Sleep Tight Without Light—The 6 Best Sleep Masks After Weeks Of Testing

Forbes

6 days ago

Whether you're spending the night in the comfort of your own home, a hotel or a loved one's residence, a sleep mask can help minimize light, a well-known disruptor of deep rest, and promote better sleep quality. Even small doses of light, like the glow of a streetlight through the cracks of your blinds or the power light on your television's front panel, can be enough to throw off your circadian rhythm. The best sleep masks have edge-to-edge blackout capabilities, are comfortable to wear all night and may feature extra technology to enhance the experience. After weeks of testing, we named the Baloo Living Weighted Silk Stone Sleep Mask the best overall because of its gentle fit, added detail and adjustable design that offers comfort for a variety of head shapes and sizes.
The best sleep masks help keep your circadian rhythm on track and are comfortable enough to sleep ... More with all night. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTOS: RETAILERS
'Darkness is an important component of a sleep-friendly space, and sleep masks are a nice way to create a dark sleep space almost anywhere,' says Joseph Dzierzewski, PhD, SVP of research and scientific affairs at the National Sleep Foundation. 'At the most basic level, light is alerting and darkness is calming." He notes that research shows even low levels of light at night can raise your heart rate and disrupt sleep. To maintain a dark environment wherever you are, see our top-rated sleep mask picks below. Our Top Recommendations Best Sleep Mask Overall: Baloo Living Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask
Best Sleep Mask For Your Skin And Hair: Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask
Best Massaging Sleep Mask: Therabody Sleepmask
Best Value Sleep Mask: Alaska Bear Sleep Mask
Best Contoured Sleep Mask: Dore & Rose Aura Sleep Mask
Best Weighted Sleep Mask: Nodpod Sleep Mask
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Material: Mulberry silk, cotton, polyester, glass beads | Blackout ability: Excellent | Adjustable: Yes
Best for: Most sleep postures (back, side, stomach and combination)
Those who want a silk option that's gentle on the skin and hair
Sleepers with anxiety who want a weighted sleep accessory
Skip if: You want a machine-washable mask
You prefer sleep masks with eye cups
Go to bed each night with the silky-soft feel of the Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask from Baloo Living, which is made from 100% luxurious mulberry silk. It's slightly oversized for complete light blocking ability and filled with lead-free glass beads for a weighted feel that delivers deep pressure touch. Deep touch pressure stimulates a natural release of oxytocin to help relieve anxiety and promote better rest. 'The gentle weight of this 9-ounce mask keeps it comfortably in place while I'm in my preferred hybrid stomach/side sprawl, and the generous size means complete darkness. I also tested it on my back, where it's equally effective,' says our tester. As a special touch, a stone is placed within the mask around your third eye to 'channel special energy,' according to the brand, and our tester says, 'it's never felt uncomfortable or distracting during sleep.'
Lunya Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Material: Mulberry silk, polyester | Blackout ability: Excellent | Adjustable: No
Best for: Most sleeping positions
Preventing the hair and skin from creasing
Sleepers who want a mask with easy upkeep
Those who want multiple colorway options
Skip if: You prefer a sleep mask with an adjustable strap
You'd like a mask with eye cups
Made from premium mulberry silk like the Baloo Living choice, the Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask offers exceptional blackout coverage with a slick and smooth design that doesn't tug on the skin or hair during sleep. 'It fully blocks light, no matter how bright the room is, and the smooth silk is almost like soft suede,' says our tester. It fits on your head like an elastic headband that effortlessly slips on and stays in place, and according to our tester, it comfortably sits whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach, or switch between all positions. Enjoy easy maintenance as the face mask is machine washable (though a laundry bag is recommended) and choose between two sizes for your ideal fit. Small correlates to a women's one-size-fits-all (OS), while the large is a men's OS. Plus, it's available in a handful of colors and patterns.
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Material: Cotton, nylon, thermoplastic | Blackout ability: Excellent | Adjustable: Yes
Best for: Those who want a multifunctional sleep mask
People who want a machine-washable option
Back and side sleepers
Sleepers who want a cupped option
Skip if: You prefer a simple sleep mask
A sleep mask with massaging power is a luxury that I didn't know I needed until I tried the Therabody Sleepmask. It completely blocks out external light and is equipped with three massage modes that help me relax during my regular bedtime routine. You can adjust the intensity between regular and high, and the mask has an automatic timer that ends the massage after 20 minutes in case you fall asleep before you're able to power it off—which I usually do. Massage therapy is a known force for increased relaxation and better rest, and it can be even more effective when paired with complete darkness before bed. The Therabody Sleepmask should fit most head sizes as it comes with an adjustable strap, which feels unnoticeable even during back sleeping.
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Material: Mulberry silk, cotton | Blackout ability: Great | Adjustable: Yes
Best for: A variety of sleep positions (back, side and stomach)
Those who prefer a traditional sleep mask style
Shoppers on a budget
Skip if: You'd like a thicker or larger mask
Reap the benefits of a blacked-out bedroom with an affordable, high-quality sleep mask. Underneath its silky-smooth cover is subtle contouring around the eye sockets, padded with comfortable cushioning that gently presses against the face. Our tester says that this design allows her to blink underneath the mask, 'and it doesn't press too tightly against the eyes or the lashes.' And although she typically favors thicker and wider options, she says the Alaska Bear Sleep Mask ticks all the boxes for function and comfort. Fitted with an adjustable strap, it's suitable for most shapes and sizes, and it's washing machine-friendly.
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Material: Mulberry silk | Blackout ability: Excellent | Adjustable: Yes
Best for: Those who want a mask that's gentle on skin and hair
Individuals prone to pressure headaches
People with long eyelashes or eyelash extensions
Most sleep postures and body sizes (adjustable fit)
Skip if: You're a dedicated stomach sleeper
Enjoy the smooth, soft and subtly cooling feel of premium 100% mulberry silk with a contoured design that keeps pressure off your eyes and lashes. Silk helps prevent pulls and tugs on the hair and skin, but the Dore & Rose Aura Sleep Mask is also treated with a silver ion antibacterial to combat the buildup of bacteria, leading to clearer and healthier skin. This is a top choice for our senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman, who says she loves to use it while traveling, taking a nap or when she's struggling to fall asleep. 'Along with snugly fitting and staying put, it's hard to find sleep masks that my eyelashes don't hit (especially if I'm taking a nap and have mascara on), but this one does the trick.'
It has an adjustable band to customize your fit, and Chapman recommends making it snug for excellent blackout ability. This sleep mask also requires easy care and is machine washable, but the brand recommends putting it inside a laundry bag and then using a delicate cycle.
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Material: Cotton and microfleece outside, polyethylene beads inside | Blackout ability: Excellent | Adjustable: Yes
Best for: Sleepers with high stress or anxiety
Back, side and stomach sleepers
Those who want a variety of colors to pick from
Skip if: You prefer a traditional eye mask style
You sleep on your stomach
Along with blocking sleep-disrupting light before bed, the Nodpod Sleep Mask is designed to drape over your eyes and forehead to help ease anxiety and stress as you wind down. Like a weighted blanket —and similar to the Baloo Sleep Mask—this pick uses deep touch pressure to stimulate feelings of well-being and relaxation, helping you fall asleep faster and more soundly. 'As far as versatility goes, the Nodpod is a standout,' says our tester. She adds that it can go in the freezer, noting that "the soothing chill works wonders on tired, puffy eyes.' It weighs nine ounces (about half a pound), it's covered in a plush, soft-to-the-touch fabric that's half cotton and half microfleece.
We tested over ten sleep masks to help determine which stood out as the most comfortable, light blocking and accommodating. Here are a few other options our team tested that deserve honorable mention. Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Eye Mask (Forbes Vetted score: 4.3 out of 5): 'If you're a back sleeper and you like a little weight, this is a great option,' our tester says. 'I liked its gentle pressure and complete blackout coverage, and the fact that the removable, washable cover is made with 37.5 Technology to help manage temperature. While it isn't adjustable and the band seems a little thin given the weight of the mask, none of those things matter if you sleep on your back the entire night. I just wouldn't recommend it for other sleep positions.'
'If you're a back sleeper and you like a little weight, this is a great option,' our tester says. 'I liked its gentle pressure and complete blackout coverage, and the fact that the removable, washable cover is made with 37.5 Technology to help manage temperature. While it isn't adjustable and the band seems a little thin given the weight of the mask, none of those things matter if you sleep on your back the entire night. I just wouldn't recommend it for other sleep positions.' Saatva Weighted Silk Eye Mask (Forbes Vetted score: 4.3 out of 5): According to our tester, 'Between the colors, the silky feel and the gentle weight, this mask immediately presents as fancy." It's shaped as a traditional sleep mask with oversized features and an extra-wide strap. "Surprisingly, it was enough to keep the mask in place when I rolled from my back to my side. It blocks almost all the light, but the thicker profile isn't particularly comfortable when I'm on my stomach,' she says. Chapman is also a fan of this sleep mask because of its premium materials and feel.
According to our tester, 'Between the colors, the silky feel and the gentle weight, this mask immediately presents as fancy." It's shaped as a traditional sleep mask with oversized features and an extra-wide strap. "Surprisingly, it was enough to keep the mask in place when I rolled from my back to my side. It blocks almost all the light, but the thicker profile isn't particularly comfortable when I'm on my stomach,' she says. Chapman is also a fan of this sleep mask because of its premium materials and feel. Whoop Adjustable Sleep Mask (Forbes Vetted score: 3.3 out of 5): After testing this model for several days, our tester says, 'While I wanted to like this one because I appreciate the concept of contoured cups that keep the mask off my eyelids and lashes, it just didn't work for me.' She adds, 'The issue is that the mask isn't quite contoured enough. Instead of curving slightly, it's straight across my face, creating gaps that let light in from different angles. But when I tighten the mask to pull it close enough to my face that it blocks light, it presses uncomfortably across the bridge of my nose. While it's lightweight and soft, it fails in terms of comfort and efficacy.'
After testing this model for several days, our tester says, 'While I wanted to like this one because I appreciate the concept of contoured cups that keep the mask off my eyelids and lashes, it just didn't work for me.' She adds, 'The issue is that the mask isn't quite contoured enough. Instead of curving slightly, it's straight across my face, creating gaps that let light in from different angles. But when I tighten the mask to pull it close enough to my face that it blocks light, it presses uncomfortably across the bridge of my nose. While it's lightweight and soft, it fails in terms of comfort and efficacy.' Infinity Bamboo Sleep Mask (Forbes Vetted score: 4 out of 5): Our tester lists multiple reasons why she loves this sleep mask, and it was a go-to before the Baloo choice. 'It's ultra light and breathable, for zero creasing or hair kinking, and it works no matter what position I'm in,' she says. However, 'it's not adjustable, and the stretchy fit veers oversized, so it doesn't do a great job of keeping all light out."
We know what it takes to get a good night's sleep with the help of quality products. We have a team of seasoned editors and writers with extensive experience in the industry, and rely on expert opinions to help inform us and our articles on important sleep topics. McKenzie Dillon is a mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted, a certified sleep science coach and has been writing and researching sleep for over six years. She has tested most bedding and sleep accessories you can think of, from sunrise alarm clocks and side sleeper pillows to quality sleep masks that made our roundup (or honorable mention).
and to quality sleep masks that made our roundup (or honorable mention). Bridget Chapman is the senior mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted and has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products. She also has her sleep science coach certification and gave her insight on multiple sleep masks that we mentioned here.
We spoke with Joseph Dzierzewski, PhD, SVP of research and scientific affairs at the National Sleep Foundation for his expertise on sleep masks and their potential benefits for better sleep. We first sifted through dozens of sleep masks online to identify the internet's most well-loved options from top-rated brands, including ones we have experience with ourselves.
We had multiple Forbes Vetted team members test for the best sleep masks in their own homes, including Chapman and Dillon. Each sleep mask was tested for at least three days straight during light and dark hours.
Each sleep mask was judged and scored based on: their ability to prevent sunlight from penetrating through, comfort level for each sleeping position, overall fit and noteworthy enhanced features.
We pored over hundreds of customer reviews to see which sleep masks performed best with real customers, and they were only chosen if they have a 4-star rating or higher.
A sleep mask is a great accessory for anyone to keep on their bedside table, especially considering most blinds and curtains don't offer enough coverage to prevent all light from shining through. Dzierzewski says the ideal sleep space is one that is dark, quiet, cool, and comfortable, and 'sleep masks can create a dark sleep environment almost anywhere.' When narrowing down the best sleep mask for you, these are the primary factors to consider. Material
The most common materials for a sleep mask include silk, cotton, bamboo, polyester and nylon. Silk is a popular choice for its smooth and soft profile that's gentle on the skin and hair along with its cooling feel. Bamboo has a similar slick and smooth texture, but is better at wicking away moisture and promoting airflow. Cotton is another soft natural fiber that allows for breathability and helps wick away moisture. However, it's often not quite as luxurious as bamboo or silk. Design And Weight
An eye mask is meant to block ambient light from disrupting your rest. As long as it achieves this goal, design primarily comes down to personal preference. Contoured or cupped sleep masks help prevent pressure against the eye sockets and may be a preference for those with long eyelashes. Weighted sleep masks are another option and best for those who can't sleep due to stress or anxiety. Fit And Adjustability
Ensuring a proper fit is key to preventing gaps that let light in. Many sleep masks can be adjusted for a customized fit. Others fit like an elastic headband that sits snug on your head or are available in multiple sizes.
Do Doctors Recommend Sleep Masks?
Yes. Dzierzewski says a sleep mask is a good accessory for promoting a dark sleep environment, especially since curtains and blinds can only block external light from the outside.
Which Material Is Best For A Sleep Mask?
Silk is a common sleep mask material because of its silky feel and it's gentle on the skin and hair, which helps prevent wrinkles and breakage. However, it ultimately depends on personal preference.
What Is The Best Sleep Mask To Use?
A good sleep mask blocks ambient light, stays put all night and accommodates most sleeping positions. Our top picks, the Baloo Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask and the Lunya Washable Silk Mask, meet those needs and come with a few different options to suit different needs.