The 5 Best Sleep Masks, Based On Weeks Of Nighttime Testing
Thanks to the circadian rhythm, light is one of the biggest hurdles to getting a restful eight hours. Whether it’s from the sunrise, the streetlight shining outside your window or the numbers on your alarm clock, the human body is biologically primed to respond to light—no matter what time it is. “It is ideal to make your sleeping environment as dark as possible wherever you are choosing to sleep,” explains Laura Purdy, MD, MBA. A sleep mask is a simple and undeniably elegant solution, and I put nine of the most highly rated to the test. After I dedicated three days of testing apiece to each sleep mask, the Baloo Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask stood out as the best sleep mask overall, while the Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask deserves an honorable mention if you’re looking for a mask that won’t kink your hair or your lashes.
The best sleep masks include the Lunya, Baloo Living and Alaskan Bear masks.
I tested ten popular sleep masks in a range of materials and styles, with special features and without, weighted and unweighted, to find options that suit different needs and preferences. Remember that, above all, a sleep mask needs to fit comfortably and block light effectively no matter how you sleep. Everyone is different, and sleep masks aren’t all built the same, so consider a sleep mask that suits your head size, sleeping position and material preferences.
Other Sleep Masks I Tested
I tested four other masks that had their perks, but ultimately didn’t make the cut.
Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Eye Mask (8.5): If you’re a back sleeper and you like a little weight, this is a great option. I liked its gentle pressure and complete blackout coverage, and the fact that the removable, washable cover is made with 37.5 Technology to help manage temperature. While it isn’t adjustable and the band seems a little thin given the weight of the mask, none of those things matter if you sleep on your back the entire night. I just wouldn’t recommend it for other sleep positions.
Saatva Weighted Silk Eye Mask (8.5): Between the colors, the silky feel and the gentle weight, this mask immediately presents as fancy. It has a traditional eye mask shape, if just a touch oversized, with a slightly wider-than-typical elastic band. Surprisingly, it was enough to keep the mask in place when I rolled from my back to my side. It blocks almost all the light, but the thicker profile isn’t particularly comfortable when I’m on my stomach.
Whoop Adjustable Sleep Mask (6.5): While I wanted to like this one because I appreciate the concept of contoured cups that keep the mask off my eyelids and lashes, it just didn’t work for me. The issue is that the mask isn’t quite contoured enough. Instead of curving slightly, it’s straight across my face, creating gaps that let light in from different angles. But when I tighten the mask to pull it close enough to my face that it blocks light, it presses uncomfortably across the bridge of my nose. While it’s lightweight and soft, it fails in terms of comfort and efficacy.
Infinity Bamboo Sleep Mask (8): There are a lot of things I love about this mask, which I actually used before switching to the Baloo. It’s ultra light and breathable, for zero creasing or hair kinking, and it works no matter what position I’m in. But it’s not adjustable, and the stretchy fit veers oversized, so it doesn’t do a great job of keeping all light out. Plus, the light weight means it’s easily shifted out of position if I move my head a bit when I’m on my side, back or stomach.
How I Tested The Best Sleep Masks
I evaluated these masks based on their blackout ability, from poor (light visible) to excellent (zero light). I also considered their comfort level and breathability, whether or not they’re adjustable, their overall fit and their ability to stay in place.
I tested each sleep mask for three days apiece (except the Baloo Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask, which I used all summer long so I wasn’t up with the sun). School is back in session, and our whole house is back to consistent bed and wake times, but the sun hasn’t quite caught up to the calendar. That means we’re going to bed when the sky has just become dark, and I prefer pitch black, so bedtime was a great testing opportunity.
I also used them in the morning, if I woke up before the alarm as the sun began creeping in. Finally, I tested them for napping purposes. We have blackout shades, but a half-moon window above another set of windows isn’t covered, so our bedroom isn’t dark in the middle of the day. To double-check claims of complete blackout, I also wore the masks in front of a sunny window to see if and where light seeped in. While sleep masks aren’t intended to be worn in that scenario, it was a useful test for assessing blackout ability.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Sleep Mask
A good sleep mask doesn’t have to be an overly complex purchase, but there are a few considerations worth keeping in mind.
Construction And Design
The goal of an eye mask is to block ambient light, and different materials and styles achieve that to different degrees. Some eye masks are headband style, so they fit over your head and lie flat against the eyes. Others are adjustable with velcro tabs or metal buckles and have cups over the eyes. Others, like the Nodpod, have a fastener-free design.
According to board-certified ophthalmologist Diane Hilal-Campo, style largely comes down to personal preference. “I prefer the masks that have small cups that cradle the eyes, as they don’t press on the lids and lashes, which could be uncomfortable or irritating,” she says. She also recommends this type of sleep mask if you wear eyelash extensions because otherwise there’s a potential for the lashes to be tugged off and rubbed into the eye, which could cause a corneal abrasion or redness and irritation.
The style of the mask and how it fits your head and face specifically also determine how much light is blocked. Softer, flatter styles may allow some light to seep in, while those that are contoured around your eyes tend to fit a little more closely. Again, personal preference can be your guide here.
If you’re looking for a full blackout effect, consider a contoured or weighted sleep mask. Lauri Leadley, a clinical sleep educator, says the added weight can help block out light more effectively than a regular sleep mask. Plus, the gentle pressure “helps stimulate the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and improves mood,” she adds. “The deep-pressure stimulation can also help reduce anxiety and stress, allowing you to fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful sleep.”
Just be mindful to avoid any sleep mask that feels too tight. “Wearing an eye mask that lightly touches the eyes all night is generally permissible and should not pose any unwanted risks to the eye, especially if made from gentle fabrics like silk,” says Inna Lazar, O.D. She warns that continuous pressure can be an issue if the mask is too tight, causing discomfort or affecting eye health. “The constant rubbing against the eyes or eyelashes may lead to irritation or damage,” she says. However, these risks can generally be mitigated by ensuring the mask is properly fitted and not overly tight, she says.