What to Look for When Buying a Sleeping Mask

When it’s time to wind down, even a thin beam of streetlight coming through the curtains or the glow of a phone charger can keep your brain from fully switching off. A well-made sleep mask that blocks the light can help you drift off faster and stay asleep even through sunrise.

So forget those flimsy airline eye covers. Sleep masks have come a long way, and the market is filled with a myriad of options designed to help you fall asleep and maintain a good night’s rest. From luxurious silk masks to high-tech sleeping goggles, there’s a sleep mask for every need. Below, we break down what to look for in a sleep mask, the benefits each type offers, and how to get the most out of one so you can sleep like you mean it.

Don’t know where to start when it comes to purchasing a sleep mask for your needs? We’re here to break down all the things you should consider.

For better sleep all around, check out our guide to the Best Sleep Masks, as well as other sleep-related guides, including Best Mattresses, Best Sheets, Best Pillows, and Best Organic Mattresses.

Sleep masks do more than just block out light. Whether you’re jet-lagged, catching up after a night shift, or simply looking to improve your nightly routine, the benefits of a sleep mask can be long-lasting after a good night’s rest.

Light is the most powerful cue for your circadian rhythm. It essentially tells your brain what time it is. Even the tiniest bit of light exposure can suppress melatonin and delay sleep.

“Most research has been conducted in hospitals due to the noise and lights,” says sleep physician Lourdes DelRosso. “Providing sleep masks and earplugs to hospitalized patients has been studied and published, showing that patients experience deeper and more restful sleep. Just by covering their eyes, we can promote better production of melatonin and send better signals to our brain.” Wearing sleep masks at night can also aid cognitive function, including memory, alertness, and episodic learning, according to a study from the Sleep Research Society.

Wearing sleep masks at night can also aid cognitive function, including memory, alertness, and episodic learning, according to a study from the Sleep Research Society.

And it’s not just the blackout effect of sleep masks that gives users a well-rested night. Sleep masks are a healthy sleep association, providing a relaxing and comforting experience that can help you wind down at night.

“We have touch receptors everywhere on our skin, including around the eyes,” certified sleep expert Annika Carroll says. “If we apply a little bit of light pressure there with this mask, it releases a hormone called oxytocin, often referred to as the love hormone. It promotes relaxation and comfort.”

If you’re prone to migraines, eye masks can be a simple and powerful ally. Light pressure around the eyes can help ease tension and increase blood flow, while total darkness helps reduce light sensitivity, a common migraine trigger.

Friction breaks down the skin’s elastin and collagen, the proteins that keep your face firm and smooth. Wearing an eye mask while you sleep protects the delicate skin around your eyes from rubbing against bedding or your arm, especially if you tend to toss and turn.

We all know the signs of a rough night of sleep: puffy eyes and dark circles. A sleep mask can help tip the odds by boosting circulation in your face, and weighted eye masks can help break up the excess fluid around the eyes that leads to puffiness.

Sleep mask fits aren’t universal, Carroll says: “I find that there’s a bit of trial and error in finding a mask that fits your face shape. There are rounder faces, and there are slimmer, longer faces.” Be sure to try on a new sleep mask before giving it a whirl; the mask should press gently against your face without feeling too tight, and there should be no gaps between the mask and your skin, especially around the nose. Additionally, several sleep mask characteristics may affect how well it fits on your face.

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Blissy

Sleep Mask

$28

Amazon

$50 $38 (24% off)

Blissy

Flat sleep masks are the most traditional type you’ll see—a flat piece of fabric that covers the eyes. These types are generally lighter and more compact, making them easy to travel with. Comfort may be a factor here, since flat masks tend to press against the eyes, which some may find bothersome.

A common problem with traditional slip-on sleep masks is the bridge of the nose lifting the mask, allowing light to seep in and defeating the purpose of wearing it. Many sleep masks today are designed with a contoured nose or without fabric around the nose to prevent any light from penetrating.

Some eye masks are built like swim goggles: They feature two convex gaps that allow you to fully open and close your eyes beneath the mask without letting any light in. Eye cups are especially beneficial for people with sensitive eyes and for people who wear eyelash extensions.

Too loose, and the mask will fall off throughout the night. Too tight, and it could uncomfortably press against your eyes or snag your hair while you’re sleeping. Luckily, many sleep masks come with an adjustable strap so you can customize the fit.

When shopping for a sleep mask, examine the product to locate any clasps or adjustable closures. If you're a back sleeper, you might prefer this piece on the side of your head. Stomach sleepers may find a clasp at the back more comfortable. For those who change positions frequently, consider an unobtrusive adjustment and/or closure mechanism like slim Velcro, a magnetic closure, or a slide buckle.

When testing it out, lie in your preferred sleep position and move around a bit—if the mask feels restrictive or shifts when you do, you may need to adjust the tightness. Keep in mind that some mechanisms hold up better over time—velcro can wear down, while buckles and magnetic closures usually last longer.

Photograph: Artur Debat/Getty Images

The material affects the thickness and the opacity of the sleep mask against light. You should also be cognizant of the materials that make up these sleep aids since they’ll be hugging your face all night long.

This fine material is all the rage in the beauty world as it has been clinically proven to be biocompatible with human skin, supporting hydration, improving skin elasticity, and increasing cellular regeneration (which reduces fine lines and wrinkles). It’s also cooling on the skin, which can be refreshing for hot sleepers.

Cotton is the goldilocks of eye masks; it’s comfortable, easy to wash, durable, and breathable. Be mindful that cotton absorbs moisture, so this material may be best avoided if you use an eye cream at night.

Satin is smooth and soft like silk but is made of synthetic fibers. Its gentle texture is great for sensitive skin and minimizes friction against hair and skin, helping prevent irritation.

“There are studies that show that polyester masks help improve sleep quality and that there is a feeling of coolness or relaxation,” DelRosso says. Polyester is also typically more budget-friendly and is resistant to stretching and wrinkling over time, ensuring durability and longevity in use. Some blends are also moisture-wicking, which help keep sweat and oils off your skin and hair.

Photograph: Westend61/Getty Images

Contemporary sleep masks do more than block light. They come loaded with features designed to take your sleep to the next level. If you want more than a standard mask, consider these upgrades.

Aromatherapy sleep masks combine the benefits of light-blocking with the use of essential oils for therapeutic effects. Certain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, are known for their relaxing and stress-relieving properties, while others, like spearmint and eucalyptus, can help with headaches. Sleep masks are sometimes filled with flaxseed and rice infused with these essential oils, creating a weighted effect as well as providing aromatherapeutic benefits.

Photograph: Amazon

Baloo

Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask

$82

Amazon

$90

Baloo

You’ve heard the buzz around weighted blankets and their benefits; the same concept applies to sleep masks. As we mentioned above, gentle pressure around the eyes is a physiological means for relaxation and stress relief. Weighted eye masks can also help relax facial muscles and reduce discomfort in sinus cavities.

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Opal Cool Eye Mask

$28

Opal Cool

Some sleep masks are engineered to be cooled with refrigerable gel inserts, while others are made with breathable temperature-regulating fabric (like polyester) that releases heat. The chill can also soothe tension headaches and migraines.

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Manta

Sound Sleep Mask

$155 $99 (36% off)

Manta

$39

Amazon (No Sound)

Second to sight, sound plays a crucial role in a good night’s sleep—so much so that today, some high-tech sleep masks even come with speakers built into the areas near the ears. Through them, users can block out or mask outside noise or listen to meditation, soft music, or white noise at a volume low enough to not disturb your partner.

Sleep masks are a simple way to help your sleep cycle, but there are a few circumstances where they’re not ideal. “If someone has glaucoma, or has an eye infection, I would not trap air there,” Carroll says.

DelRosso adds that those with sleep apnea or other breathing disorders should consult with their doctor before using a sleep mask, as it may interfere with their condition or CPAP machine. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, avoid eye masks with rough fabrics, heavy fillings, or scent inserts, which can all trigger irritations or reactions.

No matter how clean you think your face is when you rest your head on your pillow at night, sleep masks can accumulate dirt, oils, dust, and more allergens that could potentially lead to breakouts or infections. Regular cleaning also helps extend the life of the mask, so be sure to wash it weekly if worn nightly, or a few times a week if you have sensitive skin or eyes.

Make sure your face is freshly cleansed to remove buildup that may have accumulated on your skin throughout the day before slipping on your mask.

Here’s how to wash a sleep mask:

1. Review the manufacturer’s instructions. Different mask materials might require different cleaning methods, but this method should work for most materials.
2. Remove components. If the eye mask has any removable parts like eye cups, straps, or clasps, be sure to remove those before washing.
3. Hand wash. Submerge the mask in a bowl of lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Gently massage the mask with your fingers, paying special attention to any areas with stains or buildup.
4. Rinse. Run the mask under lukewarm running water to remove any remaining soap residue.
5. Air dry. Set the mask on a dry surface and let it air dry. You can also pat it with a towel to speed things up.

When you’re not wearing it, store your sleep mask in a secure location such as inside your nightstand or a dresser drawer to keep dust and dander buildup at bay. Also, tempting as it is, try not to perch it on your head in the morning—hair oils, sweat, and hair products can transfer onto the mask that way.

Avoid leaving a sleep mask in direct sunlight or hot spots, such as a windowsill or car dashboard, since heat and UV exposure can wear down sleep mask materials like silk, elastic, foam, and gel. If you’re taking it on the go, keep it in a small pouch or case to protect it from dirt and grime in your bag and to prevent straps from getting tangled or stretched.

A sleep mask can do a lot of the heavy lifting, but your surroundings matter too. Try these simple tweaks to cut down on extra light in your space:

• Install blackout curtains or blinds to block outside light.
• Unplug or cover small electronics like chargers and router lights.
• If light seeps in through hallways, use draft stoppers or door sweeps under door cracks.