The Top 5 Best Sleep Masks To Cover Your Eyes for Blissful Zzzs in 2023

Sleep masks are one of the simplest methods for improving your sleep. Increased darkness can help people fall asleep faster and achieve rapid eye movement (REM) sleep quicker than without a mask. REM sleep is essential for a healthy, functioning mind, especially as you age.

There are plenty of sleep masks to fit your specific needs. Whether you need a mask to fit comfortably while sleeping on your side or a heated mask to keep headaches at bay, there’s sure to be an option that’s perfect for you!

After researching and comparing dozens of sleep masks available online, we arrived at the Bucky 40 Blinks Sleep Mask as our top choice. It is lightweight, durable, and affordable, and works great in any sleep position thanks to deep eyecups and a barely-there velcro strap to secure the mask in place.

There are many other great considerations out there as well, though, so without further ado, let’s take a look at what we think are the five best sleep masks on the market.

If you’re a side sleeper, you know that many sleep masks don’t provide you with the comfort you need to fall asleep. Whether that’s due to clasps or headbands sitting on your ears, side sleepers need to pay close attention to popular mask design features to ensure they choose a mask that supports their preferred sleep style. Since side-sleeping is the most popular sleep position, we knew our number one pick needed to provide a great experience for side sleepers and back sleepers alike.

After much consideration, we arrived at the Bucky 40 Blinks Sleep Mask as our top pick for the best all-around sleep mask. Not only does it have an intelligent, reliable design that suits the majority of sleepers, but it’s also very affordable, travels well, and is easily replaced. It uses deep eye contours to prevent your eyes from coming into contact with the fabric and accommodates more sleeping positions without putting weight on the eyes. The thin fabric blocks out light while also allowing airflow to drastically reduce sweating and combat overheating.

The mask weighs only 0.53 ounces, making it ideal for people who don’t like heavy masks. The adjustable strap has a velcro closure that rests on the back of your head. By eliminating the clasp, side sleepers will find this mask more comfortable.

Bucky’s mask is also perfect for travel. Because of its lightweight nature and slim design, you can easily pack this in an overnight bag. If you want the best mask for ease of use and portability that’s great for daytime naps and all-night snoozing, you won’t regret taking a chance on the Bucky 40 Blinks Sleep Mask. 

Do you prefer to fall asleep to music, guided meditations, or other soothing sounds in the background? If so, you’ll love the Dreamlight Muse Sleep Mask with built-in, Bluetooth-capable speakers. Featuring a unique cutout interior, the Dreamlight Muse, like other Dreamlight Masks, was designed with AI-powered face mapping software used to sample over 3000 faces to create the most comfortable eye mask to date.

Unlike other masks with speakers, the Dreamlight Muse has large cutouts for your eyes, too, ensuring that the mask’s pressure points don’t disturb you while you sleep or put unnecessary pressure directly on your eyes. The speakers can play music or sounds for up to ten hours when the battery is fully charged, and the mask’s lining and electronic components can be easily separated, allowing for regular cleaning.

If you find yourself just needing a nice blackout space for an afternoon nap, you can easily remove the battery pack as well for a more lightweight option. Additionally, the Dreamlight Zen Smart Meditation Mask takes this concept to the next level with both Bluetooth audio and internal pulsing lights to guide you through de-stressing meditations for a more immersive experience.

Does the sound of soft, weighted pressure around your eyes sound soothing and relaxing? If so, the Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask may be the perfect choice for you! The problem with most weighted sleep masks is, ironically, that they actually put too much pressure on your eyes and end up being more irritating than they are helpful. To combat this, the Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask uses strategic stitching and compartments to make sure the glass beads apply gentle pressure around your eyes, but not directly on them.

The external layer is made of an incredibly comfortable micro-fleece imitation cashmere and can be removed and hand-washed for regular maintenance. Thanks to the internal glass bead filling, you can also cool this mask in the freezer for added relief. The adjustable headband fits a wide variety of head shapes from 23 to 28 inches, making it a versatile option for both men and women.

For most people, a cool pillow is the best thing to lay your head on. For some, that concept also applies to their sleep masks. If you want the best sleep mask for temperature sensitivity, the Ostrichpillow Hot/Cold Eye Mask is our favorite!

Using natural, evenly-distributed clay beads, this hot and cold eye mask offers a sustainable take on temperature therapy for stress relief. Using a cotton-polyester blend, this carbon-neutral eye mask offers an incredibly comfortable experience for daytime nappers especially. Help yourself truly unwind and watch your stress melt away with the Ostrichpillow Hot & Cold Eye Mask. Ostricpillow also makes a standard eye mask for those interested in the same level of comfort and quality with spacious eyecups and a total blackout sleeping environment.

For a more affordable option, check out the Best in Rest Luxury Anti-Fatigue Eye Mask, which uses gel inserts for hot and cold therapy and a thinner profile that’s better for frequent travelers.

While we certainly wouldn’t knock traditional hot/cold sleep masks that can be cooled in the freezer or heated in the microwave, we have been very impressed by the Dreamlight Heat Mini and its ability to melt away stress in just ten minutes. Using Infrared technology to comfortably apply heat around the eyes, the Heat Mini soothes some of the most stressed areas of your face to help you relax and unwind or find momentary relief in the middle of a hectic workday.

Designed with AI-face mapping technology used to map over 3000 facial profiles, the soft interior of the Heat Mini is designed to block light and comfortably rest on your face in a way that creates as few pressure points as possible. While it didn’t necessarily block 100% of incoming light during our testing, we were still very impressed and would say it blocks 95-98%. With the right fit and adjustment (which takes a bit of finagling), you can get it to just about 100% for an afternoon nap.

The Heat Mini can be plugged in or powered via the included rechargeable battery for wireless heating, enabling you to catch a quick nap in your favorite spot. The intelligent Dreamlight Heat Mini turns off automatically after 30 minutes to prevent low-temp burns and is a great option for relieving eye stress if you stare at screens all day.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose the Best Sleep Mask 

Choosing the best sleep mask for you depends on your needs, habits, and sleeping patterns. Let’s go through some of the considerations you should keep in mind before you purchase a sleep mask.

Gender

Although everyone is unique, gender and age can impact the way certain masks fit (or don’t fit) a person. The best sleep mask for women likely won’t be the best sleep mask for men. 

On average, men have larger skulls than women. Men with larger heads, in particular, need to find masks with headbands that will fit without causing any disturbances during sleep. Women also need to be careful not to choose a mask that’s too loose.

Although not directly tied to gender, hair length also impacts what mask will work best for you. People with long hair usually prefer to avoid velcro straps because long hair gets tangled and matted easily.  

Age

Age is another significant consideration you should take into account. When purchasing a sleep mask for a child, you need to consider the sizing and if they’re sensitive to things like velcro or plastic clasps. After all, the best sleep mask for adults won’t be the same for kids.

Sleeping Position

Depending on whether you sleep on your stomach, back, or side can determine what kind of mask works best for you. Most of these concerns revolve around the ability to fall asleep quickly in your favored position, without being too uncomfortable. 

The best sleep mask for stomach sleeping is one with a low-profile strap or headband that fits above the ears. Most stomach sleepers turn their head to the side, resting their ear on a pillow. In that sleeping position, any fabric or material on your ear may disturb your sleep. 

Stomach sleepers also need a mask that won’t shift if they move during sleep. That means you need a mask that fits snugly and doesn’t have protruding eyecups. These can get caught on your pillow or sheets and cause you to wake up, or force your neck and spine into an uncomfortable position.

The best sleep mask for side sleeping is very similar to stomach sleepers because their head position is the same. Choose a mask with a strap that fits above your ear and one without eyecups that jut out. 

Finally, the best mask for back sleeping is one without velcro, a clasp, or any other attachment mechanism that rests at the back of your head. If the attachment mechanism is at the back, you’ll rest your head on it all night. That can cause discomfort and even indentations in your skin. 

Skin Sensitivity

Skin sensitivity is a problem people deal with daily, and sleep masks can make skin problems worse if you’re not careful. The wrong material can irritate your skin or cause you to sweat too much.

Having a piece of fabric on your face all night can cause you to sweat, especially if it is a non-breathable material. Sweat alone isn’t bad for your skin, but when it mixes with the oils and bacteria on your face, it can cause flare-ups of acne or other conditions.

The wrong material can also cause friction on your face. Some recent studies have shown that friction on your skin can cause flare-ups of dermatitis and other skin conditions if you’re predisposed to developing them. 

If you know your skin is sensitive to friction, sweat, or anything else, buy a hypoallergenic mask. Silk is the most common hypoallergenic material used in sleep masks. If your skin isn’t too sensitive, you can also opt for cotton. But you need to wash cotton often to keep your skin looking great.

Always purchase washable masks, even if you have to wash and dry them by hand. Bacteria builds up quickly on fabrics like cotton, polyester, and nylon. If you don’t wash your sleep mask regularly, it’ll cause you skin irritation, much like unwashed sheets or pillowcases.

Sleeping Conditions

Do you travel a lot? Do you need a sleep mask because you’re on the night shift? Why you need to use a mask can help you determine which mask is best for you.

If you’re looking for the best mask for portability because you travel often, you should buy a lightweight mask that doesn’t take up too much space in your luggage, carry-on, or backpack. You should also choose a mask that can handle rougher treatment.

If you need a sleep mask for regular use at home, your biggest concern should be comfort and how much light the mask blocks. You don’t need to concern yourself with other facets of its design as long as it meets those criteria.

Special Features

Sleep masks can come with features that can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. If you require any of these special features to help you fall asleep, consider choosing a mask that comes equipped with them.

Some people enjoy Bluetooth speakers or headphones built into the mask. If you need soothing sounds, music, podcasts, or guided meditations to help you fall asleep, these masks are an ideal choice, though they aren’t always ideal for side sleepers.

If you’re looking for the best sleep mask for sound sensitivity, consider choosing one that comes with earplugs or one that covers your ears. These will muffle or deafen sounds that would normally disturb you.

You can also find weighted masks. Some people enjoy the pressure these masks put on their heads. You can cool most weighted masks in the freezer or heat them in the microwave. They’re ideal for anyone sensitive to certain temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Masks

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about sleep masks, their effectiveness, and how to use them to achieve the best results.

Is Wearing a Sleep Mask Good for You?

Sleep masks are a good choice for people who have trouble falling asleep or for those who don’t feel well-rested after sleeping. By blocking out light, sleep masks help you get into sleep mode by encouraging your body to produce more melatonin, which signals your body that it’s time for sleep. 

There’s no evidence that sleep masks cause any detrimental effects on sleeping patterns. The only downside can come from misusing the product or buying one that doesn’t fit correctly.

Do Sleep Masks Cause Blurry Vision?

Normally, sleep masks don’t cause blurry vision, but you need to ensure you’re wearing the correct size. A face mask that puts too much pressure on your eyes can cause blurriness after you wake up. If this is a consistent problem, loosen the strap or purchase a better-fitting mask. 

If your eyes are blurry for a long period after you wake up, consult a doctor or optometrist. Blurriness when you first wake up can be normal, but blurriness that persists for more than an hour should concern you.

Do Sleep Masks Cause Puffy Eyes?

Puffy eyes happen for many reasons, such as genetics, aging, or lack of sleep. The main reason they occur is that the tissue and muscles around your eyes weaken, causing fat to move below your eye, puffing them up.

Sleep masks can help alleviate puffy eyes. A lack of sleep can also put extra stress on your muscles, causing them to weaken. By getting consistently better sleep, you can prevent the development of dark circles or puffiness.

Are There Any Cons To Wearing a Sleep Mask?

Although sleep masks work for many people, some issues cause people to avoid them. When you first start wearing a sleep mask, it can take some time to adjust to the new sensations. 

Some people also find that sleep masks put too much pressure on their eyes and eyelashes. Pressure on your eyes is never good, but neither is pressure on your lashes. It can cause an uncomfortable sensation and may result in eyelashes falling into your eyes. 

Conclusion

Sleep masks are an ideal choice for anyone who has trouble sleeping due to light, noise, or other nighttime sensitivities. The Bucky 40 Blinks Sleep Mask is the best overall choice because it offers deep eyecups that completely block out light while also giving your eyes room to move and blink. 

When you’re looking for the best sleep mask for your needs, you need to consider a few elements that will impact how well the mask works for you. Different types of material can impact how effective the mask is if you have sensitive skin. You may want some special features installed to get the most out of your mask.

If you’ve been having trouble falling asleep and feeling well-rested, find the best sleep mask for you. One simple item may be the key to getting the rest you deserve.