The Best Sleep Mask

Our Top Pick for 2019: Bedtime Bliss Contoured & Comfortable Sleep Mask
Amazon

We sleep about one third of our lifetime, so that means that an individual who lives to be 75 years of age will sleep for 25 years during their lifetime. If you spend so much of your time asleep, then you will want to ensure that such a long period of time is spent in comfort. A sleep mask can be a tool that helps you sleep more comfortably and get a more restorative night’s rest. Since there are so many different sleep masks available, choosing one can be a challenge. We’ve taken the different types of masks into account and comprised a list of the best three as well as a cheaper option for those on a budget.

Let’s Have a Quick Look of Our Top 4 Picks:

Amazon

Sleep should be a priority for everyone, so if you are having trouble getting to sleep, then look no further than our gold pick. The Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask features an all black design that is perfect for men and woman alike. It is also fitted with an adjustable Velcro strap, which means that children can use the mask as well. It is designed to be comfortable and minimize the chance of getting tangles in your hair at night.

This sleep mask features an over the eye design that utilizes eye cavities to allow you to sleep without added pressure being placed on your eyelids. This design actually makes the mask come closer to your nose, which means that when it is adjusted properly, even less light will be able to seep through the cracks to disturb you. In fact, this sleep mask actually blocks out 99 percent of the natural light in any room. On some, a tiny bit of light may come in around the nose area, but whether it is visible or not depends on the shape of your nose and how close the mask can be adjusted to your skin.

This mask is made from a thin material that is designed to be comfortable on your skin as well as provide a dark atmosphere where you can meditate. You will easily be able to fully open your eyes without your eyelids touching the mask, which means you can relax and fully calm your senses before falling to sleep. It is a lightweight option that can easily be placed in a small bag or purse to be used on an airplane or a train. Bedtime Bliss made sure that this sleep mask is machine washable for your convenience.

Amazon has almost 5,000 reviews for this product, and from those reviews 86 percent of them gave this Bedtime Bliss sleep mask a four star rating or above. Many reviewers have attested to the comfort level and this mask’s ability to block out the light; in fact, here is what one reviewer had to say: “Eye mask works great! It has contours for your eyes and keeps all the light out. Perfect fit on the bridge of my nose where as others have slid down and rub, this one does not.”

This sleep mask can be purchased on Amazon for about $13, and it comes with a set of ear plugs as well as a carrying case. It also comes with a free ebook download that is designed to give you natural sleep tips. If you are not satisfied with the quality of this product, you can contact the manufacturer to take advantage of the 90 day Blissful Sleep Guarantee and obtain a full refund.

Our silver pick, which is the PrettyCare Sleep Mask, is a durable product that is designed to be comfortable against your skin. It is comprised of a thin memory foam material that is extremely lightweight; in fact, it only weighs in at 0.4 ounces. This mask utilizes high quality materials that all comply with Oeko-Tex standards. In addition, the material is an anti-fade fabric that has properties that will help prevent bacterial from forming when you sweet at night.

The company uses 3D technology with the design of this sleep mask to ensure that the eye cavity is comfortable and breathable for the entire duration of the night. The nasal bridge is raised a bit to add additional comfort. This bridge will also serve as a protection against makeup smudges if you decide to take an afternoon nap.

This sleep mask features a Velcro strap that is designed to be easily adjusted to fit the head of any man, woman, or child. On the small end, this strap goes down to nine centimeters, and it can become as large as 20 centimeters long. This type of strap is designed to easily connect without catching your hair and pulling it while you sleep. In addition, this mask is designed to be machine washable. If you do wash it out by hand, avoid wringing it out, as that can cause damage to the material.

Being our silver selection means that this sleep mask has great reviews. 98 percent of the users on Amazon who reviewed this PrettyCare sleep mask gave it above a four star rating, which means that the overwhelming majority of those who purchases it; loved it. Here is an example of one such review: “They are so soft and fit over my eyes so well. I like the wells for my eyes. Putting these over my eyes it’s dark, the first night I used them the overhead light was left on and wearing them blocked out all the light, I could sleep well with them on my head.”

This sleep mask can be purchased in a set of two on Amazon for about $15. It comes with a blue and black model as well as a plain black one, which is the perfect him and her combination. It comes with two sets of ear plugs and a silk carrying case. The purchase of this product also includes a 60 day warranty that allows you to receive a full refund if you are unhappy with the purchase.

Our Bronze pick is a sleep mask that is designed to help you drift to sleep in a natural way that will never interfere with your REM sleep, which is an important part of the nightly restorative process. This sleep mask is made from a soft satin material that contours to your face in a breathable fashion. It perfectly fits to all face shapes and sizes to block out 100 percent of the natural light in the area where you are trying to sleep.

The design of this mask features a raised area that keeps the mask away from your eyes. This design allows you to blink freely while you are falling asleep without irritation or fear of smudging your makeup. The soft material of the mask is held in place by a comfortable Velcro strap. This strap is adjustable so it can be tightened enough to keep the mask from sliding off while you are asleep, but it also is comfortable enough prevent skin irritation and discomfort. You also will never have to worry about your hair getting caught in this strap.

This sleep mask is lightweight, which means it is a great choice for activities like meditation and yoga as well as sleeping. In addition, this design contours to your face so well that it is perfect for adults as well as smaller children. The material of this sleep mask is extremely durable, so it can easily be machine washed without fear that the quality of the product will diminish.

Insofar as reviews are concerned, 89 percent of the users on Amazon who reviewed the Drift to Sleep Mask gave it either a four or a five star rating. Here is an example of one of the amazing five star testimonials found on the site: “I’m SO happy with my purchase! My eyes are extremely light sensitive. I’ve even placed electrical tape over the tiny lights on my TV and cable box in my room because they were too bright, but this mask completely blocks out all the light!”

This sleep mask can be purchased on Amazon for about $11, and it comes with two pairs of ear plugs and a small case to carry them in. You can purchase this sleep mask in two different styles, one is plain black and the other is a vibrant purple that features a unique black pattern. It also comes with a 100 percent money back guarantee.

Some people only want a sleep mask for certain instances, like traveling in an airplane or taking a train trip across the country. In these instances, you will want a mask that is cheap enough not to break your budget, but reliable enough to block enough light. Macks Dreamweaver Sleep Mask, which is our ballin’ on a budget pick, does just that and more.

This lightweight sleep mask is designed with an eye cavity that allows you to blink freely while enveloped in the serene darkness you get from using this mask. The mask contours snuggly to your head and works with the dual elastic straps to prevent any light from sneaking under the mask. These straps are designed to comfortably fit on anyone’s head; including that of a small child. The straps can also be adjusted to any length you need, so that it does not move from your eyes during the night. It is crafted from a silky smooth material that is designed to be durable enough to be machine washed on a gentle cycle, but it will need to be air dried.

When it comes to the reviews of this sleep mask, you would never know that it is our budget pick. 79 percent of the users on Amazon who purchased this item gave it an excellent rating of four or five stars. Many of the reviewers verify that the low price point does not mean that the quality is sacrificed. Here is an example of one such five star review: “These are quite simply the best sleep masks ever! I cannot say enough good things about this sleep mask. The contour of the mask completely blacks out all light. Seriously, you can open your eyes while wearing it and see no light.”

Macks Dreamweaver is a great sleep mask that can be purchased on Amazon for less than $5. It can also be purchased in a set of two for about $10; in case you need one for travel purposes or for someone else in your household. The purchase of this sleep mask comes with a set of ear plugs that can be used to drown out any noise while you are sleeping as well as a convenient travel pouch.

Pre-purchase considerations

Type of Fabric

The material that your mask is made of is important, not only for durability reasons, but also because the area around your eyes tend to be more sensitive than the rest of your body. This means that you may experience irritation or allergies that you were not aware of. Cotton is a great material to avoid this issue, and it also is a breathable option that will help absorb sweat. Silk and bamboo masks are also popular material for sleep masks.

Fasteners

Not all sleep mask straps are made of the same material. Some are a solid strap, while others are held together with Velcro. Decide which type of fastener is best for you, and make sure to consider whether or not it will get caught in your hair during the night. You will also want a strap that is adjustable, because a strap that is too tight to your head can leave marks and cause you unwanted discomfort as you are trying to sleep.

Ability to Block Light

How much light do you need to block? If you are sleeping in a dark room, then a 98 percent light blockage should be more than sufficient. If you are sleeping during the day in a room that is bright and sun filled, then you will want to try to get 100 percent coverage. This can be difficult since everyone’s face has a different shape, so take the time to see if the mask you are interested in purchasing covers your face well enough to sufficiently block out the light.

Therapeutic

If you choose a mask that satisfies a specific therapeutic need, there are three common options. The first is a light therapy mask that features a soft glowing light to soothe you to sleep. This mask gives your mind something to focus on, which will bring you added calm and lull you into a restful sleep.

The second type of therapeutic mask deals with aromatherapy. It has a pouch that you can fill with herbs that will stimulate your senses while you sleep. Lavender and chamomile are typically herbs that are associated with relaxation; hence they are a great tool to use when you need help sleeping.

The third type of mask that has therapeutic benefits is a gel sleeping mask. These types of masks give you a spa-like experience while you are sleeping. They will rejuvenate your eyes and offer relief from allergy irritants, strain, and lack of sleep. You can heat the mask for a relaxing warm therapy session or place the mask in the freezer for about an hour to give you a cooling therapy, which can be a great way to relieve severe headaches or migraines.

Profile of the Mask

Do you want a mask that is lightweight and does not feel like it is on your face at all or do you prefer a thicker mask? Thicker masks tend to block out the light better, but they also place more pressure on your face, which could lead to having circles around your eyes when you wake. Also, this weight on your eyes could disrupt your sleep cycle, instead of improve it.

Easy to Clean

Oil, dirt, and bacteria can build up on any material, so it is important to clean your sleep mask after a period of use. Not washing it can result in eye irritation or infection. Make sure to verify that the sleep mask you purchase is machine washable; unless you don’t mind washing it by hand.

Additional Flair and Accessories

Choose a color, style, and design that will allow you to express your personality as well as get a good night’s sleep. Some masks feature a solid color, while others sport a more intricate design. In fact, there are even themed masks that are designed to represent the characters on a television show or movie.

You will also want to check the accessories that come with the sleep mask that you are considering purchasing. Some come with ear plugs to help you sleep more soundly. Decide whether you want the ear plugs to be connected to the sleep mask or not. Having them connected can be a great way to ensure that you always know where they are, but some people may not like that design. It is a good idea to purchase a sleep mask that includes a carrying case to keep the ear plugs and the mask in the same location. This can be a great accessory to have when you are traveling.

Conclusion (Wrapping it up)

Sleep masks have many different uses. They can provide you with a restful night by simply removing natural light from the equation. They can serve as a way to reduce irritated puffy eyes and reduce eye allergens throughout the night. They can also be incorporated into your routine as aromatherapies that can help to renew your mind, body, and soul. Hopefully this guide has helped you decide what you need to look for in your search for a sleep mask. Consider our selections on this list, and then decide which option suits you best. Once you make a selection, your future will be filled with many naturally restful and restorative nights.