If you don’t want to completely rob your bedroom of the morning sunshine with blackout shades, a sleep mask can be an excellent choice if you are sensitive to light in the bedroom when you shut your eyes. In addition, you can use it while traveling or if you want to nap during the day.
Don't have the time to read the entire sleep mask review?
Here's a quick look at our top choices for the best sleep masks:
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Best overall: Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best value for money: YIVIEW Sleep Mask | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Most durable: Lewis N. Clark Comfort Eye Mask | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Most affordable: SIMWELL Jersey Slumber Face Mask | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best fit for everyone: CY-UNIT Sleep Mask | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
As much as all sleep masks perform the same task, not all do it equally well. If you want to find the right one for you, we’re here to help. We’ve made a list of the best sleep masks out there, so take a look at our top picks.
Top 5 Sleep Masks Reviews
1. Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask
This is easily one of the most comfortable sleep masks out there. Made of very soft materials, it can ensure uninterrupted sleep whether in bed, on a plane, or anywhere else. It’s also one of the most affordable choices so that it won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask Review:
This sleep mask is made of 100% natural mulberry silk on the outside and the inside. The material is exceptionally smooth and breathable, so it will feel soft on your face and add to sleep relaxation. It’s also hypoallergenic for any skin type, including highly sensitive skin.
The strap is latex-free and fully adjustable. The plastic adjuster lets you expand the strap from 15.8 to 27.6 inches. It’s also placed at the back of your head, making it an excellent choice for side sleepers. No Velcro straps or clips would tangle up your hair or snag at the pillow.
Unfortunately, the adjuster isn’t as high-quality as the rest of the mask. Some users have complained about it breaking after some time of regular use. In addition, it might not be very comfortable if you sleep on your back, as it will push against the back of your head. However, we’re talking about a tiny fraction of users.
As far as functionality goes, it offers total blackout so you won’t have to worry about morning sunlight finding its way around it. It also won’t get in the way of earplugs or a CPAP mask, if you’re using other sleep devices.
Aside from the plastic adjuster, the only thing that might strain your sleep quality is that there’s no contour around the eyes. Most people have no issues with this, but some may find this a significant drawback as the mask can press against the eyes of those with more pronounced eyelids or eye sockets. If this isn’t an issue for you or you’re used to wearing flat sleep masks, this can be a good option overall.
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2. YIVIEW Sleep Mask
If you’re looking for a good deal and a decent mask at the lowest possible price, you may find it in the YIVIEW sleep mask. But if you’re looking for superior quality and functionality, you might have to keep looking – continue reading for more. The mask should fit the needs of a good number of average users, but it’s perhaps most suitable for those on a budget.
YIVIEW Sleep Mask Review
For the price of one regular sleep mask, YIVIEW offers a pack of three, making this the best deal on anyone’s list of the best sleep masks. Even though the quality is far from the best, it’s a decent mask that will give you your money’s worth.
The best feature of the YIVIEW sleep mask is its 3D contour design. It’s molded around the eyes and nose so that it won’t put any pressure on your eyes, and you can open them freely while wearing them. It also fits tightly around your nose without pressing too hard against it.
Regarding light-blocking, the mask may not create a total blackout in most cases. Most users said it blocked out around 95% of light. This is perhaps because it doesn’t fully wrap around your eyes. If you’re willing to overlook this, the YIVIEW can be a good option for three family members or for having a couple of spares lying around.
The material is soft and breathable overall, but it may feel cheap and flimsy for the discerning individual. The same goes for the elastic strap, which isn’t really well-made and might break over time. It also uses Velcro, which lets you create a good fit but might catch your hair or damage your pillow if you don’t attach it perfectly.
To avoid these drawbacks, YIVIEW offers a few recommendations on how to use the mask properly. First, they recommend not pulling it too hard, as the strap might come off. They also suggest washing it in cold water only, as some detergents might damage the material. Lastly, you shouldn’t use viscous face products while wearing it, as they can smudge the mask.
This can be an excellent value pick if all of this doesn’t sound too bothersome. Not only do you get three sleep masks, but in three different colors as well.
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3. Lewis N. Clark Comfort Eye Mask
If you’re looking for a durable mask that provides absolute comfort and a restful night’s sleep, the Lewis N. Clark Comfort Eye Mask is worth a try. Its design effectively blocks light for most types of sleepers, and the outer fabric guarantees durability.
Lewis N. Clark Comfort Eye Mask Review
The creators of this sleep mask designed it with comfort and durability in mind. The inner side is lined with plush cotton fabric, providing breathable comfort. This sleep mask fits perfectly around the contours of the eyes, bridge of the nose, and cheeks to block out light.
Its versatile design makes it ideal for sleepers with CPAP machines and for those who tend to move into different positions while asleep.
The strap is made from elastic rather than Velcro and is fully adjustable. It doesn’t get stuck in your hair and can fit children and adults.
The durable outer lining is made from ripstop fabric that resists tears and rips. This helps your mask last for years to come.
Some users find this sleep mask's main drawback to be that the blue version tends to leave a stain on light-colored pillowcases. Otherwise, the sleep mask functions perfectly.
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4. SIMWELL Jersey Slumber Face Mask
This is another affordable sleep mask that does a great job of blocking out all light in most cases. However, the Jersey Slumber sleep mask might not fit everyone despite the presence of an adjustable strap.
SIMWELL Jersey Slumber Face Mask Review
The Jersey Slumber is made of 100% silk. It feels very soft on your face and is hypoallergenic, so it won’t irritate your skin. It’s also breathable and a champ at preventing your head from sweating if you’re a hot sleeper.
On the downside, some users think the mask feels a bit flimsy. But since this is a very affordable sleep mask, it’s a case of the classic “you get what you pay for.”
A slightly bigger issue is the strap. Even when fully expanded, some users found it too tight. Since there aren’t any eye contours, the mask might press on your eyes too much for comfort if you have a wider head. The good news is that there’s no Velcro, which adds to the overall comfort.
This mask does a great job of light-blocking in most cases. The only exception is if you put it on too tight, which might create an opening in the nose area and let some light through. This only happens rarely, so you’ll probably be satisfied with its light-blocking capability.
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5. CY-UNIT Sleep Mask
If you’re willing to pay a couple of bucks more for a good sleep mask, you might find a winner in the CY-UNIT ergonomic sleep mask. Aside from minor shortcomings, it’s very effective at blocking all light and can be a good fit for virtually everyone.
CY-UNIT Sleep Mask Review
This sleep mask is made of antibacterial, anti-fade material that feels soft on the skin. Some users have even described it as a pleasant gel-like feeling around your eyes. The only issue with the material is that it’s quite thick, which affects its breathability. If you’re a hot sleeper, this might not be your ideal choice.
The adjustable strap is very well-made, durable, and free of Velcro. It can be adjusted to fit pretty much anybody’s head. The adjuster is also high-quality and doesn’t make the mask uncomfortable to wear in most cases. However, the adjuster might dig into your temples if you sleep on the side and tighten the strap.
The 3D contour design is designed to mold to the face well. It blocks out all light in almost any situation, so you can expect great functionality there. The CY-UNIT also doesn’t put practically any pressure on the eyes, not even if you tighten the strap.
What adds quite some value to the mask is everything that comes with it. You’ll receive the product in a gift package that includes the mask, a pair of foam earplugs, and a travel pouch. The earplugs are nothing to be excited about, but getting everything in a travel package is a nice touch.
The manufacturer also offers a 30-day full refund and a 12-month warranty.
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Sleep Masks Buyer’s Guide. (What to look for in a quality sleep mask)
Now that you’ve seen some of the best sleep masks available, it’s time to dig a bit deeper into the most important features to consider when shopping for the best one for you. Here are the main things to consider.
Light Blocking
This is the first concern regarding any sleep mask. Consider the amount of light that enters your room and whether you want or need to create total darkness. If so, a regular mask might be better than the contoured ones. 3D masks have to be made of a sturdier material, so they might distort when you turn in bed.
Of course, total blackout isn’t necessary for everyone, and most masks do a good enough job of blocking most of the light in your room. Even if some of it slips through, it shouldn’t interfere with your sleep too much.
Materials
Different materials have different benefits. The right material for you will mostly depend on your priorities.
For example, if softness is a must, you’ll want to go with silk or cotton masks. These are usually lightweight and smooth. They relax your eyes and face since they often don’t put any pressure on them. However, durability is often an issue, as they tend to fray after repeated washing.
If you prefer more pressure and for the mask to hug your face, memory foam can be a great option. Memory foam sleep masks are very comfortable to wear, and they almost always feature a contoured design that makes them fit nicely around your eyes and nose. On the flip side, some aren’t very breathable, so you might experience some perspiration if your room is hot.
Fit
Even though most sleep masks come in one universal size, some of them might not fit well. Make sure that the strap is adjustable enough to fit your head perfectly. Failing to find the right fit can also affect the mask’s functionality. It might let some light in if it doesn’t snug to your face.
The thing about fit is that you have to try it out. With that in mind, it’s best to buy from a merchant that has a liberal return policy.
Medical Conditions
Some people need a sleep mask for more than blocking light. Sleep masks are known to help conditions such as migraines and sinus problems. A good sleep mask can alleviate the symptoms of these issues, but only if you find the right one.
If this is an important factor for you, you should go with a contoured mask made of a thicker material. The slight pressure it creates can help relieve migraine symptoms, and the good fit around the nose area can help you breathe easier.
Adjuster Type
The type of strap adjuster can greatly impact the overall comfort of your mask. Velcro adjusters are generally less uncomfortable, as they might stick to your hair or snag at the pillow.
Plastic and metal adjusters fix this issue, but they can also be quite uncomfortable. If you tighten the strap so that the adjuster sits on your temples, it might interrupt your sleep.
Eye Protection
If your eyes are easily irritated, you’ll want to find a mask that doesn’t get in contact with them. A contoured option is much better here. Regular masks sit on your eyes, making it almost impossible to blink without discomfort.
3D masks on the other hand, are more likely to allow you to toss, turn, and move your eyes without discomfort. They’re also a good idea if you’re traveling and wearing makeup you don’t want to ruin.
Price
Generally speaking, a sleep mask isn’t something you’ll want to spend much money on. As high-quality as some can be, they’re prone to breaking and fraying after prolonged use. This is why you may not want to put a lot of money into them unless you need premium light-blocking and additional features, as mentioned above.
An affordable sleep mask will do the job just fine for most people. But if you’re buying a sleep mask for a medical condition, you might want to spend a few more bucks and go for a high-quality one.
Additional Features
Some manufacturers add special features to their masks to provide even more comfort while sleeping. These include scented areas around the nose that provide a soothing smell, heating pads, and a variety of other features that can help you get a good night’s sleep.
Best Sleep Mask: The Verdict
Now that you know what every good sleep mask needs to have, it’s time to summarize the reviews. Based on light-blocking capability, additional features, and value for money, the Alaska Bear sleep mask is the best one you can get right now.
For a fair price, you get a mask that’s highly effective at blocking 100% of light in most cases. In addition, it’s soft and smooth enough to make a critical difference in relaxation and comfort.
But if you want a screaming good deal, YIVIEW’s set of three masks is near impossible to beat. You get three contoured masks that do a decent job of blocking bright light without coming in contact with your eyes. The quality may not be the best, but you get spares or one for each of your three houses (assuming you have three houses).
