were too light in people with low nasal muscles.
Durable and washable: With nightly use, an unpleasant level of sebum and eye secretions accumulate on the back of the mask.
Conclusion
Exposure to 24-hour lighting is a relatively new concept in human evolution. TV screens, smartphones, laptops, street lights and night-time fluorescent lamps disrupt the circadian rhythm of the 24-hour cycle controlled by the body’s internal clock, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. A sleep eye mask can help if the bedroom is not dark enough or if people need to get some sleep during the day.
