Best Sleep Masks for 2024 [CNET]
If you’re sensitive to light and struggle to sleep without complete darkness, catching some rest while on the go or during the day can be tough. Fortunately, a well-designed sleep mask can block out light and help you sleep soundly, no matter where you are. Whether you’re looking for a silky mask that’s gentle on your skin or a contoured option with space around the eyes, these picks will help ensure you enjoy a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
Benefits of using a sleep mask
Light exposure before bedtime (even blue light from screens) can hinder your melatonin production. Without enough melatonin, it’s harder for your brain to tell your body to go to sleep — often causing insomnia. With the aid of a sleep mask, a study found that participants spent more time in REM sleep due to limited light exposure. Blocking out the light at night can also help keep your circadian rhythm in check.
If scrolling on your phone while lying in bed is tempting, a sleep mask can lessen those distractions. When used as part of your nightly routine, it helps to create a conditioned response in your brain that signals it’s time to sleep when you put it on.
We’ve curated this list based on market research and reviews of some of the best sleep masks currently available, from a weighted sleep mask that acts like a weighted blanket for your face to an eye mask for side sleepers. Keep reading to find the best sleep mask for you.
Best overall sleep mask
Certain sleep masks offer additional benefits, and that’s where the Drowsy Lavender Haze Sleep Mask comes in. Chosen as our best overall sleep mask, the Drowsy Sleep Mask has a soft and durable design of 100% mulberry silk. The silk mask also acts as a barrier between your skin and the bacteria on your pillowcase. This can help prevent unwanted breakouts and keep your skin from drying out, which, in turn, helps to prevent wrinkles and fine lines over the long run.
Best sleep masks of 2024
The Drowsy sleep mask is the closest thing to sleeping on a cloud. Its unparalleled design makes it extra comfortable to sleep with. This eye mask is crafted with premium materials, like pure mulberry silk, and it contours nicely to your face. What I really liked about this mask is that it has adjustable Velcro in the back to ensure a snug fit without causing discomfort or pressure points on your eyes.
While testing this mask, I found that it didn’t slip off my face while I slept like other masks tend to and the fluffy padding gave it a total blackout effect.
Best features:
- Adjustable head strap
- 100% pure silk
- Washable
This sleep mask is part of our Editor’s Choice 2024 roundup.
Brooklinen is known for its high-quality bed accessories; its products often make our lists. In addition, Brooklinen offers a variety of pure mulberry silk accessories at reasonable prices. Its Mulberry eye mask is soft, lightweight and cool to the touch.
The gentle elastic band won’t get caught in your hair and stretches to fit most faces. The breathable fabric makes it perfect for any season. Machine or hand wash it with cold water and pH-neutral detergent.
Best features:
- Comes in 10 different colors and patterns
- Made of 100% pure mulberry silk
- Mulberry Silk Bundle is available: It comes with a silk mask and one silk pillowcase for $88
- You get 15% off your first order.
If you’ve ever used a weighted blanket for stress or anxiety, you know the surprisingly calming effects that the pressure from weighted products can have on your sleep. The same concept has been applied to sleep masks, and Nodpod is a popular choice.
The Nodpod comes in two different material options — one side is made of jersey for a cooler feel, and the other is a warmer microfiber. The mask’s four equally weighted pods are filled with BPA-free polyethylene beads. It’s worth noting that because of its strap-free design, this is intended for back sleepers and may not work as effectively while sleeping on your side.
Best features:
- Comes in three colors: gray, pink and black
- Weight can help with migraines, anxiety and sleep
- The strap-free design won’t get stuck in your hair