The 10 Best Sleep Masks of 2023
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These masks can help you block out light and restore your sleep-wake cycle.
Verywell Health / Kristin Kempa
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DOFact checked by Rich Scherr
One thing you don’t want to be short on is sleep. The Sleep Foundation recommends getting seven to nine hours per night as it helps prevent issues like memory loss, colds, chronic diseases, and even early risk of death. Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of adults in the United States log less than this amount of sleep each night.
Artificial light—from device screens to streetlamps outside your window—can contribute to this lack of sleep by throwing off your sleep-wake cycle. For those who struggle, a sleep mask can sometimes make all the difference between sleeping through the night and laying in bed, tossing and turning for hours.
The right sleep mask will feel breathable, comfortable, accommodate the position you sleep in, and surround you in darkness. To help you find the one that will help you slip into a peaceful slumber, we spoke with experts, researched the top options on the market, and narrowed down our best picks based on expert-suggested criteria. Here are the best sleep masks available today.
Best Overall: Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask
Pros
Allows for custom fit
Washable silk material
Blocks both light and sound
Cons
Size runs small
Lunya's Washable Silk Sleep Mask is our overall best pick because it's breathable, cooling, blocks both light and noise, and is easy to clean. We love that it's made from silk because it's gentle on your skin and will keep you cool if you're a hot or sweaty sleeper.
While many masks can easily rip your hair in the night with rough straps, Lunya’s wide band will be gentle on your locks without creating unwanted creases or slipping off your head as you sleep. Plus, the large eye pad area covers the entire eye, ensuring that light of any kind won't disturb your slumber. And since it encircles the entire head, it reduces noise as well. After multiple wears, you can easily toss it in the washing machine on a cold cycle for a quick and easy refresh.
Price at time of publication: $48
Key Specs:
Material: Mulberry silk exterior, polyester filling | Care: Hand or machine wash cold | Available Sizes: One size
Best Budget: BeeVines Silk Sleep Mask
Pros
Budget friendly
Adjustable head strap
Gentle silk fabric
Cons
Extra large eye covers
At just $10 for two natural silk sleep masks, this option by BeeVines is a steal. Masks made from silk are ideal because the material is naturally cooling, non-irritating, and helps your skin retain moisture as you sleep.
These eye masks also boast an adjustable head strap so you can ensure it fits snugly whether you have a large or small head. However, if you do have a head on the smaller side, it's worth noting that the pad of this sleep mask is seriously large. It will cover a good portion of your forehead and cheeks. While some may like the extra padding as it's sure to block light, others may find the additional width annoying.
Price at time of publication: $10 for 2
Key Specs:
Material: Silk | Care: Hand wash | Available Sizes: One size
Best Silk: Slip Silk Sleep Mask
Pros
Great fabric for sensitive skin
Cool and breathable
Won't leave lines on your face
Cons
Must wash by hand
Lighter colors allow more light through
Equal parts soft and durable, this sleep mask is a perfect choice for blocking out unwanted light. And since it’s made of 100% silk, it helps protect the delicate skin around your eyes as well. It’s kept in place with an elastic band that is also covered in silk, so it won’t destroy your hair, either. You can choose from nine different colors.
One of our editors has personally tested this sleep mask and absolutely loves it. The bright New York City lights outside of her bedroom had kept her awake at night for years until she opted to invest in this sleep mask. She particularly loves how soft the silk is and how it doesn't leave marks on her skin when she wakes up in the morning.
Price at time of publication: $50
Key Specs:
Material: Silk | Care: Hand wash | Available Sizes: One size
Best Weighted: Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask
Pros
Removable weighted insert
Adjustable for custom fit
Aids stress reduction and relaxation
Cons
Not ideal for side sleepers
Too heavy for some users
This sleep mask lets you take rest and relaxation to the next level with internal weight that can relieve tension and stress. Filled with fine-grade glass beads, this mask applies gentle pressure to the face much in the same way a weighted blanket would for the body.
We love that the strap is adjustable, so you can manipulate the amount of pressure the weight puts on your face. It's worth noting that this option isn't great for people who like to sleep on their sides, however, as the beads will shift out of place. But, if you sleep on your back or simply want the weight for mid-day decompressing, this may be a great option for you.
Price at time of publication: $40
Key Specs:
Material: Imitation cashmere | Care: Hand wash | Available Sizes: One size
Best Contour: Bucky 40 Blinks Contoured Eye Mask
Pros
Ideal for people with long or fake eyelashes
Ultra lightweight
Excellent light blocking
Cons
Not as durable as other options
Polyester may not feel as soft as silk options
This mask features molded-foam contoured openings that individually cup each eye. Those deep center pockets create an effective barrier against light and are roomy enough so you can blink freely. With non-contoured masks, users with long eyelashes may experience bending or crushing of the lashes. But the contoured eyes of this mask will help you avoid any damage to your lashes.
We love that it's also lightweight and has an adjustable elastic strap with hook-and-loop closure to ensure it stays put. While the prices vary by design, even the more expensive options are relatively budget-friendly.
Price at time of publication: $13+
Key Specs:
Material: Polyester interlock and polyurethane foam | Care: Hand wash cold | Available Sizes: One size
Best For Travel: Calpak Silk Travel Neck Pillow & Eye Mask Set
Pros
Easy to carry
Easy to clean
Quality silk fabric
Cons
Expensive
Carrying bag lacks durability
This set features a sturdy, silk sleep mask and a matching silk neck pillow that feels like memory foam—all of which fit into a convenient carrying pouch. We love this set for travel because you can block out light, support your neck, and keep your skin hydrated with the silk material while you're on an uncomfortable, skin-drying red-eye flight.
And when your set starts to look a little worse for wear after all of the plane rides, you can easily throw it in the washing machine to restore its luster. While this set is expensive, we think the fact that you're getting two quality products in a single purchase validates the price point.
Price at time of publication: $95
Key Specs:
Material: Silk exterior, polyester interior | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry | Available Sizes: One size
Best for Side Sleepers: FRESHME Handmade Cotton Sleep Mask
Pros
Made with organic cotton
Excellent light blocking
Great for sensitive sleepers
Cons
Velcro on straps wears out easily
Band size runs large
This handmade, organic cotton mask looks quite oversized, but it’s so lightweight and comfortable that you'll barely notice it's there. Cotton is another material that provides breathability throughout the night. However, it may be more likely than silk to absorb some of your skincare products as you sleep.
The wrap-around style also features a handy nose cutout so it'll stay securely in place without creating excess pressure on your face. Bonus: This mask comes with a carrying case—making it another great option for travel.
Price at time of publication: $31
Key Specs:
Material: Cotton, Spandex | Care: Hand wash | Available Sizes: One size
Best Memory Foam: Tempur-Pedic Sleep Mask
Pros
Material molds to your features
Excellent at blocking light
Durable construction
Cons
Bulkier design than other options
This breathable memory foam mask is basically a Tempur-Pedic bed for your face. It's comfortable, supportive, and molds specifically to your features, all of which encourage quality sleep.
The elastic band has a Velcro closure, which allows you to achieve a more personalized fit. And the durable material is designed to last, giving you top-notch sleep support year after year. It's worth noting, however, that you can't return this sleep mask at some retailers. So, if you're on the fence—opt for another option on this list.
Price at time of publication: $29
Key Specs:
Material: Memory foam | Care: Hand wash | Available Sizes: One size
Best Lightweight: Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask
Pros
Sleek design
Naturally cool to the touch
Easy to adjust
Cons
Must wash by hand
Band size runs large
This feather-light eye cover is made from cooling silk charmeuse and has a slippery surface that feels extra luxurious against the skin. The fabric won't create any crease marks on your face as you sleep, and the soft and gentle elastic band gives you just the right amount of customization that won't pull, break, or fray your hair.
An additional bonus to this mask is that you can throw it in the wash (with pH-balanced detergent)—a convenience that's not always available with silk masks. Though silk is less likely to absorb your skincare products, you may still want to freshen it up from time to time.
Price at time of publication: $29
Key Specs:
Material: Mulberry silk | Care: Hand or machine wash cold | Available Sizes: One size
Best for Hot Sleepers: JYMY Store Silk Cooling Weighted Sleep Eye Mask
Pros
Silk and cotton outer layer
Subtle compression
Can be put in the freezer for added cooling effect
Cons
Size runs small
This budget-friendly find does a great job of keeping you cool and blocking out light simultaneously. The outer pouch that lays directly over your eyes is made of silk while the inner removable pouch is filled with tiny gel beads that conform to the shape of your face, allowing for the slightest bit of compression.
For a quick cooling fix, chill the inner pouch in the freezer and then slip it back in the mask before you drift off to sleep. Its cooling gel also makes it ideal for those who suffer from migraines.
Price at time of publication: $15
Key Specs:
Material: Silk | Care: Hand wash | Available Sizes: One size
How we Selected
To help you find the best sleep mask, we spoke with experts about the benefits of sleep masks and what to look for when shopping for a new one. After receiving expert guidance, we researched dozens of pairs to narrow down our list to the top options. We then selected our top picks based on criteria such as material, fit, head strap features, care requirements, and light-blocking capabilities.
What to Look for in a Sleep Mask
Light Blocking
If a sleep mask doesn’t block the light effectively, then it’s not worth your time. Consider darker-colored fabrics over lighter ones. And the coverage area of the sleep mask is key as well. If it's too small for your face, the light may peek through. It's also worth considering the shape of the nose cut-out. To avoid light leaking in through the nose cut-out, opt for a mask that contours to your face.
Material
Masks come in myriad fabrics—silk, satin, cotton, merino wool, and more—each of which present their own benefits and drawbacks. Generally, look for textiles that are gentle on the face, breathable, and, if you run hot, cooling. We recommend silk as it's cooling, soft on your skin, and less likely to absorb your nightly skincare products.
Comfort
If your mask is too loose, it’ll likely slip off. But if it's too tight, you may end up with a headache. Look for options that sit comfortably on your face and are just snug enough to block light so you can snooze. An adjustable strap may be helpful in customizing the fit for optimal comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sleep masks really work?
According to research, yes. Using an eye mask can help you log more time in the REM sleep stage, reduce the amount of time it takes you to reach REM sleep, and maintain higher levels of melatonin, which further promotes healthy sleep patterns.
Are sleep masks bad for your skin?
As long as you clean your sleep mask regularly, it does not pose any harm to the delicate skin on your face around your eyes. No matter the fabric of your sleep mask, it will collect oil, sweat, and bacteria from your skin over time. Read your sleep mask's care instructions for optimal washing practices, and if daily washing seems improbable for your routine, aim for at least once every few days.
Why Trust Verywell Health?
Rozalynn S. Frazier is an award-winning multimedia journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on health and fitness. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and an avid exerciser who routinely puts wellness tools and fitness gear through its paces to help assess which products are worthy of praise. Frazier, who loves sleep masks and has several she regularly cycles through, has created content for SELF, Men’s Health, Real Simple, Health, Essence, Cosmopolitan, Livestrong.com, and more.
