Artificial light—from device screens to that streetlamp outside your window—can contribute to this lack of sleep by throwing off your sleep-wake cycle. For those who struggle, a sleep mask can be quite handy. The right one will surround you in darkness and comfort, fostering an atmosphere ripe for sound snoozing and balanced hormones. Here are the best sleep masks on the market. The silk material glides smoothly on your skin and won’t contribute to fine lines or wrinkles. The mask also does a solid job of keeping light out without excessively pressing on your face. It’s kept in place with an elastic band that is also covered in silk, so it won’t destroy your hair, either. You can choose from nine different colors. Secure it in place before you doze off by using the adjustable Velcro strap. It also has an adjustable elastic strap with hook-and-loop closure to ensure it stays put. Even better, it makes any travel—be it a road trip or a red-eye flight—that much more comfortable. And when your set starts to look dingy, you can throw it in the washing machine to restore its luster. This sleep mask is also a nice tool for when you need to escape the world for a brief moment of meditation. Bonus: The mask comes with a pair of earplugs in case you need help drowning out noise at night, too. The elastic band has a Velcro closure, which allows you to achieve a more personalized fit. And the durable material is designed to last, giving you top-notch sleep support year after year. For a quick cooling fix, chill it in the freezer and then slip it on before you drift off to sleep. The Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask is our best overall pick, though, because it boasts a wide surface area that ensures darkness, and the wraparound style won’t disturb your hair or slip off while you sleep.
Material
Masks come in myriad fabrics—silk, satin, cotton, merino wool, and more—each of which present their own benefits and drawbacks. Generally, look for textiles that are gentle on the face, breathable, and, if you run hot, cooling.
Comfort
If your mask is too loose, it’ll likely slip off, but if it’s too tight, you may end up with a headache. Look for options that sit comfortably on your face and are just snug enough to block light so you can snooze. An adjustable strap may be helpful in customizing the fit for optimal comfort.
Why trust Verywell Mind?
Rozalynn S. Frazier is an award-winning multimedia journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on health and fitness. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and an avid exerciser who routinely puts wellness tools and fitness gear through its paces to help assess which products are worthy of praise. Frazier, who loves sleep masks and has several she regularly cycles through, has created content for SELF, Men’s Health, Real Simple, Health, Essence, Cosmopolitan, Livestrong.com, and more.
