Whether sleeping at night, or during the day, a dark sleep environment is crucial for the quality of your sleep.
If you have the option of blacking out your sleeping space, do so, and skip the eye mask. Sleep quality, comfort, and freedom of movement, will always be better with quality black-out curtains or blinds. Plus, there’s no risk of your movement letting light in and forcing you to reposition the mask.
But there are times when it’s not possible, or convenient, to black out your sleeping space. A quality sleep mask is a cheap, convenient way to ensure your sleep isn’t ruined by an overly bright room (or plane, bus, etc.).
Their greatest asset is portability. If you’re away from home, there’s no guarantee that the owners of your temporary accommodations will share the same affinity for darkness as you. Having a sleep mask tucked away in your luggage solves this problem, without taking up much space.
Shift workers have to deal with the sun when trying to recover from, and prepare for night shifts. A dark sleeping environment is essential to this cause. As I mentioned before, blackout blinds are my first recommendation. But what if you’re renting? Or short on cash? It may not make sense to spend the money for quality blinds.
Sleep masks can also improve the quality of daytime naps.
Check out these posts for more tips on sleeping during the day:
In selecting the best sleep masks, I concentrated on masks that perform well in very bright conditions – masks for people who sleep during the day, work night shifts, or travel frequently. These are the most popular masks for total light blocking.
Note: Faces and heads come in many different shapes and sizes. Although all these sleep masks are popular and highly rated, every one of them has at least a couple negative reviews from users who disliked them. Unfortunately you may have to try more than one before you find the mask that works best for you.
With 24-hour daylight during the summer months, Alaskans need a way to block out the sun’s rays. This budget friendly sleep mask from Alaska Bear is all that is needed. Because of its basic, flat design, this may be the best option for side and stomach sleepers.
“I have twenty Alaska Bears because I have them everywhere, so I’m never without one.”
– Dr. Peter Attia
Pros
- Made from top-quality natural mulberry silk
- Soft and breathable
- Easy-to-adjust headband
- Available in a wide range of colours and patterns as well as 4 different designs: One Strap, One Strap with Nose Baffle, Two Straps with Nose Baffle, and One Strap with Contoured Cups
- Alaska Bear offers a total 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about light leaking in at the bottom
- Although small, the adjustable strap clip sits at the back of your head and may be uncomfortable for back-sleepers
Going a bit farther than the adjustable strap of most eye masks, the Manta also allows you to adjust the position and angle of the eye covers for a perfectly customized fit. It’s at the higher end of the price range, but comes highly rated. The Manta comes with premium ear plugs and a case/wash bag.
Pros
- Adjustable eye cups mold perfectly to your face to block 100% of light
- Allows you to open your eyes and blink freely like you’re not even wearing a sleep mask
- Fully adjustable eye cups for a customized fit.
- Comes with ear plugs
- Manta offers a 60-day 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Although the eye cups are tapered to allow side-sleeping, some users found it uncomfortable when laying on their sides.
- The adjustable eye cups may be too thick to accommodate close-set eyes
- More expensive than most masks.
Amazon’s Choice for Sleep Masks, the MZOO has an average rating of five stars, with over 5,400 ratings. It promises a dark, comfortable sleep, with zero pressure on the eyes.
Pros
- Allows for free eye movement
- Soft, memory foam means less pressure on your face
- Many users say it is comfortable even when sleeping on your side or stomach
- Comes with carrying case and earplugs
- MZOO offers a 60-day, money-back guarantee
Cons
- Some users say that the area around the nose lets light in. It may not be good for people with medium to large noses and/or a high bridge.
With over 2,600 ratings, The Sleep Master is one of the most popular sleep masks on Amazon. It is unique, with wider straps that go over your ears instead of above them. This prevents the mask from moving around without irritating your ears.
The Sleep Master has been recommended by the likes of Tim Ferriss and Ben Greenfield, both of whom are meticulous when it comes to sleep optimization.
“I have tried every sleep mask imaginable, and most of them suck balls. They’re terrible . . . The Sleep Master Sleep Mask – check it out – it’s fantastic.”
– Tim Ferriss
Pros
- Over the ear design keeps the mask in place
- Oversized mask blocks out light
- Comfortable Satin material
- Sleep Master offers a 30-day money back satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Some more recent Amazon reviewers suspect that the manufacturer has changed to lower-quality materials.
- You may want to wash it before first use as some users complained of blue dye bleeding onto their pillows.
- Can get hot if you’re sleeping in a particularly warm room (ideally you shouldn’t be).
Another cupped design that blocks 100% of light, while allowing the eyes to move freely. Many users rave about the flexibility and comfort, in addition to the light-blocking. This is another sleep mask that Ben Greenfield has recommended.
Cons
- Some users don’t like the feel of the foam eye cups.
- Durability has been an issue for some users
- No returns
A soft and comfortable mask that is contoured to prevent pressure on the eyes, while blocking out all light. This mask is soft enough for side-sleepers, but stomach-sleepers have given mixed reviews.
Pros
- Lightweight and great for travel
- Offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee* (See cons)
Cons
- Many users have complained about its durability. (Ensuring to hand wash may extend its life).
- The single velcro strap has been an issue for some.
- *Although the Amazon page states “If you’re not completely satisfied simply contact us for a full refund.” some users were unable to return it.
- Stomach sleepers will benefit from a basic, flat design, since half their face will be on the pillow.
- Back sleepers will want to ensure there are no uncomfortable buckles on the back of the head.
- Side sleepers should avoid designs with buckles on the side of the mask. Also some of the bigger, cupped designs may shift or become uncomfortable.
Strap
People with long hair may want to avoid velcro straps, as they can catch and pull on your hair.
Washability
You’ll want an eye mask that is washable – avoid any that aren’t. Every mask on this list is washable. It is generally recommended to handwash your sleep masks, but some, like the Manta, come with a wash bag to protect stitching if you machine wash it.
Many recommend washing before first use.
Closing thoughts
I wish I could tell you that one of these masks was the absolute best and everyone should buy it. Unfortunately, there is no sleep mask that is the perfect fit for everyone. This is another reason why black-out blinds are the better investment. But it is worth finding a sleep mask that you can keep at the ready for situations that call for it.
If anyone has any other recommendations for total, light-blocking sleep masks, I’d love to hear about them in the comment section. It would also be helpful to note whether you are a side, back, or stomach sleeper.
Stay rested.
Featured photo by senivpetro on freepik