The Best Sleep Masks That’ll Help You Get Some Much Needed Shut-Eye

Have you ever laid in bed at the end of long day and, try as you might, just can’t fall asleep? We’ve all been there, but a possible reason for your delayed Zzzs is that your room isn’t quite dark enough. Who knew? As it turns out, creating the darkest sleep environment possible is just as important as having a comfortable mattress or some excellent sheets, and sleeping with an eye mask might just be the solution you’re looking for.

The best sleep masks are the ones that help block out light completely and feel comfortable (not snug) over your eyes. Most people who’ve used a sleep mask know that it takes a bit of trial and error to find just the right one. So if you’ve been thinking about getting one, you’re in luck, because AT staffers are here to guide you. We’ve tested plenty of sleep masks, including weighted, silk, luxury, and travel-friendly options, and rounded up the best in each category.

• Best Overall: Drowsy Sleep Co. Silk Sleep Mask
• Best Budget-Friendly: TEMPUR-Sleep Mask
• Best Luxury: Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask
• Best Weighted: Saatva Weighed Silk Eye Mask
• Best Silk: Cilque Classic Silk Eye Mask
• Best Cotton: FRESHME Handmade Cotton Sleep Mask
• Best for Side and Stomach Sleepers: LKY Digital Sleep Mask
• Best for Travel: Pluto POD

Sleep masks have been scientifically proven to help us get more sound and restful sleep. Research has demonstrated that even dim lighting from street lights shining through windows and electronic devices negatively impacts sleep quality and quantity. This poor quality of sleep has even been linked to depression and anxiety. Quite simply, the darker the sleep environment, the better you sleep. And of course, the better you sleep, the better you live.

Terry Cralle, RN and spokeswoman for the Better Sleep Council, says sleep-mask first-timers should expect that the first few they try out may not end up being their favorite. “Be prepared for some trial and error, and don’t give up on them if the first one, two, or three don’t feel comfortable,” she tells AT. “I found the perfect sleeping mask on my fourth try! Overall, it’s a minimal monetary investment when you consider the many benefits of refreshing and restorative sleep.” Cralle also recommends that people who work night shifts should try their best to use sleep masks regularly because they have to get shut-eye during daylight hours.

A pure, high-quality silk mask is often the most preferred sleep mask choice because of how luxuriously soft the fabric feels. Silk is also a lightweight and extremely breathable fabric, which is a win when it comes to anything worn on the face. Cotton, cotton blends, and mesh fabrics are also good sleep mask materials because they’ll help you stay cool throughout the night. It’s also important to consider the material inside the mask. Weighted eye masks often contain small beads or seeds that work to provide light pressure relief. Some contain memory foam that helps the mask feel weightless. It all depends on what you’re going for.

We tested a wide selection of sleep masks, judging them on the following criteria:

• Light blocking: How effective is the mask at achieving total darkness and preventing “light leaks”?
• Comfortability: Does the mask stay put all night? Is it adjustable, and does the material feel smooth against the face?
• Sleep factor: Did we sleep better, fall asleep faster, or feel more well-rested since using the mask?

When it comes to finding the perfect sleep mask, you ideally want a layer that’s soft and comfortable to wear in a range of sleeping positions. It’s even better if the mask can successfully block out intruding light. Fortunately, Drowsy Sleep Co.’s Silk Sleep Mask ticks all the boxes and then some. The magic lies in its clever “nose wing” design, which effectively shields you from any light that could potentially come from the mask’s nose opening. Thanks to its adjustable closure, cloud-like padding, and smooth mulberry silk fabric, you can sleep well knowing your skin and hair are protected. Its wide strap helps to keep the mask from slipping, which means you can sleep uninterrupted and wake up feeling refreshed.

“I slept very well when I used this product on a plane,” says Angel, our tester. “It’s so soft and definitely also helped me when I had a migraine to block out the light and slight sound and fall asleep. This mask is so good compared to many others I have used!” She adds that it’s also a good choice for those with long eyelashes since “some masks can be super harsh on them, but this one was so soft and gentle.” It certainly helps that the mask is adjustable and doesn’t put more pressure on your face than you prefer. If you need further proof that the Drowsy Sleep Co. Silk Sleep Mask is a cozy game-changer: Angel liked it so much she bought a second one to gift to her mom.

Specifications:

• 100% mulberry silk; 22 momme
• Velcro closure
• Available in 21 colors and styles
• Machine-washable; hand wash recommended

Who It’s Best For: Honestly, anyone. Not only is this light-blocking mask super comfortable, but it also works with an array of sleep styles.

Good to Know: Want to get a good night’s sleep on the go? Drowsy Sleep Co. masks fold and come with a complimentary carrying case, making them a great option for travel, too.

Craving a luxurious sleep for less? You can’t go wrong with the TEMPUR-Sleep Mask which offers some serious bang for your buck. Like other editor-favorite Tempur-Pedic products, the mask is made with the brand’s Tempur material that conforms to your face. The memory foam fill gives it a unique fit that provides pressure relief and successfully blocks out light, too. Additionally, while this mask does have an elasticized strap, it’s fully adjustable due to its velcro closure. The TEMPUR-Sleep Mask is compact enough to travel with you and reviewers say it’s just as good for afternoon naps as it is for overnight rest.

“I’ve worn sleep masks in the past, and they’ve never provided this much comfortable coverage. I could open my eyes underneath the eye cups and it was completely dark,” says AT home associate editor Cullen. “I didn’t wake up throughout the night because I wasn’t disturbed by moving lights. I would definitely recommend this to someone who loves their sleep!”

Specifications:

• TEMPUR material; memory foam
• Velcro closure
• Hand wash only

Who It’s Best For: Those who want an affordable mask with a one-of-a-kind feel.

Good to Know: This Tempur-Pedic mask ships for free!

One word to describe this buttery-smooth sleep mask? Bougie! At least that’s what AT contributor Olivia says about Lunya’s luxurious sleep mask, which is made of 100 percent moisturizing silk. “This mask looks high-end and makes me want to buy a matching silk pajama set just to get the total experience,” she says. “It’s extremely soft, and I like that the silk fabric doesn’t tug on my eyes or irritate my sensitive skin.” The beauty of this well-constructed sleep mask is not just its delicate and heavenly soft material but also its wide, elasticized headband that fits securely and prevents hair creases.

Olivia, a side sleeper, loved that the mask stayed on throughout the night. “It blocks out light, the filling is plush, and I slept well with it,” she says. Customers agree that they’re better rested, and one reviewer, who gave birth to her fourth child, says this sleep mask helped her fall asleep in two minutes flat. Say no more!

Read our full review of the Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask.

Specifications:

• 100% silk exterior with 100% polyester filling
• Elasticized band
• Noise-reducing
• Available in 2 sizes and 5 colors
• Machine-washable; hand wash cold

Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers, beauty enthusiasts, and those looking to invest in a sleep mask that will stand the test of time.

Good to Know: This mask doubles as a headband you can use during your daily skin-care sessions. And, if you want to upgrade your nighttime routine, a corresponding washable silk robe is also available.

After staring at your screen all day long, it’s likely your eyes might need some serious TLC. Fortunately, Saatva’s Weighted Silk Eye Mask is designed to deliver. The brand has been making popular, top-tier mattresses since 2010, so it’s safe to say it knows a thing or two about a good night’s sleep. Saatva’s weighted eye mask is made with long-fiber mulberry silk, which is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and temperature regulating. (Not to mention ridiculously comfortable.) Meanwhile, it’s filled with all-natural glass beads to offer gentle, therapeutic pressure.

“It’s arguably one of the softest and thickest I’ve used, while still feeling fairly lightweight when I’m sleeping with it,” says AT style editor Blair. “It’s made from mulberry silk, so you know you can count on cozy, breathable softness, especially paired with the gentle pressured filling.” That said, if you love the look and appeal of this mask, but don’t need the added pressure, Saatva offers a non-weighted version of the silk eye mask as well.

Specifications:

• 100% mulberry silk cover with glass bead fill
• Elasticized band
• Available in 2 colors
• Hand wash with mild detergent; lay flat to dry

Who It’s Best For: While its one-size fit is great for back sleepers, anyone with tired eyes will get a lot of mileage out of its gentle pressure.

Good to Know: “The only downside is that the back strap isn’t adjustable, so it doesn’t always fit on my head as snugly as I’d like it to, and it is a little splurgier,” Blair says.

With a smooth mulberry silk cover and fill, it’s no wonder the Cilque Classic Silk Eye Mask cinched its position on the Best List. This portable mask has a luxurious look and buttery-soft feel that won’t leave you with face creases in the morning. It has an elastic band and provides sufficient coverage so you can sleep peacefully through the night. “In the past, I’ve experimented with sleep masks that were either too tight (as in, caused blurred vision the next day due to excess pressure against my eyes) or slipped off in the middle of the night,” says AT contributor Jasmine. “‘Twas not the case with the Cilque mask. This one stayed on all night and made me feel way more rested the following day. So far, so good!”

Read our full review of the Cilque Classic Silk Eye Mask.

Specifications:

• 100% mulberry silk shell and fill
• Available in 5 colors
• Elasticized band
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
• Machine-washable; hand wash cold

Who It’s Good For: Those who want something soft and 100 percent silk that’s easy on skin and hair.

Good to Know: Cilque also offers matching silk pillowcases to complete the look.

The FRESHME Handmade Cotton Sleep Mask is a lightweight and portable option for those looking for a travel-friendly mask that isn’t prone to slipping. The mask is made of a smooth organic cotton and spandex blend that won’t cause any added friction to your skin or hair, and it comes with a carrying case so you can conveniently toss it into your bag or carry-on. “I was given this eye mask as a gift when I was a guest at a friend’s place and it’s definitely among the top 10 gifts I’ve ever received,” says AT contributor Kendall. “It covers my entire eye line with a smooth, breathable jersey material that doesn’t pull at my skin, trap sweat or oil, and doesn’t move throughout the night.”

Kendall adds, “The filling is about half-an-inch thick, so not only does it give a super blackout effect, but whatever it’s filled with forms to my face comfortably (yet non-restrictively!), so there aren’t any weird gaps that let light through. It’s got an adjustable Velcro back with plenty of non-Velcro border space so my hair never gets caught — I also haven’t felt or heard the Velcro once while using it.”

Read our full review of the FRESHME Handmade Cotton Sleep Mask.

Specifications:

• 95% organic cotton, 5% spandex cover with pure cotton fill
• Adjustable hook and loop closure
• Available in 2 styles
• Hand wash, then air dry

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a non-silk sleep mask.

Good to Know: This mask can be ordered with or without blackout nose pads.

Whether you want to squeeze in a quick catnap or want to be able to blink as you lull yourself into a soothing slumber, conventional sleep masks may not be for everyone. Side and stomach sleepers also have reason to be concerned with masks that may slide off due to their sleeping position. However, the LKY Digital Sleep Mask has it covered. Decked out with an innovative 3D molded design, this mask’s eye space is wide and deeper than most conventional models. (Translation? This mask successfully blocks light without applying any pressure to your eyes.) It’s no wonder Kendall is such a fan.

“Contoured to fit comfortably around the eye socket vs. on top of it, this mask leaves space for me to blink, which is especially important if I’m on my eyelash extension game, and still feel like I’m in a totally dark space,” she says. “I like how I wake up without puffy eyes using these contoured masks because there’s no pressure or contact affecting what my eyes naturally do when I sleep.”

Specifications:

• Cotton cover with high-density foam fill
• Adjustable head strap
• Available in 5 colors
• Hand wash

Who It’s Best For: LKY Digital’s mask is perfect for mask novices or beauty lovers who want to keep their look intact.

Good to Know: Because LKY Digital’s masks are sold as a set of three, you can keep one by your bedside, another in your suitcase, and a third in your linen closet.

*Honorable Mention: Made of cotton and fleece, the total blackout Manta Sleep Mask is another top-quality option for combination sleepers. It’s made with adjustable cups that keep pressure off of your eyes, a soft and breathable velour strap for comfort, and a snag-free hook closure. “It helped a lot, mostly because I don’t have blackout curtains,” says AT commerce editorial assistant Morgan. “The amount of light it blocked out was amazing, and since I’m a stomach and side sleeper, I was expecting it to slide off more than it did.” The mask comes with earplugs and a carrying case for optimal rest on the go.

Innovative and cozy, the POD is a futuristic travel pillow from Pluto, the editor-favorite brand behind a Best List-willing customizable pillow. Using the POD is an immersive experience as the eye mask is built into a hooded neck pillow with a cushiony foam fill. While the travel pillow is available in one size, there are snaps on the back of the hood that make it adjustable if you need a tighter fit. The snaps also allow the POD to roll into itself for storage or to attach it to your luggage while on the go.

“The Pluto POD is my absolute favorite travel pillow, and it was the built-in sleep mask that took it above and beyond!” says Best List editor Britt. “The pillow is adjustable for comfort, and I love that it has a hood since I’m often cold while traveling. The eye mask totally blocks out light and makes me feel like I’m in my own little cocoon. On a trip from Louisiana to California, I used the POD, and while I wasn’t intending on falling asleep for the entire ride, I was surprised by how soundly I slept! The eye mask helped a lot in making it feel like I wasn’t even on a plane, and blocked out the light, even with the window open. I’ve been a fan ever since!”

Specifications:

• Lightly padded hood with foam pillow insert
• Velcro closure
• Available in 2 colors
• 125-night trial

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for an eye mask made for traveling; those who want to be immersed in total light blockage.

Good to Know: While the outer surface of the POD is machine washable, the inner foam must be removed from the neck cushion as it “disintegrates in the wash,” according to Pluto.

Additional reporting by Jasmine Grant.