Ambient light can keep you awake. These masks will keep you in the dark (in a good way). (MZoo)
You finally drift off to blissful sleep. Then what seems like mere minutes later, you're jolted awake by your neighbor's porch light or your partner's late-night phone scrolling. Sound familiar? The best sleep masks might be exactly what you need to end this frustrating cycle.
If quality sleep feels more elusive than ever, you're definitely not alone. Government statistics show that 1 in 3 adults don't get the quality sleep they need, and light pollution is a common culprit. Here's the thing: Your brain is incredibly sensitive to even tiny amounts of light, and this works against you when you're trying to rest.
As sleep medicine expert Dr. Steven Feinsilver, a board-certified sleep medicine physician and director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, explains, we're programmed (via circadian rhythms) to sleep when it gets dark. Exposure to light — whether it's blue light from your partner's electronics, the bright lights of your city or natural sunlight — has the opposite effect, signaling to our brains that we should be awake.
That's where a quality sleep mask becomes your secret weapon. Sleep masks trick your brain into thinking it's pitch black outside, says Matthew O’Brien, a sleep specialist with a PhD in sleep physiology. "This ramps up melatonin production, getting you into those deep sleep stages faster and for longer," he says. Studies back this up (at least in a busy hospital setting); patients using sleep masks experienced better sleep quality, fewer wake-ups and more solid sleep time than those who didn't use them.
Ready to reclaim your sleep? The best sleep masks can have a hugely beneficial impact, especially when combined with a good pillow and a set of the best cooling sheets.
We've done the legwork to find the sleep masks that deliver on their promises. Our team spent weeks testing different options, sleeping in them night after night to assess comfort, light-blocking ability, durability and overall value. We also consulted six sleep specialists — from board-certified physicians to PhD researchers — to understand exactly what makes a sleep mask effective. The result? Ten of the best sleep masks that combine expert-recommended features with real-world comfort and reliability.
Update, May 20, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and added a handy specs chart at the bottom. We also have a new pick for the best sleep mask overall.
Related: If you need your bedroom to be pitch dark, but eye masks aren't your thing, check out our list of the best blackout curtains and shades. If you fall asleep best with background sounds, take a look at our lists of the best headphones for sleeping and the best white noise machines, but if too much noise in your bedroom is your issue, then check out the best earplugs for sleeping to help block out those unwanted sounds. If you want to try one of the best sleep aids you can take without a prescription, we have a list for that too. Track and improve your sleep hygiene with one of the best sleep trackers. We've also rounded up lists of the best alarm clocks, including alarm clocks for heavy sleepers, and a list of the best sunrise alarm clocks that help you wake up more naturally.
Adjustable: Yes | Weighted: No | Materials: 100% pure, 30 momme silk | Number of colors: 2 | Extra features: Deep, adjustable eye cups
Our favorite sleep mask makes others look like they're still stuck in the dark ages (pun intended). The Manta SILK Sleep Mask is the Rolls-Royce of eye coverings, combining luxurious materials with an innovative, adjustable design.
The magic starts with the 100% pure, 30-momme silk that makes the eye cups feel like tiny, comfy clouds against your eyelids. The headband uses equally premium 22-momme silk that's fully adjustable, gently hugging your head without snagging hair — a common problem I've found with some masks. While many sleeping masks have overly grippy elastic bands that leave you with dented hair and aching temples, this one strikes a balance of staying secure while remaining comfy.
What sets the Manta SILK apart is its ingenious modular design. The eye cups can be moved and adjusted individually to fit your exact face shape, eliminating the guessing game of where light might sneak in. They're cleverly tapered at the temples specifically for side sleepers, and despite my tossing and turning, the mask stayed perfectly positioned all night. I woke up with no puffy eyes, wrinkled skin or shifted mask.
The blackout capability is impressive. We're talking underground crypt-level darkness that works even in broad daylight. Plus, unlike most silk masks that require delicate hand-washing, this one is machine washable.
Customer reviews consistently praise its performance. One 5-star Amazon review says, "This thing indeed helped me to sleep better. The cushion is soft and gentle to the eyes, hence no wrinkles. A plus also if you do your lashes. Blacked out the light 100%, and even if you do toss around in your sleep, it stays on, which means you sleep peacefully all throughout. Highly recommended product. It is definitely worth it despite the price. It is a true investment."
In my book, there isn't a lot not to like about this mask. Yes, it's pricier than your average drugstore option, but this is one of those "you get what you pay for" situations where what you're paying for is a good night's sleep.
Adjustable: Yes | Weighted: No | Materials: Synthetic fibers, cotton strap | Number of colors: 1 | Extra features: 100% blackout, 3 vibration settings
Our best vibrating sleep mask — the Therabody SleepMask — revolutionizes a good night's rest by combining a complete blackout design with vibration therapy. It's a groundbreaking approach to improving sleep quality.
The Therabody SleepMask has three adjustable vibration patterns that deliver gentle, rhythmic pulses to help you relax and drift off. They're calibrated to frequencies intended to activate your body's natural relaxation response. You can customize the pattern and intensity through the Therabody app, which also provides access to soothing soundscapes and guided meditations.
I'll admit, I was skeptical about the vibrations. The first night didn't overly impress me. I tried the pulse setting using the button at the top of the mask, and by the time it automatically shut off after 15 minutes, I was still wide awake. Night two changed everything and the vibration completely won me over.. I switched to the wave setting, and it was amazing. As someone with ADHD whose mind never quiets down, the gentle waves calmed my racing thoughts and made them less distracting. I drifted off before the auto-shutoff — something that rarely happens for me.
The third night confirmed it wasn't a fluke. Despite having a headache (which usually keeps me awake for hours), I fell asleep in record time using the same wave setting. I also woke up feeling fresh and well-rested, which convinced me the deeper sleep wasn't just my imagination. So, don't give up after one attempt — finding your perfect setting might take some experimentation.
Beyond the vibrations, the mask delivers perfect blackout conditions with ultra-comfortable materials that conform to your face shape.
While this cutting-edge sleeping mask requires a premium investment, the Therabody SleepMask is an option that could transform your rest.
Adjustable: Yes | Weighted: No | Materials: Memory foam, fabric | Number of colors: 8 | Extra features: 3D-contoured, adjustable, blackout, breathable
MZOO's Sleep Mask earned our best budget pick by proving that you don't need to spend a fortune for exceptional sleep quality. At under $25, this mask delivers the same total-blackout performance as options costing three times as much, making quality sleep accessible.
What makes it such good value? The thoughtful design features that typically come with premium price tags—contoured eye cups that eliminate pressure on your eyes, an adjustable strap that stays put all night without being too tight and complete light blockage that rivals far more pricey competitors. Even as a stomach sleeper, the eye cups are comfortable enough for all-night wear without shifting or sliding.
The pros recommend it too! Functional medicine practitioner Dr. Aaron Erez says MZOO is an excellent pick due to its fit and light-blocking abilities. "A good sleep mask blocks out ambient light and helps you sleep more soundly," he says. That's important because exposure to light before bed can disrupt melatonin production (a hormone that tells the body it's time to prepare for sleep).
Amazon customers also rave about the MZOO's light-blocking effects. One said, "This thing WORKS. I absolutely love wearing it.” Another agreed, saying it "blocked 100% of light” for a night shift worker.
Adjustable: No | Weighted: No | Materials: Mulberry silk, polyester | Number of colors: 5 | Extra features: Noise reducing
I fell in love the second I put on our top silk choice — Lunya's Silk Sleep Mask — and it wasn't just a fling. The soft silk mask covered almost half of my face (eyes, forehead and ears) and stayed in place all night. I prefer super-soft masks, and this bougie option eliminates intrusive light without sacrificing comfort.
As sleep expert and sleep app developer Jeff Kahn points out, a mask will only block light if you can keep it on, so it's essential to ensure it's comfy enough to wear all night. He recommends a soft, breathable material like silk to prevent overheating and skin irritation.
It's worth mentioning that this mask isn't adjustable, so while it worked for me, that may not be the case for everyone. While most reviewers on the Lunya website were pleased, some found the mask to be too large.
Adjustable: Yes | Weighted: No | Materials: Perforated foam and mesh, interior is soft Modal fabric | Number of colors: 2 | Extra features: Built-in Bluetooth speakers
Sometimes blocking out light isn't enough and you need to block out the world entirely. Enter our favorite sleep mask with sound, the Manta SOUND Sleep Mask. It's the clever love child of Manta's blackout technology and premium audio.
It features razor-thin speakers that deliver immersive audio without the bulk of traditional headphones. I wasn't sure if this would just be marketing hype, but you can hardly feel the speakers even when side sleeping. You can also slide them easily with convenient tabs on each side, so you can position them perfectly over your ears without removing the mask. This is a nice change from fixed-position speakers that never quite align with your ears.
The mask has Manta's signature features, including detachable, movable eye cups for delivering perfect darkness and a comfortable, adjustable strap, making it suitable for all sleep positions. Additionally, you can drift off to white noise, nature sounds or guided meditations. I slept well with this mask, logging two hours of deep sleep rather than my typical 1 to 1.5 hours, according to my sleep tracker.
Battery life is another impressive feature. These speakers last 20 hours on a single charge so you can go a couple nights without having to charge them.
On the downside, it's only available in two colors and, yes, at $155, it's definitely an investment. But if you struggle with sleep or travel frequently, the combination of perfect darkness and personalized sound could make it worth every cent.
Adjustable: Yes | Weighted: No | Materials: 22 momme, padded mulberry silk | Number of colors: 14 | Extra features: 100% blackout
Sumptuous, cloud-like padding and effective blackout design make our number one luxury pick — the Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask — worth its premium price tag.
The padding of this mask is extra! It's thick and soft, creating even, gentle pressure across your face without any uncomfortable squeezing or tightness. The generous face-hugging design wraps around to lock out all light and allow you to sleep soundly. If you find eye cups uncomfortable, this mask is the way forward, especially if you stomach sleep like I sometimes do.
Made with high-quality silk, this mask is also good for your skin. The natural material reduces the risk of irritation and breakouts while you sleep, and according to a small, brand-funded study, users indicate the mask helps reduce the perception of fine lines and dark circles while improving skin appearance. These results are hard to hang your hat on given the limited scope of the study, but they're interesting nonetheless. When I woke after wearing the mask, my skin felt good and there was zero creasing.
The mask comes in a nice range of colors and patterns, including an extra bougie Swarovski crystal version. And while it's in the luxury price range, it delivers what cheaper masks can't usually achieve — total blackout, comfort and skin benefits. That said, I did have some minor issues with the velcro snagging my hair.
Adjustable: No | Weighted: Yes | Materials: Cotton, polyester, glass beads | Number of colors: 1 | Extra features: Light-blocking, temperature-balancing
Sleep Number's True Temp Weighted Eye Mask was a pleasant surprise. Because of its heaviness, it's really only suitable for back sleepers, and I can't sleep on my back ... ever. I put this one on to test it out and actually dozed for over an hour! In terms of relaxation, it definitely did the job, and it blocked out light too.
While the jury's still out on the benefits of weighted eye masks for sleep — in other words, no research is currently available — clinical studies have concluded weighted blankets help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in children and adults with autism and ADHD and older adults in nursing homes. So, if you have difficulty relaxing before bed, trying a weighted mask probably can't hurt.
Take it from this recent reviewer: "I was amazed to see what a difference this weighted eye mask made on the quality of my sleep. It helped my body to calm and regulate faster and I also feel like I stay sleeping longer with it on."
Adjustable: Yes | Weighted: No | Materials: Mulberry silk | Number of colors: 5 | Extra features: Silk filling
I'm a minimalist when it comes to masks, i.e., I don't want to feel them pressing into or poking my face. To my delight, our best for side sleepers option, Fishers Finery Silk Eye Mask, was a perfect fit for my preferences — adjustable, comfortable, light-blocking and "barely there." And it's reasonably priced at $24. After all the masks I've tested, it's my new go-to, especially since I sleep on my stomach and have to turn my head to the side — this mask still feels comfortable and stays in place.
Comfort is a key feature in eye masks, but breathability and material quality are also important, says sleep medicine expert Dr. Alex Dimitriu. "It should feel good on your face, especially for extended periods," he says, adding that the headband should stay in place without being too tight.
But don't just take it from me. One pleased Amazon customer calls the mask "very soft, very comfortable and easy to adjust." Another Amazon reviewer, struggling with hot flashes, loves the mask's breathability: "I don't feel it at all. I slept through the night the first time I wore it, something that hasn't happened in a long time." Despite predominantly positive reviews, a few customers aren't satisfied with the strap's design.
Adjustable: Yes | Weighted: No | Materials: Polyester/foam | Number of colors: 5 | Extra features: Molded eye cups
The Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask's lightweight design contours your face, while roomy eye molds leave plenty of room for long eyelashes. The mask stayed in place all night and did a great job of cloaking my eyes in darkness.
Performance physiologist Mark Kovacs says a good fit is crucial for effective light blocking. "The mask should cover the eyes completely without pressing too tightly against them, which could cause discomfort," he says. Though Kovacs doesn't recommend a specific brand, he advises choosing a contoured mask that conforms to the shape of your face and nose to prevent light leakage.
Out of more than 8,500 Amazon reviews, Nidra's mask averaged 4.2 out of 5 stars. One pleased customer said, "Pure bliss! Feels very soft and lightweight on my face. The best part is not having anything pressing on my closed eyelids." Another raved, "This blackout eye mask creates a serene, pitch-black environment, fostering deep and restful sleep."
Adjustable: Yes | Weighted: No | Materials: 23 momme mulberry silk | Number of colors: 3 | Extra features: 100% blackout, room for lashes
If you've ever struggled with the inconvenient choice between false lashes and a good night's sleep, your predicament ends here. The Dore & Rose Aura Sleep Mask is our top pick for lash wearers as it protects your precious falsies while still getting that blissful blackout sleep.
The mask is made from luxurious 23 momme mulberry silk that feels soft and almost slippery. I'm not a regular lash wearer, but for testing (and a special night out), I opted for a full set. Not only did they survive the night of sleep intact, but they maintained their curl and position perfectly with zero snagging. The clever eye cups create a protective dome around your lashes instead of smashing them against your face, which may occur with regular masks.
If you have sensitive or spot-prone skin, you'll also appreciate the mask's antimicrobial properties tha thelp eliminate bacteria, protecting you from breakouts. The ultra-soft silk also prevents friction, so you'll find fewer lines upon waking.
The light-blocking performance is exceptional — I noticed no brightness seeping in, even during a daytime nap. The adjustable band stays comfortably secure and leaves no indentation marks on your face or hair.
Reviewers also love the mask. One 5-star Amazon reviewer says, "I had tried masks before and found them somewhat bothersome/claustrophobic but this mask with the generous pockets over the lashes and eyelids eliminated that feeling with me entirely and I in fact found it comforting. This mask is silky-smooth/uber soft and luxurious feeling and a lifesaver for my eyes - the deep pockets make all the difference - and the Velcro straps very flexible and adjustable for comfort. So happy I got this. A game-changer."
At around $60, the mask is an investment, but if you're someone who regularly drops serious cash on lash extensions, this mask can extend their lifespan and save you money in the long run.
When choosing the best sleep mask for your needs, our experts recommend considering these factors:
Light blocking: One of the most important features of a sleep mask is its ability to provide a pitch-black sleep environment, says Kahn. Exposure to light at night not only interrupts your natural melatonin cycle but also increases overall arousal and alertness, making it more challenging to relax and fall asleep.
Material: "Opt for masks made from breathable, hypoallergenic materials," says Kovacs. He says that natural, breathable fabrics like cotton or silk are often more comfortable for prolonged use, while hypoallergenic materials can benefit those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Fit and adjustability: "Adjustable straps and contoured designs are your friends. Avoid masks that press on your eyes — that's just a recipe for discomfort," says O'Brien.
Pressure on eyes/weighted options: "Some people dig a bit of pressure, like the feeling of a weighted blanket," says O'Brien. Some say these masks are calming and help them fall asleep faster, but it's really a personal preference.
Durability and care: To get the most bang for your buck, follow the product label or package instructions. Handwashing is often better than machine washing, especially for silk. If a mesh bag is recommended to preserve your mask's life, be sure to use one.
Additional features: "Higher-end sleep masks — with gentle wake-up lights, speakers or aromatherapy — may provide additional benefits, but any comfortable, well-fitted mask will still greatly improve your sleep quality," says Erez. While smart masks can be useful, he says the basic function of blocking light is what's most important.
Price: The key is finding what works for your needs and budget. "For most people, even an inexpensive mask can make a big difference in how you sleep and feel during the day," Erez says.
Finding the best sleep masks required a comprehensive approach combining expert guidance with real-world evaluation. Our rigorous approach began by consulting six sleep specialists — including board-certified sleep physicians, a sleep app developer and researcher, an integrative medicine physician, a sleep specialist and a performance physiologist — who helped us establish testing objectives and criteria for what makes an effective sleep mask.
We systematically evaluated a 20 of the best sleep masks through home-based testing by multiple testers over several weeks. Each mask underwent quantitative assessment of light-blocking effectiveness, fit and durability, as well as qualitative evaluation of comfort, materials and overall sleep experience.
Our testing process scored each mask on five key factors: fit and comfort, light-blocking ability, build quality, value for money and additional features. Rather than relying solely on our own experience, we balanced our hands-on testing results with verified customer reviews and expert recommendations, ensuring our final selections reflect both professional standards and real user experiences across different sleep styles and preferences.
Yes, research confirms that sleep masks can improve sleep quality. A sleep mask can help you improve sleep quality, reduce wake-ups and increase sleep time.
The science is clear: exposure to any light source, whether from electronics, street lights or early morning sun, disrupts your circadian rhythm and keeps you from reaching deeper sleep stages. Sleep masks create the darkness your brain needs to produce melatonin naturally, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
However, sleep masks work best as part of good sleep hygiene. For optimal results, combine mask use with other healthy sleep practices: maintain a consistent sleep schedule, avoid electronics before bed, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and limit sleep disruptors like caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime. Think of a sleep mask as a powerful tool in your sleep tool kit, not a magic cure-all.
Absolutely, but you'll need to choose the right type of sleep mask. Traditional flat masks that sit close to your face or directly on your eyelids could harm lash extensions by crushing, bending or pulling them out while you sleep. This can shorten the life of your extensions and potentially harm your natural lashes underneath.
The good news is that many sleep masks are specifically designed with eyelash extensions in mind. Look for contoured or molded masks that create a dome-like space around your eyes, like the Manta Silk Sleepmask and the Dore and Rose Aura Mask, keeping the fabric well away from your lashes. These masks allow your extensions to rest naturally without any contact or pressure, so you can protect your lashes while still enjoying the sleep benefits of complete darkness.
Keeping your sleep mask clean is essential for hygiene and extending its lifespan, but the cleaning method depends entirely on the materials and construction. Most basic fabric masks are machine-washable on a gentle cycle with cold water, while others require hand-washing to prevent damage to delicate materials like silk or memory foam components.
Before cleaning any sleep mask, check the care label or manufacturer's instructions. Many masks have removable covers that can be machine-washed, while the inner padding or weighted inserts need spot cleaning only. For silk masks, use a gentle detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics and lukewarm water. Memory foam masks typically require surface cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap, as submerging them can damage the foam structure.
For day-to-day maintenance, allow your mask to air out between uses, spot-clean any makeup or skincare residue immediately and replace masks that develop odors or lose their shape despite proper cleaning. Some people keep multiple masks in rotation — one to wear while the other is being washed and dried. This ensures you always have a fresh, clean mask ready.
Yes! Not only is it perfectly safe to wear a sleep mask every night, but sleep experts actively recommend nightly use if it improves your sleep quality. There are no health risks associated with regular sleep mask use, and many people find that consistent nightly wear enhances their sleep routine.
Aura Smart Sleep Mask: At $229, this mask is a splurge. It has all the bells and whistles, from a simulated sunrise and lavender aromatherapy to customizable sound therapy. While I loved the easy-to-navigate smart features, the mask was stiff, making it uncomfortable.
Alaska Bear 2-Strap Mask: At a budget-friendly cost of $16, I wanted to love this option, but the lower strap crossed my face in a really odd spot that I couldn't get used to. That said, it may be a better fit for others, and they make a one-strap option that I didn't test.
TheraICE Sleep Mask + Cooling Gel: I love the design of this gel eye mask, which can be warmed or cooled. While it could be great for sinus headaches or migraines, the risk of a gel leak, which the label notes is dangerous for the eyes, made me hesitant to wear it while sleeping.
MattressFirm Tempur-Pedic Sleep Mask: This mask was a highly effective light blocker, but the padding felt bulky under my eyes. I also had difficulty getting the strap to stay on the back of my head, even though it was adjustable.
Ostrichpillow Eye Mask: Though it provided significant light blockage, the mask was narrower and stiffer than others I tested, making it a less comfortable option overall.
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask: Soft and smooth, I enjoyed the texture and quality of this mask, but more light leaked in than with other silk options, so it missed a spot on our list.
Honeydew Mulberry Silk Eye Mask: Soothing and silky, this mask is gorgeous and comfortable. Still, quite a bit of light seeped through, and it's at a higher price point ($70) than more effective silk masks.
Hostage Tape Blindfold Sleep Mask: This mask's design was almost identical to our overall winner, MZOO, but it was less comfortable and pricier.
Slip Contour Sleep Mask: Though the mask is designed for lash extensions, my normal-length lashes hit the padding. Plus, the elastic band was loose, so it kept moving around my face.
Manta WEIGHTED Sleep Mask: If you enjoy weighted masks, this one could be ideal as it's well-made, from quality materials. However, I didn't like it as much as other Manta options, and adjusting it for comfort was tricky. It's also less suitable for stomach sleepers.
Adjustable | Weighted | Materials | Extra features | |
Manta SILK Sleep Mask | Yes | No | 100% pure silk | Deep, adjustable eye cups |
Therabody SleepMask | Yes | No | Synthetic fibres, cotton strap | 100% blackout, 3 vibration settings |
MZOO Sleep Eye Mask | Yes | No | Memory foam, fabric | 3D-contoured, blackout, breathable |
Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask | No | No | Mulberry silk, polyester | Noise reducing |
Manta SOUND Sleep Mask | Yes | No | Perforated foam and mesh, interior is soft Modal fabric | Built-in Bluetooth speakers |
Drowsy Sleep Mask | Yes | No | 22 Momme mulberry silk | 100% blackout |
Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Eye Mask | No | Yes | Cotton, polyester, glass beads | Light-blocking, temperature-balancing |
Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask | Yes | No | Mulberry silk | Silk filling |
Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask | Yes | No | Polyester/foam | Molded eye cups |
Dore and Rose Aura Sleep Mask | Yes | No | 23 momme mulberry silk | 100% blackout, room for lashes |
Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, double-board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine physician, Founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, Menlo Park, Calif.
Dr. Aaron Erez, MD, board-certified family medicine physician and certified functional medicine practitioner in San Diego, CA.
Dr. Steven Feinsilver, MD, board-certified sleep medicine physician, Director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City
Jeff Kahn, sleep expert, researcher, cofounder of Rise Science, makers of the sleep and energy tracker app RISE
Mark Kovacs, PhD, FACSMVP, vice president of health and performance at Canyon Ranch
Matthew O’Brien, PhD, RPSGT, a sleep specialist, respiratory therapist and member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
