The 5 Best Sleep Masks, Based On Weeks Of Nighttime Testing (2024)

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.

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.

Best Sleep Mask Overall

Soft, Wide And Adjustable, With A Pleasing Amount Of Heft

Baloo Living Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask

Our score:9.5|Material:Mulberry silk, cotton, polyester, glass beads |Blackout ability:Excellent|Adjustable:Yes

Best for:

  • All sleep styles (back, side, stomach and combination)
  • Those who want an option that doesn’t tug on their hair
  • Anyone in search of gentle pressure

Skip if:

  • You want a machine-washable mask
  • You prefer sleep masks with eyecups

Made with 100% mulberry silk, along with a cotton-poly lining and lead-free glass beads for a touch of weight, this soft, smooth sleep mask has an oversized fit that blocks light completely. This is the mask I use when the sunlight starts creeping into our bedroom before I’m ready to get up, and I credit it for allowing me to drift right back to sleep. While it is adjustable, with long Velcro tabs that accommodate all head sizes, when I’m groping around half awake in the early morning, I prefer to just drape it over my eyes. The gentle weight of this nine-ounce mask keeps it comfortably in place while I’m in my preferred hybrid stomach/side sprawl, and the generous size means complete darkness. I also tested it on my back, where it’s equally effective.

It comes in two colors (pink and gray) and, according to the brand, includes an amethyst crystal or a rose quartz sewn inside. If you feel around the mask where it would cover your “third eye” (on your forehead, slightly above and between the eyebrows), you can feel the stone, but it’s never felt uncomfortable or distracting during sleep. The only potential drawback is that the Baloo sleep mask is hand wash only, but washing is easy to do and takes just a few minutes.

Best Sleep Mask For Skin And Hair

A Silk Mask That's Smooth On Your Face

Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask

Our score:9.5|Material:Mulberry silk, polyester|Blackout ability:Excellent|Adjustable:No

Best for:

  • Those who prefer an unweighted option
  • Keeping hair and skin from creasing
  • Those looking for the easiest possible maintenance

Skip if:

  • You want an option with an adjustable strap

Lunya’s washable silk sleep mask has almost earned cult-classic status, and I can see why. It’s like an unweighted, nonadjustable version of the Baloo sleep mask. The masks are comparable in size and shape, but the Lunya has a headband style that glides on over the hair and face to rest comfortably and securely in place. I tested this one on my back, side and stomach, then flipped between positions, and it stayed right where I put it. It fully blocks light, no matter how bright the room, and the smooth silk—which feels almost like soft suede— with zero pulling on the skin or the hair.

Another feature of the Lunya is its washability. Hand washing is an option, but it can also go in a cold cycle through the washing machine, though a laundry bag is recommended if you decide to use the machine. While it isn’t adjustable, the sleep mask comes in two sizes. Plus, it’s available in a handful of colors and patterns.

Best Affordable Sleep Mask

Inexpensive, But Designed With Nice Upgrades

MOST POPULAR

Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask

Our score:9|Material:Mulberry silk, cotton inner |Blackout ability:Great|Adjustable:Yes

Best for:

  • All sleep positions
  • Those who prefer a traditional sleep mask style
  • Shoppers on a budget

Skip if:

  • You prefer a wider, thicker band

I didn’t expect to like the Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask as much as I do. It’s exactly what you picture when you think of a sleep mask. However, the silk cover hides a contoured foam interior, which is light and flexible enough to mold to the face, over the bridge of the nose and across the eyes. You can blink with this mask on (though not as easily as you can with the Ostrichpillow eye mask), and it doesn’t press too tightly against the eyes or the lashes. I didn’t notice any creasing on my skin, either, even when I tested this flat on my belly. It blocks almost all light, but when I had the fit loose enough, some light seeped in around my nose.

The Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask has a thin band that adjusts with a small metal buckle, which seems like a miss if you’re on your back or side, but it didn’t bother me no matter how much I pressed my head against the pillow. While I gravitate toward thicker, wider sleep masks, this one really ticks all the boxes for function and comfort. Plus, at under $10 on Amazon, it’s a mask you can take with you while you travel without worrying too much about losing it, and as a bonus, it’s machine washable.

Best Contoured Sleep Mask

Designed For Absolute Darkness

Ostrichpillow Eye Mask

Our score:8.5|Material:Modal, foam |Blackout ability:Excellent|Adjustable:Yes

Best for:

  • Complete darkness
  • Those who don’t like any pressure on their eyes or lashes
  • Back and side sleepers

Skip if:

  • You prefer silk
  • You sleep on your stomach

This was another sleep mask that pleasantly surprised me. It’s incredibly lightweight but structured enough that I was sure it would be uncomfortable. Spoiler: It isn’t. The modal-and-foam mask has contoured eyecups that are generous enough to let me blink freely, while still following the curves of my nose and face to keep me completely in darkness. Just to be sure, I tested these in front of the window on a sunny day—nothing. While the mask worked well when I was on my back and side, with no pressure across the bridge of my nose or around my eyes, I didn’t like the feel of the cups pressing beneath my eyes when I rolled to my stomach. If you’re a dedicated stomach sleeper, contoured eyecups of any kind probably aren’t for you.

The stretchy band in the Ostrichpillow Eye Mask is a little thin for my personal taste, but more than sufficient, staying comfortably in place thanks to soft Velcro tabs. I didn’t test the sleep mask with accessories, but the band is unobtrusive enough to work well with headphones or earplugs.

While this isn’t made with silk, the modal is super soft and smooth, so it feels nice against the skin and hair. Another plus: This sleep mask is easily machine washed. And, unlike other picks on this list, the Ostrichpillow Eye Mask has a 100-day return window.

Best Weighted Sleep Mask

A Weighted, Strap-Free Design Means Major Versatility

Nodpod Sleep Mask

Our score:9.5|Material:Cotton and microfleece|Blackout ability:Excellent|Adjustable:Yes

Best for:

  • Versatility
  • Gentle pressure
  • Back, side and stomach sleepers

Skip if:

  • You prefer a traditional eye mask style
  • You’re a combination or restless sleeper

The Nodpod is unlike any of the other sleep masks on our list. The long, soft sleep mask has hollow ends, with a little slit that allows for one end to be tucked through the other if you prefer a wraparound sensation. The mask is weighted and designed with four separate pods filled with BPA- and scent-free polyethylene beads. The weight of the pods and the open nature of the mask, which is smooth silk on one side and fuzzy polyester/spandex fleece on the other, means it stays put for back, stomach and side sleepers, who can just drape it over their eyes. On the other hand, combination sleepers or those prone to tossing and turning may prefer a mask that stays in place more securely. The slit is creative, but it didn’t keep the mask in place when I tried moving from one position to another.

As far as versatility goes, the Nodpod is a standout. It can go in the freezer, and the soothing chill works wonders on tired, puffy eyes.

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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.

Material

Sleep masks tend to come in soft, breathable materials with a focus on comfort. “Silk is a great material for sleeping masks because it is non-irritating, has a smooth surface that is comfortable for the delicate skin around the eyes, and is breathable,” notes Hilal-Campo. Bamboo-derived materials are popular because of their temperature-neutral properties, and polyester is also widely used as a filler material. For masks with a contoured design, foam is often included for a molded effect around the eyes.

Purdy notes that, as with construction and design, choice of material is a personal preference. She recommends paying close attention to the exterior material if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, to minimize potential irritations.

Keeping it clean is also key. “Make sure you wash your sleep mask because it naturally will have oils from your face build up in the material,” she says. “This could lead to acne or irritation on the skin.” Some sleep masks can’t be machine-washed, so keep this in mind too as you consider what materials are right for you.

Sleep Position

Back sleepers really have their pick of sleep masks, though it’s a good idea to look for options with soft bands that don’t fasten directly across the back of the head.

If you sleep on your side or stomach, less is definitely more. Headband-style masks with wide, low-profile bands are a good choice, just because they’re more likely to stay in place, even with your face pressed a little more firmly into the pillow. You may also want to steer clear of contoured masks. The molding that creates the eyecups could press uncomfortably into your forehead and around your eyes.

My Expertise

I’m a regular contributor here at Forbes Vetted, and I’ve been writing about all things sleep for well over 12 years. I’ve personally tested and reviewed bedding products like pillows, sheets and mattresses, and tech gadgets like sunrise alarm clocks, temperature-regulating mattress covers and circadian rhythm glasses.

While I handled the testing on my own, I consulted with sleep and eye experts for professional insight into the features of a good sleep mask. Diane Hilal-Campo, board-certified ophthalmologist; Lauri Leadley, clinical sleep educator at Valley Sleep Center; and Inna Lazar, O.D., all shared their expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Sleep Masks Worth It?

Many people find silk sleep masks more comfortable, in part because the material is smooth and breathable. The experts we interviewed agree. There may also be benefits for you skin and hair—because silk is less absorbent than materials like cotton, your moisturizer and any other products that you apply at night are less likely to be absorbed by the mask.

What Sleep Mask Won’t Leave Marks On Your Face?

A sleep mask that’s too tight runs the risk of leaving a mark or impression on your face when you wake up. Generally, all-fabric sleep masks that are wide and don’t have seams touching your face are less likely to leave an impression. Consider trying our top pick, the Baloo Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask, or a headband-style option like the Lunya Washable Silk Mask.

How Often Should You Wash Your Sleep Mask?

To avoid a buildup of sweat and oils that could irritate your skin or cause breakouts, wash your sleep mask once per week. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s care instructions about how to wash your sleep mask—most of the sleep masks on this list can be tossed in the washing machine along with the rest of your laundry.

The 5 Best Sleep Masks, Based On Weeks Of Nighttime Testing (2024)
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