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The 11 Best Sleep Masks & Eye Masks for Travel [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

805 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

36 Published Articles 3304 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Do i need a sleep mask, what to look for in a sleep mask, the 11 best sleep masks for travel, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

A sleep mask is a perfect accessory for travelers who appreciate a little peace and quiet, wherever they may be.

Inexpensive, easy to carry with you, and useful in a wide range of different circumstances, an eye or sleep mask can help shut the world out while you catch some z’s. Not just for sleeping, this travel accessory can help reduce stress levels or even ease away a headache.

Eye masks don’t just help you to nod off to sleep — they also improve the quality of your sleep. Here are some great reasons to keep your eye mask with you at all times:

• Fall Asleep Quickly — Scientists believe that complete darkness boosts your body’s melatonin level, which helps you to doze off faster.
• Drop Off Anywhere — Long car rides, airplanes, trains, buses, and even in a city center hotel room — you can beat fatigue by falling asleep virtually anywhere.
• Beat the Jet Lag —  Combat jet lag by being able to sleep in any time zone. Your sleep mask can help you to sleep at the right times to beat the dreaded jet lag.

Bottom Line: When you’re on the move, being able to rest your mind and your body can make your journey more enjoyable and help you feel fresher when you get there. A sleep mask will help you greatly in this endeavor. 

Shape and Fit

Eye masks are designed to contour perfectly to your face. When you’re looking for the right eye mask for you, seek out ones with molded eye pockets to keep the fabric from sitting directly on your eyelids, which can be uncomfortable.

You should also ensure that the mask itself is wide and long enough to cover your eyes completely. If the light still creeps in on the side, it will hit your peripheral vision and make it harder to go to sleep.

Other design touches, like contoured shaping around the bridge of the nose and Velcro straps that allow you to wear the mask without messing up your hair, all make a difference to how much you fall in love with your newest travel accessory.

Fabric and Material

Your eye mask needs to be thick enough to keep the light out, yet soft and light enough to not put any pressure on your eyelids.

A mask that offers a bit of padding on the sides and around the edges will provide superior comfort. Because your eye mask is likely to be heavily used on your travels, it would also be advantageous to grab one in a material that can stand up to regular washing.

Bottom Line: Silk, cotton, polyester, and even satin are all popular choices for sleep masks, but be sure to check the quality of the seams and washing instructions before you buy.

If a simple sleep mask doesn’t satisfy your needs, try something a little bit extra. Sleep masks can be found with plenty of additional features to help you sleep soundly, wherever you may be. Some come complete with matching earplugs, for complete sensory deprivation, while others offer collagen eye patches to help you awaken looking refreshed and free from puffy eyes and wrinkles.

Consider buying a travel neck pillow to complete your sleep-well-anywhere package.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to wear your mask for stress or pain relief, you can purchase masks with integrated lavender to keep you calm or cooling patches to help relieve aching heads. You can also find them in designer fabrics, with matching carry cases or even sleepwear, if the look is what you’re all about.

1. Designed To Gently Keep Your Eyelids Shut

• Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

Made from top-quality, 19-millimeter, natural mulberry silk on one side and soft cotton on the other, this little beauty will see you off to the land of nod in no time at all. Cool and breathable, the silky smooth fabric blacks out the light while gently pressing your eyelids close to avoid dry eyes in the morning.

The contoured nose cut-out is comfortable on your face, while still blocking out light to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

Combined with an adjustable head strap that’s designed for comfort no matter the sleeping position, this is an affordable and effective little eye mask.

What We Like

• Comes in a variety of colors and designs

What We Don’t Like

• The strap slips around a bit

2. Shut Out the Sights and Sounds of Travel

• Sleep Master Sleep Mask

Designed by someone who suffered from their own case of insomnia, the Sleep Master eliminates both light and sound to help you get some sleep on the move. Made from lightweight, washable satin fabric, this mask is extra wide to block out the light, while the ear area is also padded to help muffle unwanted noise .

If you want total silence, insert the ear muffs provided with the mask, and let the wrap-around design keep them firmly in place while you sleep. Incredibly soft and comfortable, this mask can be adjusted to fit you perfectly using the Velcro tabs, and the durable material can stand up to regular washing.

This is a neat idea for those who want relief from both the sights and sounds of traveling.

• Blocks light and muffles sound
• The Velcro strap is quite thick to lie on

3. The Perfect Eye Mask for Side Sleepers

• LitBear Sleep Eye Mask

Made from 6-layer low rebound soft memory foam and soft silk lining, this smart little mask is both breathable and lightweight. The contoured eye sockets allow you to blink freely in between naps and will ensure any make-up stays smudge-free.

Block out the dark completely with the broad design of this mask, which also fits most nose shapes with the hollow nose bridge. The adjustable strap has been designed with comfort in mind and is made to fit head circumferences of 20.5 to 26.5 inches. Well-designed and well-built, this is a great eye mask for those who want to sleep on the go.

• It stays securely in place and is comfortable sleeping on your side
• The headband stretches out over time

4. Give the Blue Light Theory a Go

• Sound Oasis Deluxe Glo to Sleep Natural Sleep Eye Mask

These quirky glasses promise to deliver a unique way to help ease your stress and help you sleep. The Glo to Sleep ideology works on the basis that you just have to raise your eyes and gaze on a focal point of blue lights to instantly achieve a deeply relaxed state that leads to sleep.

By slowing the frequency of the brain’s electrical activity, you can obtain a similar result to those achieved by meditation or hypnosis. An interesting concept, indeed!

With 3 auto-dim options, you can ramp down in 10, 20, or 30 minutes. As your body relaxes, you’ll gently fall into a deep, refreshing sleep, wherever you are. While the jury may still be out on the effectiveness of the blue light theory, this is a high-quality, easy-to-wear sleep mask that seems to make a difference.

• Great for getting to sleep or just relaxing
• Material is quite stiff

5. Eyelash Protecting Option for Those Who Like to Sleep in the Dark

Bucky 40 blinks comfortable, contoured, no pressure eye mask.

The 40 Blinks eye mask offers the perfect solution for anyone wanting to block out light while they travel. This ultra-lightweight, contoured eye mask is big enough to cover your eyes and peripheral vision. The lightweight design  allows you to blink freely into the contoured eye holes.

Made from latex-free molded foam, it won’t smudge your make-up or put unwanted pressure on your head while you sleep. An adjustable Velcro strap that connects in the back will keep the mask in place while you nap and the 100% polyurethane foam fabric can be washed in cold water to keep it clean and fresh for every journey.

• No eye pressure with molded eye pockets
• Fabric layers can come apart after washing

6. State of the Art Technology To Help You Snooze

Heated usb eye mask.

This sleep mask uses cutting-edge technology to help you nod off. Using a thermally-conductive material, the mask heats up quickly and can promote blood circulation to help with dry eyes and fatigue . It can also provide beauty and skincare therapy to smooth your wrinkles and eliminate dark circles while you sleep.

If you’re worried about having the heat so close to your eyes, the safe design comes with 2 heat modes and a contoured design that allows the mask to adapt to the shape of your face. The mask can be powered using any USB port and has an automatic shut-off. A unique solution to a timeless problem, this mask will help you sleep using infrared technology that’s similar to the wavelength of the body.

• The eye cover is removable and washable
• Battery only lasts 1 to 2 uses

7. Natural and Lightweight Cotton Sleep Mask

• 100% Handmade Cotton Sleep Mask Blackout

Made from high-quality, all-natural cotton, this super-wide sleep mask feels soft on your skin while keeping out unwanted light and sound to help you sleep. The “nose wing” design helps to effectively block light even from the nose area , meaning you can drift off in complete darkness.

It is so lightweight, you’ll barely notice it on your skin. It can be washed and rinsed on the go and can be folded to fit into its very own travel bag. This sleep mask can be adjusted in length to perfectly fit the size of your head without tangling your hair or feeling tight, and the natural material is breathable and won’t cause you to sweat.

• Lightweight and soft
• The Velcro strap can loosen over time

8. Affordable and Effective Silk Solution

Jersey slumber 100% silk sleep mask.

The Jersey Slumber 100% Silk Sleep Mask is an affordable and effective mask suitable for anyone who struggles to sleep with the light on. The ergonomic design nicely contours the shape of your face and eyelids, allowing you to get a great night’s sleep, wherever you may be.

Made of lightweight silk material, this eye mask is cool, comfortable, and easy to clean. The breathable, natural fibers of hypoallergenic silk are also soothing to the skin , making it a great solution for insomnia, migraine headaches, and even dry-eye conditions.

Block out the light, ease insomnia, and arrive feeling well-rested and refreshed every time you travel with this little beauty.

• No Velcro strap that can snag your hair
• Might be too large for those with smaller heads

9. Sleep Mask, Earplugs, and Carry Case — All in One Set

Sleep mask by bedtime bliss.

Designed to block out the light to help you fall asleep quickly and wake up refreshed, this is a super-effective mask that’s affordable and extremely portable . What’s more, this super-smart sleep set also comes with its very own set of Moldex earplugs to keep unwanted noise at bay while you snooze.

The contoured design allows for complete eye movement even underneath your mask, meaning your makeup won’t smudge and you won’t feel restricted, while the adjustable straps will fit all head sizes. As a well-designed set comprising earplugs, a sleep mask, and a carry bag, this is money well spent for those who like to switch off while traveling.

• Comes with a handy carry pouch and earplugs
• Can fall off with lots of movement when sleeping

10. Memory Foam Eye Mask for a Total Blackout

Mzoo contoured 3d eye mask eye.

Made from high-grade memory foam, this eye mask molds perfectly to your head, making it super easy to nod off wherever you may be. Offering total darkness, the innovative nose design with invisible foam helps to ensure that no cheeky bits of light sneak in and stop you from snoozing.

With a wider eye space and deeper design than many other masks on the market , there’s no pressure on your eyelids or uncomfortable feeling on your nose. The easy-to-adjust headband avoids the tight feeling associated with traditional straps and the anti-fade, anti-bacterial, anti-mite material is durable and easy to clean.

• No Velcro adjustable strap
• Can make your face a bit warm

11. Sleep Masks for 2

Prettycare 3d sleep mask – 2 pack.

With one for you and one for your other half, too, this is a great way to ensure that you both get a good night’s sleep while you travel. Made from opaque, high-density memory foam, these masks are super lightweight, incredibly thin, and designed to perfectly block out all of the unwanted light around you while you snooze.

With larger-than-usual eye cavities and a raised and thickened nasal bridge, these masks are designed with comfort in mind. The eye mask is also designed to fit any size head, and the new loop closure design prevents hair tugging and discomfort . With anti-fade, anti-bacterial, and anti-mite properties, these eye masks offer a practical solution that will last you the duration of your trip.

• Lightweight and slim material
• Can let in some light when lying on the strap

An eye mask can help you nod off to sleep anywhere in the world. The darker it is, the better you sleep, and these beauties can have you nodding off in no time.

Eye travel masks are affordable, lightweight, and extremely compact necessities that should be standard in everyone’s carry-on luggage .

Sleep tight!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do eye masks really work.

Eye masks are an affordable and simple solution to getting better sleep in situations where you can’t control light, such as on airplanes. Combine an eye mask with earplugs , and they really do help with sleeping in various situations.

Is it better to sleep with an eye mask?

Eye masks don’t just help you to nod off to sleep, they also improve the quality of your sleep. Scientists believe that complete darkness boosts your body’s melatonin level, which helps you to doze off faster.

What are the best eye masks for sleeping?

These are the best sleep masks that we recommend:

What to look for in a sleep mask?

Eye masks are designed to contour perfectly to your face. When you’re looking for the right eye mask, seek out ones with molded eye pockets to keep the fabric from sitting directly on your eyelids, which can be uncomfortable.

Are sleeping masks worth it?

Was this page helpful?

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The Best Sleep Mask

By Caira Blackwell

24-hour light exposure is a fairly new concept in human evolution. Television screens, phones, laptops, street lamps, and blaring overhead lights around the clock can disrupt your circadian rhythm—the 24-hour cycle that’s governed by your body’s internal clock—and make it harder to fall and stay asleep. If your bedroom isn’t as dark as it should be, or you need to sleep during the day, a sleep mask can help.

We tested 14 masks by assessing their materials, sleeping with them for at least two nights each, and evaluating their fit on a variety of face shapes and head sizes. We found three options—a silky-smooth crowd-pleaser , a padded memory-foam mask , and a lightweight contoured mask —that are well made, comfortable all night, and excellent at blocking out light.

What we looked for

First and foremost, we focused on sleep masks that were adept at creating total darkness.

We asked several people with a variety of face and nose shapes to wear the masks we chose.

The mask lies directly on your face, so the softer it is, the better. We preferred masks made of soft, breathable material.

A good sleep mask blocks out most light, but a great sleep mask feels so good you forget you’re wearing it.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, a silky crowd-pleaser: alaska bear natural silk sleep mask, a padded, contoured mask: mzoo sleep mask, a structured, lightweight convex mask: nidra deep rest eye mask, how we picked and tested, other good sleep masks, the competition.

Wirecutter has been researching and testing sleep masks since 2017. For this guide, we did the following:

• We interviewed a sleep medicine specialist and representatives from sleep mask companies. We also read multiple sleep-mask-related scientific studies to learn more about the benefits of wearing sleep masks at night.
• We researched more than 50 sleep masks from a sea of similar models, evaluating customer reviews on Amazon and articles on sleep masks to determine which models to test.
• We tested 14 masks, assessing their ability to block out light, the feel of their materials, the quality of their construction, and their general adjustability for different head and face shapes.

If you need to block out light from your sleep environment, a sleep mask can help. If you already use one (whether a freebie from a long-haul flight or an old bandana), it might be time to upgrade to one of our picks. Airline masks or bedazzled models—think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (video) —are typically not well designed (allowing light to creep in at the edges), or they’re so uncomfortable you may toss it off in the middle of the night.

The overhead lights in our homes, the street lights, and the glow from laptops, phones, and televisions have skyrocketed our average daily exposure to light, said Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg , a sleep doctor and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Over a third of Americans (PDF) report that outdoor or indoor light disrupts their sleep. Light exposure at night can make it harder to initially fall asleep and can cause you to wake up during the night, disrupting your transitions between your sleep cycles and degrading your overall quality of sleep. Creating a pitch-dark sleep environment can be hard to do, especially if you’re a frequent traveler or night-shift worker. Sleep masks are an affordable way to tackle that problem, and new research has even shown that wearing one at night helps with memory consolidation, the ability to learn, and alertness the next day. Sleep masks don’t cure insomnia (for that, we recommend speaking with your physician), but they should help you get better sleep.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

Buying Options

Best for: This mask is suitable for side-, back-, and stomach-sleepers who want a mask that sits flush against their face.

How it feels: This mask is silky smooth and breathable, so it doesn’t get hot when pressed against your skin all night.

Why it’s great

It was popular among all testers, regardless of sleep style. The Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask is comfortable, soft, and lightweight. All of our testers (whether back-, side-, or stomach-sleepers) had something that they liked about this mask, and it performed better than average in every testing consideration, including fit, adjustability, and comfort. If you’ve worn a traditional sleep mask before, this silk-lined style will feel familiar but remarkably more comfortable and softer on your skin.

It’s especially great for stomach-sleepers. Our testers who sleep on their stomach found that the convex sleep masks crumpled when their face made contact with their pillow, impeding their sleep. The Alaska Bear sleep mask, on the other hand, stays flush, even when sandwiched between a pillow and your face. Both sides of the mask design are lined with mulberry silk, which remains breathable even when pressed against the skin.

It fits a range of faces and blocks light well. This silk mask is a good choice if convex sleep masks don’t suit your face or sleep style. The Alaska Bear sleep mask’s flat design fits nearly all face shapes and nose types. Even though this mask doesn’t seal around your face like our more structured picks, all of our testers reported that it did a decent job of blocking out light.

The adjustable strap is barely noticeable. Testers liked that you can adjust the strap with a small plastic buckle that didn’t bother back-sleepers and rarely got tangled in longer or curlier hair. One tester, who tried the Alaska Bear sleep mask in 2020 and again in 2024, said that “the mask stays on really well, as long as you tighten the strap every couple of nights.”

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• This mask may slip off during the night. Some of our testers who preferred a looser and less-snug fit found that the mask slipped around and fell off in the middle of the night. Those testers are likely better suited to a convex cup, anyway.
• The adjustable strap may be too thin for some. A couple of testers noted that the strap felt scratchy against the sensitive skin behind their ears. To fix this problem, they adjusted the strap higher on their head, which made the mask slip off in their sleep.
• It is hand-wash only. Like the Mzoo Sleep Mask and the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask, our pick from Alaska Bear is hand-wash only, so you can’t simply throw it in the washing machine to clean it.

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through.

Best for: This model suits side- and back-sleepers who need a little space between the mask and their eyes.

How it feels: This mask is soft against the skin and roomy around the eyes, and it drops the world into complete darkness the moment you put it on.

It stays in place all night. Even the side-sleepers on our testing panel, who noted that sleep masks don’t always work with their preferred sleep position, found that this mask stayed on throughout the night. One tester noted that the mask didn’t let light in around the nose bridge, even when they laid on their side.

It fully blocks light. One tester described this mask as “perfect for a nap in a sunny window.” It fully shuts out all light, whether you’re trying to sleep in broad sun or just need to stifle residual light at night.

Its padded, goggle-like design is especially comfortable. The Mzoo Sleep Mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Our testers found this sensation soothing. “They feel more like putting on goggles than a sleep mask, but they are sure to get the job done,” one tester said. Another liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

It’s adjustable. This mask is equipped with an adjustable plastic slider that ensures a snug fit for all head sizes and shapes. Only one tester thought that it was still slightly too big even after fastening it as tightly as the strap would allow.

• The compression of the memory foam is not for everyone. Of all our testers, only one didn’t like this mask—and they really didn’t like it. They found the contoured memory-foam design applied too much pressure to their orbital bone and eye socket.
• It’s expensive. The Mzoo mask costs about $30, which is a far cry from the free masks handed out on airplanes. However, it’s often on sale for around $20, which is about the same price as our other pick, the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask .
• It’s hand-wash only. Like our other picks, this mask is hand-wash only. Since it presses somewhat tightly against the face, you may need to clean it more often than our other picks.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

A lightweight, roomy option.

Lightweight and contoured, this mask fits comfortably and blocks light well for a wide variety of face shapes. Its deep eyecups allow your eyes to flutter during sleep.

Best for: This mask will appeal to side- and back-sleepers who don’t want any added pressure to their eyes.

How it feels: This model is lightweight and roomy, and it rests gently on your face.

It has a lightweight, barely there feel. The polyester-covered, elastic-band Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask has deep, wide cups that gently sit upon your eyes without applying any pressure (like our pick from Mzoo does). The Nidra sleep mask’s cavernous design leaves ample room for your eyes to move while you sleep , no matter how tightly you adjust its headband.

The design accommodates different face shapes. Spanning temple to temple on most faces, the Nidra mask covers more surface area than all the other sleep masks we tested, and it features a wider nose-bridge shape. This gap slopes gently without being too rigid, so it conforms to many more nose shapes, from narrow and arched noses with bridges to wider, flatter noses without bridges. The adjustable strap, which was redesigned in 2023 from a velcro closure to a plastic slider, secures a snug fit without snagging on hair.

It blocks light well. Because the mask is wide from temple to temple, testers reported that it did a great job keeping them in total darkness. One tester, who self-identified as having a small face and a big nose, found that all other masks let in a little light around the nose bridge, whereas the Nidra sleep mask did not.

• The material isn’t as soft as our other picks. A few testers noted that the mask had rougher edges around the eyecups that felt abrasive against their skin and made this mask too uncomfortable to wear all night.
• The mask design is polarizing. The extra-wide eyecups and sloped nose bridge worked for most testers, but not all. One tester noted that the mask didn’t sit flush against their face, and instead dug in at awkward spots and created little pressure points that were distracting throughout the night. Some testers preferred the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask for its silky material and more-universal fit.
• It’s not for stomach-sleepers (and some side-sleepers). If you sleep face-down, you likely won’t benefit from the Nidra mask’s raised eyecups because half of your face will be pressed against your pillow anyway. Some side-sleepers noticed that the mask tended to pucker out at the sides instead of lying flat.
• It’s hand-wash only. Like our other picks, this mask can’t go in the washing machine.

In evaluating sleep masks, we looked for:

Light-blocking abilities: A good sleep mask blocks out most light, even if the sun is shining directly in your face.

A comfortable feel for all-night wear: Because the mask lies directly on your face, the softer and less noticeable it is, the better. We looked out for breathable materials like silk, which feels gentle against your eyelids yet keeps your face from getting too hot on swampy nights. Masks should also be lightweight (ideally no more than 1.5 ounces) but sturdy enough to hold their shape.

An adjustable strap: The strap should be able to fit heads of all sizes and shapes. Most mask straps rely on Velcro or a plastic fastener to create a snug fit. Our testers typically preferred buckled straps, which were less likely to get tangled in one’s hair.

Convex eyecups: Sleep masks that offer some space between your eyelids and the mask give your eyes room to move or flutter . Most testers found this type of design more comfortable than flat-style masks that felt heavy on their eyelids and lashes. If you don’t like that sensation or tend to fall asleep with your makeup still on, a convex, cup-style sleep mask is the way to go.

Versatile design: Sleep masks should suit a variety of face and nose shapes. We disqualified any options that bunched up on more-pronounced noses or let in too much light on flatter ones.

Durable and washable: Nightly wear causes unsavory levels of skin oils and eye gunk to build up on the underside of the mask. We considered masks that could stand up to frequent machine- or hand-washing.

In our most recent round of testing in 2024, we considered six masks and assessed their quality and versatility before sending them to a group of eight panelists to try at home. Each tester slept with each mask for at least one night and evaluated their performance based on comfort, ability to block out light, and whether or not they stayed on all night.

If you know you want a sleep mask for traveling or sitting upright: Consider the Manta Sleep Mask , which features two removable doughnut-shaped eyecups that you can Velcro onto the mask for a more precise fit. We found its eyecups, however, pressed uncomfortably against the face while our testers were sleeping on their side or stomach. The soft fabric of the mask felt less breathable than the foam or silk of our picks, and the material was uncomfortable in warm weather.

If you have a larger head: The Bucky 40 Blinks Sleep Mask is almost indistinguishable from the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask, save for a slightly stiffer foam build and a wider Velcro strap. Its accommodating strap offers a marginally better fit for larger heads than that of our pick from Nidra, though this also means the Bucky sleep mask’s strap forms a more noticeable bump behind your head. The mask’s V-shaped cutout, which is meant to go around the nose, is a little stiff and less malleable than that of the Nidra sleep mask. But if you have a larger head and prefer a mask with eyecups, the Bucky sleep mask may be a better choice.

We tested two other masks from Alaska Bear. The Alaska Bear 2-Strap Natural Silk Sleep Mask is a flat design like the one we recommend, but with the addition of a second strap and a flap of silk that can cover your nose. The double strap was hard to adjust, especially while half-asleep in the middle of the night. The nose baffle, meanwhile, barely prevented light from leaking in.

The Alaska Bear Memory Foam Sleep Mask is made of plush memory foam with indentations around the eyes, which initially seemed like a good compromise between flat and contoured masks. Our testers found that the mask blocked all visible light and was very comfortable to wear while they were sitting up—but when they slept on their stomach or side, the plush sides of the mask compressed uncomfortably.

The BeeVines Silk Sleep Mask (pack of two) is a flat, silk sleep mask. Although the material itself was soft against the skin, most testers didn’t like this mask—it’s small, doesn’t block light very well, and the adjustable plastic slider strap was too thin and pinched the skin behind their ears.

No one found the Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask particularly comfortable during testing. Although it seems to be the spitting image of the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask , its smaller size and sharper nose contour make it less comfortable to wear.

The Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask was the softest mask we’ve tested, and it felt luxurious to the touch. But, many testers, even those with small faces, noted that it felt too tight, and it slipped off in the middle of the night.

The Freshme Cotton Sleep Mask wraps around your head and is made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex. Testers really liked the immersive experience of this mask, but the cotton can get hot. This mask would be a great option for sleeping on planes, trains, and buses, but wearing it all night might have you waking up in sweats.

Slip’s Sleep Mask is a fancy-looking mask that arrives in an even fancier case. The mask felt impressively smooth to the touch, but it has a scrunchie-like band instead of adjustable buckles or Velcro, and it felt much too small even for those with small heads.

The makers of the PrettyCare 3D Sleep Mask (pack of two) boast about the mask’s “large eye cavities” in its Amazon description, but we found that the mask had shallow cups. Our initial testers found the mask uncomfortable, and no one picked it as a favorite.

The Earth Therapeutics R.E.M Sleep Eye Mask is similar to the old, Velcro version of the Nidra sleep mask and has large convex eyecups and a gentle nose bridge. But the polyurethane foam and polyester material feels cheap and itchy against the skin.

Designed for travel, the Trtl Glimpse Sleep Mask has a fabric flap that you can pull up to “take a peek” without taking the mask off and letting in bright light. It’s a fun feature, but the entire mask was rather bulky, and it slipped easily.

Similar to the Trtl sleep mask, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Sleep Mask had heat and fit issues. A bouffant of velour-like memory foam, the mask felt heavy and needed to be tightened too much to prevent slipping. And the fabric made it too hot for comfort.

Sabrina Imbler wrote a previous version of this article, first published in 2017. This article was edited by Christina Colizza and Courtney Schley.

Meet your guide

Caira Blackwell

Caira Blackwell is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering sleep and mattresses. Her work has previously been published in Okayplayer, The Knockturnal, and Nylon magazine, and her book A Lullaby for the End of the World is available on Amazon.

Further reading

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This bra-shaped sleep mask is great for back-sleepers and people who don’t like fabric touching their eyes.

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Even the quietest humidifier can keep some people up at night. Here’s how to get a good night’s rest if the whine causes you to lose sleep.

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by Gabriella DePinho

Whether you’re stuck to your phone at night or having trouble silencing the day’s to-dos, here’s a handful of picks to help you get some rest.

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I Slept My Entire Red-eye Flight Thanks to this Comfy Blackout Eye Mask

It’s changed the way I travel.

Travel + Leisure / Nordstrom

While I like to think of myself as a pretty decent travel napper , I can honestly only claim that title because I create the ideal environment for sleep — no matter where I am. That equation, naturally, includes a good pillow, cozy loungewear, and the blackout eye mask that has changed the way I travel. 

Though I’ve tried eye masks for travel before, nothing compares to the cloud-like, blackout design from Ostrichpillow that I tested for the first time on a recent red-eye flight to Paris. The brand, whose claim to fame is its equally beloved on-the-go pillows, created an ergonomic 3D style that actually adapts to your face and blocks out light for a more restful, deeper sleep. I’m not surprised it was chosen as Travel + Leisure ’s best light-blocking eye mask .

Ostrichpillow Ergonomic Eye Mask

Though my sleep typically feels disrupted on flights (if I can even fall asleep at all), I slept like a baby on my six-hour overnight trip. The material is a viscose, elastane, polyurethane, and nylon blend, and it’s so soft and cushioned that it feels like a pillow for your eyes. The weight of the mask is just light enough to feel comforting rather than constricting. Its breathable design also includes space around the eyes so you can comfortably open them while you’re still wearing it. The eye mask comes in four different colors, all of which are different shades of soothing gray, and the intentional construction makes it machine washable for easy maintenance. 

I’m not the only one hailing the Ostrichpillow mask as a holy grail, though. One shopper said that their husband “loves” the design that lets him “sleep like a baby” with the TV on all night. They shared that it also “doesn’t leave any lines on your face” and “stays put all night.” Another customer added that it helps them get “plenty of sleep,” while a third person said they like how “there’s room to open [their] eyes while still wearing it for a slower wake cycle.” 

The Ostrichpillow eye mask is one of my favorite products in my travel arsenal, but the brand’s memory foam travel pillow is a close second. It features a similar 360-degree ergonomic design for full neck support that maintains your proper spinal posture and prevents neck and back pain. For another travel option, shoppers also love the light reversible travel pillow that one person said lets you “comfortably” lean your head “on the airplane seat in front” of you or “up against the window.” 

Head over to Nordstrom to check out the game-changing eye mask , or keep browsing the other Ostrichpillow favorites that have transformed my in-flight sleep.

Ostrichpillow Heatbag 

Ostrichpillow light reversible travel pillow , ostrichpillow go memory foam travel pillow , shop more t+l-approved picks.

Related Articles

The 8 Best Eye Masks for Long Flights

Electronics , LUGGAGE

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Hoping to get some decent shut eye on a long flight? Then you need the right travel accessories! Find out what our readers say are the best eye masks for long flights so you can catch some ZZZs on your next trip!

Best Eye Masks

Table of contents.

Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:

Do you have any eye mask recommendations? I’m looking for an eye mask that can help me sleep better on a plane. Thanks!

Sleeping on a plane can be challenging, but a few travel accessories can make your flight more enjoyable. Plus, you might even catch some ZZZs!

Along with a good blanket, neck pillow , and Bose headphones , we love to top it off with an eye mask to help us sleep. Here, our readers are sharing their recommendations for the best eye masks for long flights.

Here’s our recommendation for the best neck pillow for travel!

Best Sleeping Eye Mask for Travel

Bucky 40 Blinks Sleep Mask

Bucky 40 Blinks Eye Mask

Several of our readers swear by the Bucky 40 Blinks eye mask , with one saying, “Got this one for Christmas. So nice! And it does not mash down your eyelashes,” while another adds, “My husband loves the Bucky.”

This fan-favorite eye mask features ultra-lightweight, latex-free molded foam that’s contoured for pressure-free eye comfort, allowing you to blink freely without smudging makeup or putting unwanted pressure on your head. Check out their whole color selection here !

Mack’s Dreamweaver Dual Strap Eye Mask

Mack’s Dreamweaver Contoured Sleep Mask

Rated as the most comfortable sleep mask, the Mack’s Dreamweaver eye mask is made for long flight sleeping. The contoured design prevents the eye mask from pressing against eyelids and eyelashes (meaning it won’t smudge makeup) while keeping you comfortable inside a curtain of darkness.

One reader says, “I love this one!” Along with being lightweight and slim for easy packing, it’s less than $10, making it the ultimate bargain.

Find out our readers’ top recommendations for how to block out snoring noise when sharing accommodation!

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

MZOO Sleep Mask

The MZOO sleep mask is high quality, with an ergonomic design that completely blocks out light and an adjustable strap for a secure fit. It’s lightweight, and the soft, memory foam eye covers won’t put any pressure on your eyes or touch your eyelashes. And when combined with the included ear plugs, you’ll have a complete solution to sleeping on a plane! 

One frequent traveler ays, “This mask is very comfortable and effectively shuts out light. And the padding around the eye keeps it off your eyelid for a more restful experience. This is so essential when traveling that I bought a second one to keep in my suitcase so I won’t forget it!”

Quince Beauty Sleep Mask

Quince Silk Sleep Mask

This brand not only sells comfortable clothing but also offers travel essentials ! Their silk sleep mask will ensure you’re rested, and reviewers all love its feel and say that the little storage bag makes it so easy to pack and store! Plus, the mulberry silk fiber is not only hypo-allergenic and naturally thermoregulating, but it also contains amino acids that nourish the skin! 

One wearer says, “What a game changer! It made a 14-hour international economy flight feel luxury. No wrinkles, felt less dry.”

Here is our list of airplane essentials that might make your flight bearable — even enjoyable!

Earth Therapeutics R.E.M. Sleep Mask

R.E.M Sleep Mask

This R.E.M. sleep mask features an innovative design that molds to the face and contours away from the eyes and eyelashes, allowing for relaxed eye movement. Plus, it’s ultra-lightweight and adjustable, so there’ll be no pressure, but excellent light-blocking. 

One reader shares, “I use this one and it’s made a world of difference! Nothing presses up against my eyes so that I’m able to get REM sleep.”

MUSICOZY Sleep Mask

Musicozy Bluetooth Sleep Mask

Musicozy’s sleep mask is such a cool travel item that many readers have recommended! Not only is it super effective at blocking out light, but it can pair with any smartphone or tablet to play music as you drift off to sleep! While not noise-blocking, readers have said it does a great job at keeping out extraneous noises, and they also rave about the comfy fit! 

One TFG says, “These were great on the plane. Perfect for blocking out people and other noises. I can’t hear anything around me. I slept seven hours!”

Take a look at the  best portable power bank  options to make sure your device stays charged as you travel and explore new places!

Kitsch Satin Sleep Eye Mask

Kitsch Satin Sleep Mask

When you need to get your beauty rest on a plane while looking adorable, look no further than this Kitsch satin sleep mask ! It’s made from luxuriously smooth and soft satin fabric that doesn’t absorb moisture so it won’t dry out your skin. The fit is comfortably snug, with an elastic strap that won’t cause any tangling or friction on your hair, either! 

A wearer says, “I love this for airplanes or road trips! It’s so silky and smooth and blocks out all light. It feels like you’re wearing a silk pillow on your eyes!”

Manta Light Blocking Eye Mask

Manta Blackout Sleep Mask

This Manta eye mask has such a lightweight and breathable feel on your eyes, yet comfortably molds to your face to block out 100% of light! The eye cups are extra deep, so they won’t irritate your eyelashes (you can even comfortably blink with it on!), plus they’re adjustable to achieve the absolute perfect fit. Not only that, but this mask comes with a handy case and earplugs! 

One reader highly recommends them, saying, “They are customizable, block out light, and are really comfortable! I have lash extensions and their deep eye cups are fantastic, they don’t touch my eyelashes at all but still block out the light. They don’t move around when sleeping (I’m a thrasher!) and they’re machine washable. I LOVE mine!”

Readers recommend the best airplane shoes for long haul flights!

Women’s Eye Mask Comparison Chart

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”458″ class=”center-table-align”]

Which do you think are the best eye masks for long flights? Share in the comments below!

For more airplane essentials, please read:

• What to Wear On A Plane
• What To Do on a Long Flight
• How to Alleviate Back Pain During Flights
• How to Survive Long Flights Over 20+ Hours

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The Best Sleep Masks for Getting Some Rest on Your Next Red-Eye

By Caroline Morse Teel and Meaghan Kenny

Getting a good night's sleep is hard enough to do at home, let alone while you're hurtling through the clouds. While some frequent fliers are lucky—and talented—enough to doze off before a plane even takes off, others need the help of a sleep mask to ensure they'll catch some in-flight ZZZs . 

The best sleep masks can help travelers adjust to different time zones and reduce the effects of jet lag . Plus, they deliver total darkness, ideal for when your plane neighbor insists on keeping the overhead light on during a red-eye flight—but also for when you find yourself awake at the crack of dawn on your staycation or trying to catch a backseat nap during a road trip.

We tested some of the most highly rated eye masks on the market to see if they lived up to the hype, so you can find your perfect mask match—whether you need a silky, cool cover or something padded to fight headaches. Read on for our picks of the 15 best eye masks that will improve sleep quality and help travelers unwind wherever they're headed. 

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Lunya Washable Silk sleep mask

Best for: Those looking for a washable option

The Lunya Washable Silk sleep mask is super soft, plush, and blocks out all the light—and it goes around the ears so is noise reducing as well. Plus, it's washable silk—very important. — Arati Menon , global digital director

Slip Silk Sleepmask

Best for: Skincare fanatics

I'm not one of those who conk out on planes before even reaching cruising altitude, rocked to sleep by the constant motion and white noise of flight. It takes a lot of help—think white wine, perhaps a Tylenol PM, earplugs, and definitely a sleep mask for me to slide into slumber. For the latter, I love the Slip Sleep mask. It's 100 percent silk which means in addition to feeling fantastic (and a little fancy), I wake up with fewer face creases and the back of my hair doesn't look like a rat's nest. Plus, it comes in a dozen of really pretty colors—I alternate between the navy and the rose gold. — Rebecca Misner , senior features editor

Ostrichpillow 3D-ergonomic eye mask

Best for: People who use blackout curtains at home

This mask's 3D ergonomic design allows it to adapt to my face's features, completely covering my eyes. It's a lot thicker than eye masks I've used in the past; because of that, it blocks out all light—just as much as my blackout curtains do at home. It's ultra-soft, machine washable, and breathable, meaning it doesn't put a lot of pressure on my eyelids to stay shut while I'm unwinding before takeoff. — Meaghan Kenny , associate commerce editor

Imak Compression Eye Mask

Best for: Those prone to headaches

I love that this eye mask gives you all the benefits of compression—increased circulation, reduced puffiness, and emotional comfort—without feeling too restrictive or weighty. I always wear it for long-haul or red-eye flights when I know my body will be thrown out of whack. If you can believe it, I wake up feeling better than I ever used to with other eye masks.— Megan Spurrell , senior editor

Manta sleep mask

Best for : Those who are super sensitive to light

If you are very sensitive to light or need complete darkness to fall asleep and, more importantly, stay asleep, the Manta sleep mask is the perfect solution. It offers 100 percent blackout and has deep eyecups that will not touch your eyelids, meaning you'll have zero pressure on the eyelids or lashes. It even has adjustable eyecups for a completely personalized fit. The mask is made with soft, breathable materials that don’t feel heavy on the face when worn for an extended period. This makes it perfect for those long-haul flights where sleep is key to beating jet lag. A bonus: It's machine washable, too. — Karthika Gupta , contributor

Casper Snoozewear sleep mask

Best for: Side sleepers

I'm a side sleeper, which makes finding a comfortable eye mask difficult. Casper's passes the test: It doesn't move around but also isn't too tight, and I don't have any weird indentations on my skin (or creases in my hair) if I wear it for a full night. It's nice on planes, too; the thick front sufficiently blocks out light, so even if the person next to me is reading or watching TV, I can sleep soundly. — Madison Flager , senior commerce editor

Jersey Slumber adjustable sleep mask

Best for: People who prefer an adjustable band

This sleep mask is made of silk, super lightweight, and the band adjusts easily to accommodate any hairstyle or head size. The things I look forward to most when it comes to traveling is the sleep I’ll get while en route. I’ve had this sleep mask for about a year now and have counted myself lucky to have it with me during delayed connecting flights and long hours spent in the airport. — Paris Wilson , commerce producer

Tempur-Pedic sleep mask

Best for: Those who love their Tempur-Pedic mattress

When I couldn't find my usual sleep mask, I borrowed my mom's Tempur-Pedic one for a long flight. I was so impressed with how comfortable and cool it felt on, thanks to the signature Tempur material. It molds to fit to your face, provides total darkness, and stays in place throughout a flight or full night of sleep. —M.K.

Sound Oasis Glo to Sleep Advanced Sleep Therapy Mask

Best for: The tech-obsessed

A hit at 2020’s Consumer Electronics Show—an annual showcase of the latest technology—this eye mask does much more than just block light. With a simple push of a button, users can activate calming red or blue lights that appear on the inside of the eye mask (and are undetectable to those around you). You can opt to have the lights slowly dim or to have them pulse and dim; both settings are designed to help lull you to sleep. Plush foam around the eye area and an adjustable Velcro strap ensure total light blockage, making it ideal for snoozing on the plane when the lights are on. — Juliet Izon , contributor

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk eye mask

Best for: Those who run warm when they sleep

Brooklinen sheets make you unreasonably excited to go to sleep, and the brand’s eye mask is no different. Made from a luxurious charmeuse weave, the mask is extremely breathable and stays cool all flight long, making it the best sleep mask for those who prefer to sleep in the bare minimum. 

Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask

Best for: People who sleep with a weighted blanket

Like sleeping with a heavy blanket no matter what the temperature is, a little bit of pressure can feel comforting and help you sleep—so why not give your eyes the same luxury? This weighted sleep mask, made by luxury weighted blanket brand Gravity, uses a pound of evenly distributed glass beads covered in a cozy faux cashmere to lull you into a restful sleep.

Mzoo contoured sleep mask

Best for: Frequent red-eye fliers

For those who don't love the feeling of something over their eyelids, but need help shutting out ambient light, Mzoo's contoured sleep mask strikes just the right balance. The memory foam mask has raised sections over your eyeballs but lies flat around the nose and eyebrows to block out light. There's an adjustable head strap for additional comfort, too. The mask comes with earplugs and a travel pouch to keep them in, and has an impressive 8,500-plus five-star reviews on Amazon.

Asutra Silk Eye Pillow

Best for: Those who are always lighting candles

Asutra’s Silk Eye Pillow is one of the most calming options for nervous travelers. It’s infused with organic lavender buds to create a soothing atmosphere, no matter how chaotic your surroundings may be. Lavender is also known to relieve tension and headaches, two things that tend to go hand in hand during a stressful journey.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

Best for: Anyone who needs total darkness to sleep

If a single beam of light filtering through a crack in your hotel’s blackout shades will wake you up, the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask will be your sleep savior. Made from a lightweight foam, the molded eye cups avoid putting pressure on your eyes while also contouring flat around your nose to block out all light. The soft elastic straps adjust to fit any size head, and the velcro fastener stays securely shut, preventing tangles in your hair.

Morihata Binchotan Eye Mask

Best for: Long-haul business warriors 

This rejuvenating eye mask is infused with a premium Japanese activated charcoal that is said to reduce puffiness and diminish signs of fatigue. It’s softly padded with a glossy satin front and an additional strip of fabric that gently contours around the nose and eyes to block out light and ease you into sleep.

10 Best Sleep Masks for the Most Restful Sleep

These comfy eye masks block light to help you sleep better.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Thanks to some help from consumer testers, we looked at each sleep mask's ability to block out light, ease of use, and overall comfort. We also laundered them to see how they hold up over time. The eye masks featured here are winners from our tests plus newer styles with unique features and rave reviews. Read on to learn more about our top picks, but to summarize, the best sleep masks you can buy are:

Our top picks:

Best Overall Sleep Mask

Bucky 40 blinks contoured eye mask.

Best Value Sleep Mask

Mack's dreamweaver contoured sleep mask.

Best Silk Sleep Mask

Fishers finery silk sleep mask, how to choose a sleep mask.

A good quality sleep mask should block light, which can help you sleep more soundly whether home in bed or while flying. Here are other considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a sleep mask:

✔️ Material : Each material has different benefits, but we recommend choosing whichever feels best against your skin.

• Cotton: A popular fabric for sheets , cotton sleep masks are great if you love a super soft feel.
• Silk: Silk has a super smooth feel and shiny appearance that many love as pillowcases too. The smooth feel of silk can actually prevent signs of aging and wrinkles.
• Polyester: This synthetic material makes lightweight eye masks that can mimic the feel of silk at a lower price point.
• Foam: Sleep masks with a domed foam construction keep their shape so that when you blink or open your eyes, your eyelashes don't touch the sleep mask.
• Beads: A mask filled with beads has added pressure, heating, or cooling effects.

✔️ Overall fit: When you try on a sleep mask, you want to make sure no light comes in and also make sure it's comfortable to wear. For example, some sleep masks cover your whole face, which might be uncomfortable or even claustrophobic for some people, while for others is soothing. We recommend looking for an adjustable back strap, as that'll let you customize the fit.

✔️ Consider your sleeping position: Just like when buying a new pillow , you must consider your sleeping position before buying an eye mask. If you sleep on your side, you'll want to avoid bulky styles that'll feel uncomfortable when turning over. Back sleepers should look for a sleep mask that'll block light from every angle. Stomach sleepers should choose a lightweight, thinner mask to prevent creases or indentations on their face.

This sleep mask was the top performer in our evaluations: Testers loved the contoured design that lets you open your eyes while wearing it. They also said it was easy to put on and take off, and it held up to machine laundering in the Lab without shrinkage or damage. Not to mention, there was barely any light leakage in our evaluations. There are tons of colors and prints to choose from, so this eye mask is primed to be your new favorite sleep accessory.

This second-place sleep mask came in just after Bucky, but since it comes with a carrying case and ear plugs, it nabs our pick for best value. The contoured shape means there's space around your eyes, and it held up to our Lab's durability tests. The downside is that it let in a bit more light than some more expensive picks.

It might not block out light entirely, but sleeping on silk feels amazing and can actually help prevent creases in your skin – ideal for stomach sleepers. This mask from Fishers Finery is is made of high-quality fabric that was both strong and moisture-wicking in our tests. It's also a Good Housekeeping Seal holder so if it’s damaged or defective within two years, Good Housekeeping will give you a refund.

Magovel Cotton Sleep Mask

If you prefer the feel of natural materials, this one's made with a cotton cover that users say feels super soft. It's also flexible with an easy-to-shape nose piece and flaps on the side, making it great for back sleepers to block light from all angles. On top of that, it has a soft, wide strap that's easy to adjust so you can find your perfect fit.

Tempur-Pedic Sleep Mask

This eye mask uses the same foam material as the pressure-relieving Tempur-Pedic mattresses so it'll mold to your face, giving you both darkness and cushion-like comfort. It also has a velcro strap that's easy to adjust. The outer material is plush and can be removed so you can wash it separately.

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Bundle

Silk is not only for sleep masks, but also silk pillowcase . For a matching pair, Brooklinen offers a set with a Mulberry silk pillowcase and sleep mask for $60, which is a bargain considering that m ulberry silk is the highest quality silk with longer and more uniform fibers for a smoother, durable mask. It's available in five shades and you can choose a different color for each piece in the set.

OSTRICHPILLOW Light Travel Pillow

If you plan to nap while traveling, this two-in-one design is both a pillow and a sleep mask — perfect for saving some space in your carry-on luggage . It's filled with silicone micro-beads and is designed to block out light and sound while giving you a comfy place to rest your head. It might look a bit silly when you wear it (even though it's nothing compared to the original Ostrich Pillow !), but our testers loved the idea of getting a good snooze on the go.

IMAK Compression Eye Mask

Perfect for people who get headaches, overheated, or even puffy eyes, this sleep mask has a built-in ice pack to give you a cool compress. Just leave it in the freezer and take it out when you're ready to use it. It's made with small microbeads so it'll feel squishy (not hard) and will fit to your face to help block out light. Amazon reviewers swear by this eye mask, even saying it helps relieve headaches and soothe puffy eyes!

Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask

This mask uses the same concept behind its weighted blankets : The pressure calms you down so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It weighs just one pound, so you feel the pressure without it being too much on your face. We love how the weight is evenly distributed and is made with glass beads, which is more dense than the plastic pellet alternative. It also has a micro-fiber cover that feels plush and cozy against skin.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

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Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask Review

A contoured sleep mask for more comfortable wear

Joline Buscemi writes about beauty, wellness, health, and related lifestyle topics across the web, for sites like HelloGiggles and SoYummy.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask

Tripsavvy, /  Joline Buscemi

Adjustable strap

No pressure on eyes

Includes carrying pouch and earplugs

May slip during use

The Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask does everything a good sleep mask should do, with the added benefit of not putting pressure on eyes like traditional masks do.

• Performance
• Competition
• Final Verdict

We purchased the Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask so our reviewer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

Sleep masks make sleeping in bright conditions easier—whether you’re taking a long-haul flight , sleeping outdoors , or trying to avoid jetlag. Some people even use sleep masks for meditation. The Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask is a unique type of sleep mask that is contoured to reduce pressure on the eyes. It has developed a pretty extensive cult following in the world of products specifically designed to get you a better night’s sleep , but I wanted to test its accolades for myself. I wore the sleep mask to bed for several nights to see if it lives up to its claims. Read on for all the dreamy details.

Design: Specially contoured for less eye pressure

The real appeal of the Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask is the contoured design, which doesn’t put pressure on your eyes as some other masks can. Besides being more comfortable on the eyes, the design allows you to wear it without ruining your eye makeup, which makes it a great travel accessory and perfect for quick naps between events.

The mask is adjustable via an adhesive strap in the back and designed to fit men, women, and children. I found it to fit well without adjusting the strap, which is a good thing because when the sides of the adhesive material aren’t perfectly lined up, strands of my hair got caught up in it. If you have very short hair, this won’t be a problem. Otherwise, it can pull and tangle your hair, which is somewhat painful.

The fabric is made of polyester, and while it’s not as silky soft as other sleep masks I’ve tried, it still feels nice on the skin.

The only real negative I found with the design is that there is less room for error when it comes to the mask slipping during the night. If it does slip, you’ll find it lopsided on your face and the contours not lined up properly, which is more noticeable than with a traditional sleep mask. 

The Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask is available in a small range of plain colors: there’s the black I tested, as well as pink, red, turquoise, and a darker jet black. Compared to other sleep masks, this one makes you look a little bug-eyed when you’re wearing it, but what it lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for in its effectiveness. The sleep mask also comes with a small carrying case for transporting it, as well as a set of Moldex earplugs, making it the perfect product to take on a trip.

Performance: Blocks light

The award-winning design seems perfect, but how does it really fare when you’re trying to catch up on sleep? I found that it did indeed work as expected. Not only did it completely block out light like a good sleep mask needs to do, but due to the contour, I was able to completely open my eyes underneath it. This may or may not be a feature you are looking for in a sleep mask, but if you’ve tried traditional models in the past and found them uncomfortable, this one is a great alternative.

The sleep mask did slip slightly during the night, and because of the contours, I found it slightly uncomfortable when it did so. Tightening the strap may have prevented this, but I preferred the mask slipping to getting my hair caught.

Comfort: Easy to wear

The fabric is made of polyester, and while it’s not as silky soft as other silk sleep masks I’ve tried, it still feels nice on the skin. The Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask is more densely padded than other masks—with a polyurethane foam inner material—and most of that padding is concentrated around the orbital bone to keep the mask off the eyes. The cut edges of the mask are slightly rough, but I found that I couldn’t feel this part while wearing the mask at night. The contoured nature actually made this mask more comfortable overall than other sleep masks I’ve tried.

Price: Very affordable

The Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask retails for about $13. This is right in the range of other contoured eye masks, and the price seems about right, especially considering it also includes a carrying pouch and earplugs making it a handy travel accessory . Even traditional, flat sleep masks sell for about the same.

Not only did the mask completely block out light, but I was also able to completely open my eyes underneath.

Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask vs. Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

The Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask looks more like the sleep masks you’re probably used to seeing, and I tested it as well. Alaska Bear’s mask feels much softer than the Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask, but it doesn’t solve the problem of keeping the sleep mask off the eyes. 

If you can’t get used to the feeling of a sleep mask covering your eyes or you want to protect your eye makeup, stick with Bedtime Bliss. But if you don’t mind the feeling, I recommend the Alaska Bear sleep mask for its silky material and comfortable wear. Plus, it sells for a few dollars cheaper and is available in over 25 colors and designs.

The Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask blocks light, is comfortable to wear, and solves one of the biggest problems with this product category: uncomfortable pressure against your eyes and lashes while you sleep.

• Product Name Sleep Mask
• Product Brand Bedtime Bliss
• UPC 820103223423
• Price $12.68
• Weight 0.8 oz.
• Product Dimensions 9.4 x 2.8 x 0.2 in.
• Color Jet black, black, pink, crimson red, turquoise
• Material Polyester interlock; polyurethane foam inside

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10 Best Sleep Masks for Travel

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Whether you’re trying to snooze in a bright plane cabin or a hotel room missing proper curtains, light can seriously mess with your sleep. Pack one of these sleep masks for instant darkness and stellar sleep.

Pack These Sleep Masks

Concerned about ruining your pristine makeup, or if your sleep mask will truly achieve total blackout? Try one of these sleep masks that could change your mind.

Baloo Living Sleep Stone Mask

Baloo Living’s Sleep Stone Mask pulls triple-duty. It’s light-blocking, noise-muffling, and calming thanks to an oversized design and hidden crystal pocket. This sleep mask comes with your choice of “sleep stone” crystal (amethyst for calming, purple fluorite, blue lace agate, or rose quartz) that tucks into a secret pocket over the third eye chakra. 

The mask features a wide-wrapped velcro closure that lets you adjust for the perfect fit without getting it caught in your hair, and it’s made from a satin/spandex blend that’s comfortable and good for your hair and skin.

Bedtime Bliss Sleep Masks

When you are in the deepest stage of sleep, called rapid-eye movement, or REM cycle, your eyes move around underneath your eyelids. You don’t want to have anything restricting that movement: A sleep mask like Bedtime Bliss that’s contoured around your eyes is good at preventing this. Rather than pressing down on your eyelids, it gives your eyes the space to move freely as you dream.

Yala Silk Sleep Masks

If you’re going to wear something on your delicate eye area all night, it might as well be silk. The material is purported to help prevent wrinkles and breakouts when used as a sleep mask. Yala’s silk sleep masks have a 100 percent silk exterior, which feels soothing on your skin. The black silk lining helps block out light, and the two ultra-thin straps won’t annoy you when you’re laying down.

GoSleep Travel Sleeping System

Fall asleep sitting up and on a brightly lit airplane with the GoSleep Travel Sleeping System , which uses adjustable elastic straps: Loop them around the wings of your headrest, rather than your seatback to avoid annoying the person behind you. When attached to the sleep mask, they’ll keep your head from bobbing forward.

Lavender Silk Eye Pillow

Research has found that the smell of lavender can help induce sleep—or at least block out bad smells in your airplane cabin or hotel room. This Premium Lavender eye mask is filled with the herb, and it’s customizable—you can add or remove lavender until you get a comfortable fit.

IMAK Compression Pain Relief Mask and Eye Pillow

If you suffer from migraines, sinus pain, or puffy eyes, you’ll want to try the IMAK eye pillow , which is filled with tiny ergoBeads that conform to your face and give a gentle massaging effect. Pop it in the freezer for cooling relief and to help with puffy or swollen skin.

NodPod Weighted Sleep Masks

Weighted blankets are thought to provide a calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and help with insomnia—and are very trendy right now. But for a more travel-friendly version, try a weighted sleep mask like the NodPod , which uses microbeads as a form of deep-pressure touch therapy to help you sleep better and to alleviate stress.

Alaska Bear Sleep Masks

The Alaska Bear sleep masks are a cult favorite on Amazon, with a 4.5-star rating and nearly 10,000 customer reviews—and certain colors are only $5.99 price at time of writing. The sleep masks have an adjustable headband that will fit any head size. A small flap by the nose can be flipped for extra light-blocking power.

Puroni Blackout Sleep Mask

If you can’t stand anything touching your eyelids while you sleep, the Puroni Blackout Sleep Mask is for you. This sleep mask has deep, 3D-contoured domes that surround your eyes (rather than resting on them) so you’ll feel like you aren’t wearing anything on your face.

Travel Halo Sleep Mask

The Travel Halo looks like a visor pulled down over your face, but it’s actually a plush eye mask with two small pillows attached to the side, which will cradle your head and prevent it from falling down when you sleep sitting up. When you’re not using it, it rolls up for easy storage.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Travel Gadgets to Help You Sleep Away from Home
• 10 Tiny Gadgets That Will Help You Sleep on the Plane
• 8 Neck Pillows That Won’t Embarrass You on the Plane

Caroline Morse Teel will shamelessly wear any of these sleep masks in public. Follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for style and travel photos.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Jennifer Lopez’s Silky Sleep Mask Reminds Us of This Now-$23 One That’s Like ‘Blackout Curtains’

More than 40,000 shoppers have bought it recently

JLobeauty/Instagram; Amazon

Have you ever desperately wanted to take a snooze on the plane but found that it was just too bright to get some quality shut-eye? 

Frequent flier Jennifer Lopez knows better — last week, the Hustlers actress showed fans how she packed her bag for a trip to the Big Apple in an Instagram Reel for her skin and body care brand, JLo Beauty . Along with products from her line, she also made note of a silky sleep mask. With summer travel season in full swing, we went looking for one, too. 

And it seems like the Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask , an Amazon best-seller , is attracting shoppers left and right: In the last month alone, over 40,000 shoppers have purchased the now-$23 pick, according to Amazon. It’s also tallied up over 70,000 five-star ratings, with one reviewer   declaring it “blackout curtains for your eyes.”

Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask

The Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask is built to help you get the best snooze: As opposed to a flat eye mask, this one has concave eye contours, so it’s not rubbing uncomfortably or pressing on your eyelids. It’s made from a memory foam material that “molds itself” to your facial features. 

That molded fit helps keep it free from cracks where light seeps in. The strap is also adjustable and free from Velcro, so it won’t slip off or tug at hair or clothing, as many customer reviews confirm.

It’s not bulky, so you can tuck it away in a carry-on, purse, or work bag so you can whip it out for a cat nap during your commute home or while resting under a tree at the local park. 

“Where has this mask been all my life? I ran across this gem of a product last fall as I prepped for my first ever international flight to London,” said one shopper who said they “slept like a baby.” They continued, “I have never gotten such quality sleep (both in flight and regular) until I started using this mask.” 

A second customer said it has “ruined” them, as they can’t sleep without a mask now: “My spouse and I used to bicker about the other staying up late on their phone and causing light, but with this thing, the sun could be in the room and I wouldn’t know. I use it on planes and at home and I will never go back.”

Fix up your sleep routine this summer, and keep scrolling to shop the Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask. Then, keep scrolling to shop more travel outfits for even more comfort. 

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