The Best Sleep Masks to Finally Get Some Shut-Eye

• Editor’s pick sleep mask: Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask
• Best sleep mask for a total blackout: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Sleep Mask
• Most recommended sleep mask: Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask
• Best basic sleep mask: Athleta Sleep Mask
• Best sleep mask for napping: MZOO Sleep Eye Mask
• Most innovative sleep mask: nodpod Weighted Sleep Mask
• Best bargain sleep mask: RachelSilk 19 Momme Silk Sleep Eye Mask
• Most eco-friendly sleep mask: Ettitude Bamboo Lyocell Eye Mask
• Most luxurious sleep mask: Blissy Silk Sleep Mask
• Most soothing sleep mask: Manta Sleep COOL Mask

Sleep masks are more than an accessory for rock stars and 20th-century prima donnas. While they have gone in and out of vogue, sleep masks are a practical addition to your night routine. They can help block out light and improve your sleep.

There are a lot of different options out there, though — many with extra features that can offer additional benefits. We picked the best sleep masks out there, so read on to find out which may be the right fit for you.

Not all sleep masks are created with style, comfort, and luxury in mind. In production, brands prioritize and pair different elements in an effort to redefine your best night’s sleep.

Here are the criteria we found most important when choosing a sleep mask:

Design and comfort

Some brands experiment with three-dimensional, molded cups to avoid putting pressure on your eyes. Others are inspired by deep pressure stimulation and add beads like the ones found in weighted blankets. Some masks are made with material that you can pop in the fridge or freezer to get the benefits of a cold compress while dozing off.

There are also lighter, less bulky masks available. These can soothe sensitive skin and be just as effective at blocking out light.

Whether you choose a flat, cupped, or weighted mask is ultimately up to personal preference, so we included a variety of options to help you find what works best for you.

Fit

You shouldn’t have to wake up because your mask is sliding around while you sleep. While not all of the products selected come with adjustable straps, all prioritize fit in their design.

Durability and quality

We chose products high quality, durable masks for this list, so they should have a long life.

These masks are made from cooling materials and made to protect both your skin and hair.

Customer reviews

We cross-referenced websites, articles, and review videos to ensure we selected products that reflect the best of what the sleep mask market has to offer.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $25
• $$ = $25–$35
• $$$ = $36–$45
• $$$$ = over $45

Best sleep mask for a total blackout

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Sleep Mask

• Price: $$

Like the brand’s famous mattresses, the mask is filled with TEMPUR material. This foam is known for how it contours to the body.

The mask is made to gently contour to your face for a more comfortable — and completely dark — slumber.

The TEMPUR-Sleep Mask is highly reviewed online, with many people saying the product eliminates headaches almost instantly.

The mask, however, is heavier than typical layered silk masks. So some customers say it feels hot and bulky, especially in the summer.

Most recommended sleep mask

Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask

• Price: $$$$

Lunya creates one of the most sought-after sleep masks on the market, with highly favorable reviews on the Lunya website and across the internet.

Designed to make sleeping feel effortless, every aspect of the Washable Silk Sleep Mask is intentional. The mask’s exterior is made of 100% silk, and the inside is a polyester filling.

Lunya says the silk is gentle on hair and moisturizes your skin while reducing dark circles. The mask can double as a headband for skin care routines, pairs well with monochromatic pajama sets, and is machine washable.

Because it’s thicker than standard sleep masks, reviewers say the Lunya mask is also noise-reducing. Many buyers love the wide elastic band, though some warn it can feel a little tight.

Best basic sleep mask

Athleta Sleep Mask

• Price: $$

If you think simplicity is key to a good night’s sleep, you may like the Athleta Sleep Mask. The product is made with a soft, jersey fabric made from recycled materials.

The mask’s elastic band means it’s one size fits all, but Athleta also offers free returns if it ends up not being the right fit.

It comes in three color options: Deep Burgundy, Blue Star, and Dragonfruit Pink.

Lastly, while the mask isn’t machine washable, all you need to do is hand-wash it in cold water and let it dry flat.

Best sleep mask for napping

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

• Price: $$

The MZOO Sleep Eye Mask has been reviewed by more than 77,000 people on Amazon — and once you read the testimonials, you’ll understand why. The product features 3D contoured cups that apply stress-relieving pressure around your eyes instead of on them.

The mask’s elevated sockets are makeup-friendly, making this a good option for anyone looking for a midday snooze without having to redo their lashes.

Customers say they love the adjustable strap that fits comfortably without catching on their hair.

Most innovative sleep mask

nodpod Weighted Sleep Mask

• Price: $$

This product features four equally weighted pods with flat, unweighted ends. Instead of adjustable Velcro straps that could snag hair, the mask is supposed to fit all head sizes with an easy-to-use, pull-through loop that lays flat against the pillow.

Customers can choose between two sides: one with a cotton jersey feel and the other made from microfiber fleece.

The pods, which weigh 9 ounces, are filled with BPA-free plastic beads, making the mask scent-free and machine washable.

The brand was inspired by deep touch pressure, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

Still not convinced? Reviews on both nodpod’s company website and Anthropologie’s website attest to deeper sleep and even migraine relief, especially for side sleepers.

Best bargain silk sleep mask

RachelSilk 19 Momme Silk Sleep Eye Mask

• Price: $$$

The RachelSilk 19 Momme Silk Sleep Eye Mask comes in 11 different shades, and it features light-blocking layers.

The silk, which naturally protects your hair and skin from friction, is made from 18 amino acids that make the mask hypoallergenic and anti-aging, according to the brand.

RachelSilk updated the mask’s design with a wider elastic band for comfort.

While the mask is still made from luxurious and durable material, it’s slightly less expensive than other silk masks on the market. The mask holds up to gentle machine washing, and customers leave reviews saying they’ll be back to buy more colors for their collection.

To feel stylish even in your dreams, you can pair the mask with a matching RachelSilk pillowcase or scrunchie.

Most eco-friendly sleep mask

Ettitude Sateen Eye Mask

• Price: $

The Ettitude Sateen Eye Mask is made of organic bamboo, which is environmentally friendly. Bamboo fabric is a vegan alternative to silk, so the mask feels soft and cool and comparable to real silk or — as the brand notes in the product description — a 1,000 cotton thread count.

The mask is hypoallergenic, which is good for sensitive skin, and uses padding from recycled plastic water bottles.

Although the eye mask only comes in one size, many reviews say the mask fits comfortably and rarely shifts around at night. Reviewers also say it’s successful at blocking out light, especially if you choose a darker color.

Most luxurious sleep mask

Blissy Silk Sleep Mask

• Price: $$$$

This high quality, 100% mulberry silk mask is made with a soft elastic band and extra cushioning.

Caring for this mask is fairly low maintenance. Blissy recommends that buyers wash it gently and hang it to dry.

Testimonials on Blissy’s website are sourced from models, hairstylists, and dermatologists alike. Some of the most glowing reviews say the mask decreases the appearance of crow’s feet every morning, leaving them refreshed and confident after every REM cycle.

Best cooling sleep mask

Manta Sleep COOL Mask

• Price: $$$

Looking for a combination of cooling and light-blocking features? Look no further than the Manta Sleep COOL Mask.

The cold therapy mask is designed to put minimal pressure on your eyes, making it a good choice for people with headaches or sinus issues. It also has an adjustable strap for a custom fit.

The mask stays cold for 10 minutes at a time, which is the amount of time people typically recommend for cold therapy. The cooling material can also reduce swelling and relieve migraine symptoms.

Reviewers say this mask really does the job. The website features testimonials about the mask’s ability to relieve head pain.

With so many shapes and types of masks on the market, it’s important to understand what you need for a good night’s sleep. When deciding how much to invest in your new sleep mask, consider the following:

Shape and weight

Flat, convex, and weighted — oh my! Different shapes and weights of masks matter, especially for people seeking specific health benefits.

Convex masks, which have cups or space between your eyes and the mask, and weight masks are recommended for people seeking anxiety and headache relief, as these masks apply concentrated pressure to the area around your eyes. Some people may feel that the added material makes the mask feel too bulky and hot, though.

Read product descriptions and experiment with what fits your lifestyle and relaxes you most, whether it’s through a treatment-centric or luxury-centric design.

Fit

If you’re concerned about the way a sleep mask fits, consider opting for a mask with an adjustable strap rather than a simple elastic band.

The better the fit, the less likely the mask is to move around while you sleep.

Material

The material of your sleep mask is ultimately up to personal preference. Different materials can feel softer, be easier to care for, or even be more sustainable.

For an ultra-soft luxurious feel, you may want to opt for silk. If you want something sustainable, consider bamboo.

Thicker material, and sometimes even the color of the fabric, can also affect how much light the mask blocks out.

Always make sure to check the care instructions before buying, too. If you’re not interested in hand-washing your mask, look for materials that are machine washable.

Style

Simple and sleeker silk masks are successful at blocking out light and protecting sensitive skin.

Bulkier masks with extra padding, such as the nodpod Weighted Sleep Mask and the Manta Sleep COOL Mask, are usually designed around a specific kind of experience. For example, the nodpod mask is inspired by deep touch pressure, while the Manta mask offers a cooling sensation.

The bottom line is that sleep masks, regardless of extra frills and features, are successful if they block out light. Research from 2018 shows that artificial light has negative effects on sleeping patterns. It disrupts the sleep-wake cycle, which can make it harder to fall and stay asleep.

Whether you live with a partner who sleeps with the TV on or you have a bright streetlight outside your window, blocking out the light is important for getting the quality rest you need. A sleep mask can help do just that.

Both a 2017 study and a 2019 study looked at the use of eye masks and earplugs in people in the ICU who were having difficulty getting quality sleep because of the lights and sounds in their environment. The studies found that the use of eye masks and earplugs improved the study participants’ sleep quality.

Many people count on these methods for getting some shut-eye:

• drinking sleepy tea
• completing breathing exercises
• doing yoga before bedtime
• taking natural sleep-promoting supplements
• trying CBD products

Getting a better night’s sleep may also mean blocking out distracting light and sounds. You can help create a peaceful environment for bedtime with comfortable and cooling bedding and sleepwear, as well as the suggestions below.

For blocking out light

You can also block out light by hanging blackout curtains. These curtains prevent light from streaming in, and they may also keep out colder weather. Some people prefer blackout shades or window covers, which you can find on Amazon.

For blocking out sounds

Blocking out sounds can be trickier. If a snoring partner is keeping you up, test out these remedies.

White noise and pink noise can also drown out unwanted sounds. Look up free videos on YouTube, or consider trying a white noise machine. Some sleep apps also offer relaxing sounds and music for bedtime that may help block out any unwanted sounds.

For having a nighttime routine

What you do during the day can affect your sleep. Here are some tips for a better night’s sleep:

• Avoid eating close to bedtime.
• Avoid drinking alcohol at night.
• Avoid drinking caffeine late in the day (it can stay in your system for 6 to 8 hours).
• Meditate before bedtime.
• Increase your exposure to light during the day, and reduce blue light exposure from phones, computers, tablets, and TVs at night. Try putting away your phone and picking up a book right before bed instead.
• Have a consistent bedtime, and aim to wake up at the same every time every day.

What is the best-rated sleep mask?

There are many popular and highly rated sleep masks out there. Our editor’s pick is Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask, which is made of lightweight silk. Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask is another highly recommended option made of a silk material.

If you’re looking for total blackout, Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Sleep Mask may cover your bases, although it may be too thick and intense for some sleepers.

Is it OK to sleep with a sleep mask?

As long as your mask is comfortable and suits your sleeping style — side sleepers may need a mask that stays in place — then it’s OK to sleep in a sleeping mask.

Some research and anecdotal reports suggest that in addition to blocking out light, sleep masks, particularly the lightweight silk variety, can help protect your hair and skin as you sleep.

What material is best for a sleeping mask?

This comes down to personal preference. Silk is a popular choice because it’s gentle and lightweight, plus it’s less likely to leave marks on your skin.

Some people like a soft, jersey fabric like the Athleta Sleep Mask. The best sleep mask for you is the one that stays put through the night and doesn’t irritate your eyes, skin, or hair.

Can sleep masks cause acne?

For some people, especially those with acne-prone skin types, unwashed masks may lead to acne. To help prevent this, be sure to clean and wash your mask, keeping its care instructions in mind.

How often should I replace my sleep mask?

This depends on the mask. Some are more durable and machine washable, while others are more fragile and must be hand-washed.

While looking at reviews, we noticed that some people mention needing to replace theirs every few months, saying they only hold up well after a few washes. This could be the case, especially if you wear your sleep mask every night. It’s also possible that the strap can stretch out over time and not fit you properly anymore.

Although often fashionable, sleeping masks offer more than a luxury aesthetic. Masks can help you sleep better if you’re having a hard time avoiding artificial light at bedtime.

Ultimately, the right mask for you depends on your personal preference. Flat, convex, or weighted masks all offer varying benefits.

If you’re having a hard time getting quality sleep because of light sneaking into your room, a sleep mask may be the solution to getting some shut-eye.

Growing up, Megan Sauer’s favorite pastimes were writing plays and coercing her cousins into performing them in her grandparents’ living room. Now, the recent Medill graduate reports on politics, travel, and health. Her work has been published in USA Today, Condé Nast Traveler, Tampa Bay Times, SKATING magazine, and more. When Sauer isn’t writing about her life as if it belonged inside a book jacket, she spends her time figure skating, binge-watching The Office, and typing incoherent ideas in her iPhone’s Notes app when she’s half asleep.