Why I Don’t Go Anywhere Without This Best List-Winning Sleep Mask

Let me tell you about one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten. The friend who gave it to me bought it in bulk on Amazon, and while that might sound impersonal at first, I’m actually thrilled to know that so many other people in her life are enjoying it as much as I am. Without further ado, I present to all sleepers — especially the uneasy, light-sensitive, and globe-trotting varieties — our Best List-awarded-winning sleep mask: the FRESHME Handmade Cotton Sleep Mask.

For most of my life, I’ve preferred waking up with the sun instead of using blackout shades. I’ve never really minded a few rays of moonlight spilling in through the window or the vague luminosity of a city that never sleeps (even if I’m trying to). Well, that was before I stayed with a light-sensitive friend who regularly gifts her overnight guests their very own FRESHME sleep mask just in case they like to sleep in darkness, too. An impressive hosting gesture for sure, but I admittedly didn’t use my mask until I found myself on a noisy, long-haul flight a week later. As a last-ditch effort to get some rest, I slid the mask’s fine-knit organic cotton softness over my eyes and experienced all that my friend (and the more than 7,000 five-star reviews on Amazon) raves about.

Of all the sleep masks I’ve tested during my years as a shopping editor, FRESHME’s is the only one that made me sigh with instant relief. At 4″ wide, it’s designed to cover your entire eye line, including all of those tricky facial contours where speckles of light seep through other masks. The adjustable back is just as comfortable as the front thanks to strips of thin, surprisingly soft velcro, and since the mask also covers your ears, it muffles and decreases detectable sound. I’ve even customized the tightness to help relieve a few pressure headaches — it really works!

I now use the FRESHME mask on every flight I take and in every hotel or home I stay in (including my own). It’s upgraded my nights from decent sleep to indecently deep sleep, no matter where I happen to be. And it’s, without a doubt, the most comfortable blackout eye mask I’ve ever tried. Sound like a dream that’s too good to be true? I recommend you grab one (or a few!) of your own and experience the comfort for yourself. Personally, I’m taking a cue from my super-hospitable friend and buying them in bulk to give as holiday gifts this year. And of course, I’ll always have a few on hand for overnight guests.

Buy: FRESHME Handmade Cotton Sleep Mask, $24.98 (normally $30.99)