:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheresaHolland_Headshot_2020-8c13b32507674083ade8019565ea9e96.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/austen-fd01c7dfb03146b9bba5cf72a2894250.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sleep-masks-tout-96463d489f87477db1ec1934baab0585.jpg)
Byrdie / Kevin Liang
Sleep masks (the cloth variety, not to be confused with their skincare counterpart: overnight face masks) are essentially mini personal blackout curtains designed to block any outside light that may get in and interfere with you catching your Zs. "Light plays a huge role in sleep because it can impact our melatonin production as well as circadian rhythms," explains product expert Keith Cushner of the Sleep Foundation.
He goes on to say, "Light-blocking eye masks can help create a dark sleeping environment, which can improve your sleep quality." Whether you exclusively pack your eye sleep mask in your travel tote for a long flight or you reach for one nightly, finding the mask that works best for you is one step toward a good night’s sleep (along with other practices like breathing exercises and more).
According to Cushner, some of the best sleep mask designs are made of natural fabrics like silk and cotton (FYI, we think silk pillowcases are pretty great, too). "Silk will have a lighter feel, while cotton may provide more light cancellation," he tells Byrdie. Something adjustable can also ensure a secure fit and prevent uncomfortably tight straps. For convenience's sake, a machine-washable design for easy cleaning is also ideal.
We conducted hours of research to find the best sleep masks on the market, evaluating them on material quality, light cancellation, comfort, and extra features. After consulting with an expert and considering dozens of options, we landed on these picks that are worthy of the Byrdie stamp of approval.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/alaska-bear-silk-sleep-mask-no-eye-pressure-updated-and-contoured-cool-soft-eye-cover-for-sleeping-genuine-mulberry-silk-face-skin-care-naturally-064a8e744c584b5aa7d3bc1f366e47ea.jpg)
Adjustable
Skin-friendly fabrics
Comes in lots of colors
Affordable
Hand-wash recommended
Material: Mulberry silk, cotton | Colors: 32 colors
Our top pick is the Alaska Bear Natural Sleep Mask. It's made out of mulberry silk, a buttery-smooth material that's inherently breathable, as well as moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial, meaning it won't harbor bacteria. The inner padding is cotton, which is also naturally airy with sweat-absorbing abilities.
Cushner recommends sleeping masks with natural fabrics like this one, noting that the silk component is lightweight and non-irritating against the skin, while the cotton helps block all external light. We also appreciate that it comes in 32 different colors and has an adjustable strap to accommodate all head sizes. Plus, it's super affordable. If you're new to wearing eye masks to bed and you want to try a high-quality option that doesn't cost a lot, it’s the obvious choice.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrooklinenMulberrySilkEyemask-23f7f8ea89294636b5ef69dc7681c8db.jpg)
Skin-friendly fabric
Machine washable
Chic colors
Doesn't block all light
Material: Mulberry silk | Colors: White, black, blush, star print, + more
The crème de la crème of silk masks is this Brooklinen select. Why? It’s also made of mulberry silk (created from the cocoon of a silkworm that exclusively eats mulberry leaves) and features a sumptuous smooth charmeuse weave (which gives the front of the fabric a smooth finish and the back a matte finish). This means it's breathable and gentle against sensitive skin (here's how to uncover your skin type), and unlike other silk products, it's conveniently machine washable. And if you like pastels and fun patterns, you're bound to find a design you love in this range.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/manta-sleep-mask-pro-c93d1f9fc89444159c341e165037614a.jpg)
Complete blackout
Contours to eyes
Breathable materials
Machine washable
Not available in other colors
Material: Tactel, mesh | Colors: One multi-color design
If sleeping in complete, 100% darkness is important to you, investing in this high-tech eye mask could be a worthwhile investment. We also love that the materials are extremely comfortable and breathable, and the mask is adjustable in the back to help you nail the perfect fit.
It offers total light protection, and the design features C-shaped eye cups, which were engineered specifically with side sleepers in mind. The cups taper at the edges so they won’t put pressure on the sides of the face and temples when sleeping on your sides, and the molded cups ensure that no fabric is pressing on your eyes.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HochoekSilkSleepMaskEyeShade-31e01bb178194d5abb5ed890554dc37d.jpg)
Affordable
Adjustable
Comes in a pack of three
Not machine washable
Material: Silk | Colors: Black, navy, purple
This wallet-friendly eye mask comes in packs of three, so you can keep one by your bed and another one in your weekender bag while still having one to spare. It's made of silk to ensure softness and breathability, while an adjustable strap provides a secure, comfortable fit.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/slip-silk-sleep-mask-0c69140537d24700a1c1978399b8b1b3.jpg)
Long-fiber silk
Won't leave marks
Doesn't tug hair
Not machine washable
Material: Mulberry silk | Colors: Pink, black, blush, white, navy, burgundy, silver, tie-dye, animal print, + more
Willing to spend a little extra on the perfect mask? This long-fiber mulberry silk number from the buzzy line, Slip, is splurge-worthy. Long-fiber mulberry silk is great for your complexion and hair since it can help reduce static and tangles, and most importantly, the smooth fabric won’t leave any marks on your face. We also love that it comes in neutral shades and some fun prints and colors.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LunyaWashableSilkSleepMask-684d4a496c964f65aa8daebba6a53779.jpg)
Skin-friendly fabric
Offers total darkness
Thick band around the sides
Not adjustable
Material: Silk, polyester | Colors: Beige, gray, black, white, navy, + more
Silk is inherently delicate and often not machine washable, but Lunya's washer-friendly sleep mask is a different story. The outside is skin-friendly silk (remember, silk is a super smooth fabric that won’t cause wrinkles!), and the inner padding is polyester to ensure utter darkness while you doze. So although this model is a bit more pricey than competitors, we think the quality construction is worth it. We also appreciate that the bands on the sides are wide so they don't get caught on the ears or dig into the skin.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mavogel-cotton-sleep-eye-mask-695c958d377e4a89968bc87258dd0f30.jpg)
Breathable
Offers total darkness
Ergonomic
Hand-wash recommended
Material: Cotton | Colors: Gray, black
If you're partial to the natural breathability and sweat-wicking properties of cotton, go with this option from Mavogel. Thanks to its unique ski-goggle-shaped design that covers even the smallest gap over the bridge of your nose, it promises to block out all light, no matter where you are or what time of day it is.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GraceStellaHotCoolGelBeadEyeMask-4131788de1f84ebb841a172e9ada4fd2.jpg)
Adjustable
Cooling
Minimizes puffiness
Band could be more comfortable
Material: Fabric, gel beads | Colors: Pink
Craving a cooling sensation? This eye mask from Grace & Stella is filled with gel beads, which conform to the shape of your face. Even better, it can be chilled in the freezer, which de-puffs around your eyes. (Here are 10 other ways to de-puff around the eyes!) You can also heat it in the microwave for soothing warmth. We wish the band was a bit more plush and comfortable, but if you're looking for a gel option, this one is a great place to start.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/KitschThePillowEyeMask-5201a1f95953415da9a6ae157a786bb0.jpg)
Offers total darkness
Doesn't leave creases
Comfortable cushioning
Not machine washable
Material: Satin | Colors: Blush, charcoal
You’ve probably got enough stress in your life, and you certainly don’t need stressed-out skin—that’s where Kitsch comes in. The Pillow Eye Mask is made of 100% satin, a silky smooth and exceptionally soft fabric that promises not to cause creases or irritate your skin. (Here's more on preventing sleep lines, by the way.) What's more, the soft padding comfortably cushions your face while blocking out all outside light, and it's also super comfortable, even for side sleepers.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Blissy-Sleep-Mask-dace7fc635e64273ba19415cc99fc399.jpg)
Skin-friendly fabric
Offers total darkness
Comes with travel bag
Slightly tight fit
Material: Mulberry silk | Colors: 30+ colors
Out of all of this list, this pick delivers on color variety. The Blissy Sleep Mask comes in over 30 colors, including black, burgundy, bronze, blush, and tons more. There are even a few chic prints, like black-and-white marble and playful tie-dye. It's made of mulberry silk, a naturally skin-friendly fabric that's airy but also tightly woven to ensure complete darkness.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mzoo-sleep-eye-mask-25b7496f76cf466eace1735e165561c3.jpg)
Adjustable
Cushioned to support eyes
Comes with travel bag
Hand-wash recommended
Material: Silk, memory foam | Colors: Black, blue, purple, red, silver, + more
If you have eyelash extensions or just don't like the feeling of fabric right up against your eyes, go with this clever contoured number. The three-dimensional design consists of silk-wrapped molded memory foam to alleviate pressure on your eyelids and allow you to open your eyes and flutter your lashes without being exposed to light. We also like that it has a fully adjustable buckle strap for a customized fit.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/YiViewSleepMaskPackof3-1230806249c8442fb4d8c7c1d2470be6.jpg)
Affordable
Contoured
Pack of three
Hand-wash recommended
Material: Fabric, foam | Colors: Black, blue, purple, gray, red
Available in packs of three, this budget-friendly sleep mask features 3D foam contouring to keep pressure off your eyes and lashes. But, what makes it worthy of the “Best Adjustable” title is how it’s designed to accommodate all head sizes and shapes with a comfortable fit in any sleeping position.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Nodpod-Gentle-Pressure-Sleep-Mask-778f1a23e5ce43a0a3257a8128535bc5.jpg)
Offers total darkness
Strap-free design
Machine washable
May require a learning curve to use effectively
Material: Jersey cotton, microfiber, BPA-free polyethylene beads | Colors: Black, orange, purple, pink, yellow, red, gray, blue, green
"If you are a fan of weighted blankets, there are also weighted eye masks that help relieve anxiety," says Cushner. We like this option from Nodpod, which is filled with BPA-free polyethylene beads to deliver a gentle, deep touch at key pressure points. Thanks to the scalloped design, it conforms to the shape of your face and provides complete light cancellation without an elastic band.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/drowsy-silk-sleep-mask-0dc7afb8f5fd467c93dd36fe3e819292.jpg)
Sound-muffling
Double-lined
Adjustable head strap
Could be too bulky for plane travel
Material: 100% pure silk | Colors: Midnight blue, black jade, lavender haze, green sapphire, + more
Not only will the Drowsy double-lined mask block out any light, but because of its unique wraparound design it will also help block out noise as well. This big, squishy sleep mask comes in several beautiful colors and is even adjustable, so it will sit securely on your face with zero discomfort. It provides plenty of silk protection for your eyes, skin, and hair so you can wake up fully refreshed and rested.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/samsonite-microbead-eye-mask-a1a5b85640094fc69bfd179b07390649.jpg)
Comes with earplugs
Molds to your face
Affordable
Only one color available
Material: Nylon | Colors: Black
If you’re after a sleep mask that will truly melt into your skin, look no further than Samsonite’s Microbead Eye Mask. Mask fit is important to ensure that your sleep mask will not go flying off in the middle of the night, and that’s why we love that this mask is filled with hundreds of microbeads to fit your face perfectly. Plus, you know Samsonite has you covered when it comes to travel—the strap of this eye mask even holds a set of earplugs, so if the person sitting next to you in 14C starts snoring, you’ll still be able to get your beauty sleep while on the go. And did we mention it’s super affordable?
What to Look for in a Sleep Mask
- Material: The best sleep mask will be comfortable to wear and won't irritate your skin or hair. Sleep masks are usually made from silk or cotton. Silk is a great option, not only because it feels soft and smooth but also because it won't collect moisture (which could soak up your nighttime skincare or cause acne), tug at your skin (which could cause wrinkles), or tangle up your hair (which could cause breakage).
- Size: Your sleep mask should slip on and off easily, but it should also fit you well enough that it doesn't slide around while you sleep. Most sleeping masks come in a one-size option, so make sure it's neither too tight nor too loose. To ensure that you get an option that fits you properly, opting for one that's adjustable is always wise.
- Features: Beyond blocking out light, some sleep masks can be heated or cooled to help relieve tension and soothe the eyes. They can be weighted to help relax pressure points or use light therapy to help calm your mind and body. You can even find sleeping masks that cover your ears to filter out sound, much like a good pair of earplugs. How advanced you want your sleeping mask to be is entirely up to you.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in sleep solutions, textiles, and beauty. She considered dozens of sleep masks for this story and interviewed a sleep product expert, who offered insight into different materials and the benefits of light-blocking eye masks.
Austen Tosone is a beauty and fashion writer and content creator. As someone who cannot function with fewer than eight hours of sleep, she started testing sleeping masks back in college and now never travels without one, most recently using one to actually sleep on a 16-hour flight from New Zealand to NYC.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough sleep masks from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/byr-primary-best-pajamas-jkim-0060-8ce5e71752124ec7a99b091fe2c55e79.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-silk-pillowcases-tested-and-reviewed-tout-71863f52c56a43ee8cd59e308ed262d6.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Cooling-Pajamas-of-2024-tout-b5c38d0099844087a0f624ec086962a1.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/byr-primary-best-robes-women-jkim-0080-9d327611555946d184636d5e4dadbf5e.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-12-best-bonnets-5078380-primary-5c228f24fbdc4037a859f8b6939f4b49.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sun-hats-tout-ecdae9f3009044a297980518793af464.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/byrdie-best-gifts-for-new-moms-tout-cd2583ca6ce24d098d0c0e82fb25e1df.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Stocksy_txp51d34878p9d300_Medium_3776914-f1f4785fa20a40f9bd89c67ae1505922.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-eye-creams-for-puffiness-tout-9cbc3723212c416eaeb5dd12303ba1c9.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-to-prevent-sleep-wrinkles-4693430-V1-70f9d02b6be744afbbfa41132bb9a7fd-f343b3e4bec14ee088ddf40273fab5b5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Wireless-Bras-Byrdie-tout-87103c34fac84cf7a4e905e9b14dd483.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-eye-masks-for-dark-circles-tout-d34f4c71871248a0924aa34cf9fb753b.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/269162787_3981392308630952_5664157433430119300_n-0cf74a2ee72a43f4933070e6d877f44e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Skincare-Gifts-Byrdie-Tout-bb6ce52c7ba34f67a60e13bd77447751.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-face-masks-4582882-834cebc1f2cb42fdbc4bb898689b58ba.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Stocking-Stuffers-for-Women-Byrdie-Tout-d82d53c79ce84608b15e195d35abdc6d.jpg)