Sleep Mask Reviews – Dark, Soft and Comfortable
There are few people on the planet who love sleep more than I do. It may have something to do with the fact that I have three kids and don’t get nearly as much sleep as I would like, but my love for sleep existed long before I became a mother. I remember days when I would sleep so much that I would wake up tired and have to go right back to sleep again in order to recover. Those times are treasured memories. But these days I need all the help I can get if I am to sleep peacefully, and a sleep mask is the best sleeping aid that I have found to help me through the night.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to use many different brands of sleep masks, and although they are essentially the same, each one tends to have its own unique benefits. I recently went on a hunt for a new one and I thought it would be a great idea to put all my research to use and create this website with reviews on the best masks available today. So without further ado, here are my reviews of the top sleep masks on the market; one of them should be just what you need to enjoy more pleasant dreams and wake up refreshed.
Best Overall Sleep Mask – Sleep Master
With a great price and quality construction, the Sleep Master gets my vote for the best overall sleep mask. If you just need a mask that can help you sleep better and you don’t have any other specific requirements, then this one is a great option. It is made with a lightweight, cool, and gentle-on-your-skin satin material that will make you feel like you are falling asleep in the clouds, even if you are on your best friend’s couch for the night.
Light? What Light?
One of the most common uses for sleep masks is to block out light. The Sleep Master is constructed so that it totally eliminates all light in your surroundings; it leaves you in absolute darkness so that you can sleep undisturbed.
Noise Reduction Too!
One standout feature that sets this mask apart from the competition is the fact that is covers your ears as well as your eyes. Most sleep masks you find today will only cover your eyes and that normally means that you would also have to purchase ear plugs if you want to block out any unwanted noise. Ear plugs always seem to be falling out when you are trying to sleep and this can be very annoying, so I just love that this mask will help to reduce noise without the use of ear plugs.
Most Luxurious – NapForm Eye Mask with BioSense Memory Foam
I choose the NapForm Eye Mask with BioSense Memory Foam as the best luxury sleeping mask because it is so plush and luxurious that to use the word “luxury” to describe it doesn’t even do it justice. The design makes it feel like super puffy clouds made for your eyes to rest on, and who wouldn’t be able to sleep with your eyes on their own clouds? They may not be made with silk, but these NapForm masks are the optimum in luxury, as far as I am concerned.
Memory Foam
The outside of the NapForm is made of a very cozy, ultra-plush NapSoft fabric; the inside has BiosSense memory foam and this is what makes this mask extra special. The BioSense memory foam is made with charcoal, natural green tea, and seed oil – all ingredients that will provide relief for tired, stressed eyes. You won’t find many sleep masks on the market that can boast this list of ingredients. Your eyes are sure to get more than just a good night’s rest when they experience the therapeutic benefits of this mask.
Complete Darkness
Even if you want to take a nap in the middle of a bright summer day, this premium eye mask from Brookstone will help you to get the rest you need by totally blocking out all the surrounding light. The over-sized, plush face panel will cover your eyes as well as the area directly around them so that no light can get in and interrupt your sleep. You won’t have to worry about the mask shifting either – it has an elastic strap that can be adjusted to fit your head perfectly, and this strap keeps the mask securely in place at all times.
Best for the Money – Alaska Bear Natural Silk
I have seen sleep masks that cost more than $200, but while I truly value my dreamy nights I can certainly appreciate a good quality mask for a bargain. If you are on a budget, don’t have an extra $200 to fork out for a top-of-the-line mask, and still want one that will do the job well, this Alaska Bear eye mask and blindfold, with its super-affordable price tag, is an excellent choice.
Natural Silk
Hmmm – the soft and luxurious feel of real natural silk on your face is a relaxing experience in itself and I can hardly believe that you would be able to have this 100% mulberry silk mask for less than 10 bucks, but that’s the average retail price of this mask! When I hear the word “silk” I usually think “expensive”, but luckily in this case I am very wrong and the folks over at Alaska bear have found a way to make this luxurious sleeping mask affordable for the masses. Thank you, Alaska Bear!
Tangle-Free
If you have ever used a sleep mask that has a Velcro closure you probably know that they tend to get all tangled up in your hair after you wear them through the night. This is not a pleasant experience if you have very long hair like I do, and so I tend to stay away from masks with Velcro in favor of ones that have headbands, like this one from Alaska Bear. The headband is easy to adjust and will not get all tangled up in your hair.
Best for Travelling – TravelSnugs EyeSnug Countoured
Sleeping on a train or airplane can be quite challenging for some people. There is just so much going on – lights glaring, people talking, people walking by. Personally, I never go on a long trip without a sleep mask. Even if I am traveling with my kids, once they are all asleep I reach for my mask so that I can get some shuteye myself. Having a sleep mask that is specifically designed for travel, like the TravelSnugs EyeSnug Countoured, can help you to get some well-needed rest when you are traveling.
Amazingly Lightweight
The TravelSnugs is made with high quality, lightweight materials so that you can hardly feel them on your face. As they are so light they are also super comfortable; this makes it even easier for you to sleep undisturbed wherever you are. The soft material that makes these EyeSnug masks is also hand washable, and because it won’t smudge makeup it is the mask of choice for divas who love to get all dolled up and stay looking fabulous when they travel.
3D Design
Enjoy high-tech nights with this innovative sleep mask that has a contoured 3D design so that you can experience more rapid eye movement (REM). REM state is a very deep sleep stage in which you will get more relaxation and wake up feeling more refreshed. Because the contoured 3D design encourages REM, you will be getting the deepest sleep possible every time you use it, no matter if you are on a plane, train, or in your own bed. You will get two masks, as well as ear plugs, when you purchase the TravelSnugs EyeSnug Countoured – I think that is a very good deal!
Best Anti-Aging Sleep Mask – Sleep Fountain Silk Mask
It has long been known that if you don’t get enough sleep you will tend to age faster. Just by sleeping for the recommended 8 hours or more per day, you will be able to take advantage of the natural anti-aging benefits of sleep. But if you want to take things up a notch and really capitalize on these anti-aging benefits, you should seriously consider getting an eye mask like the Sleep Fountain.
The Copper Effect
This mask can help you fight the visible signs of aging because it is constructed with a breathable hygienic copper ion face panel. The copper has the effect of reducing, as well as preventing, the occurrence of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. You could say that wearing it would be like getting a facial; you should find that you wake up with skin that is tighter and younger-looking after using one of these masks. They have been clinically tested and are proven to reduce oxidation damage and to stimulate collagen – both of which have the effect of making your skin look younger.
Silky Silk
100% pure mulberry silk was used to make the Sleep Fountain, so you know that they will feel very soft and smooth on your face. You certainly won’t be able to tell that there is any copper material in the mask by the feel of it. This luxurious silk mask makes a great wedding or birthday gift as it comes in a fancy, high-quality gift box, and you get a free pair of ear plugs with it too!
Best for Meditation and Relaxation – Bedtime Bliss
Meditation is a wonderful practice than can really enhance your sense of well-being and help you to reconnect with your inner self, but it can sometimes be hard to block out the outside world when you are trying to meditate. That’s when using a sleep mask from Bedtime Bliss can help. If you want to eliminate all light so that you are better able to focus on your mediation, this mask is perfect for the job and it is great as a sleep aid as well.
Meditation Aid
The contoured design of these masks conforms to the shape of your face and makes them super comfortable to wear; you will hardly feel them at all and, if you are trying to mediate, that means you will have less distractions and be able to stay more focused. The design also allows you to open your eyes while remaining in complete darkness and this can be very helpful if you prefer to meditate with your eyes open. The super-soft bamboo and cotton lining on the mask also makes it suitable for meditation, as these materials are natural.
Better Co-Sleeping
I love my husband dearly but most nights he wants to stay up watching TV or playing games on his iPad in bed while I am trying to sleep. The TV and iPad can be quite distracting, and if you have a similar problem then you could really benefit from the Bedtime Bliss. It will be able to effectively block out the light from your TV so you can sleep better, but it also comes with a pair of ear plugs so you will be able to sleep in silence as well, and wake up well-rested.
Most High Tech Sleep Mask – XIKEZAN Comfortable Ergonomics Velvet Bluetooth Music
If you are into high-tech gadgets then you will surely be able to appreciate this super-techy eye mask from VWTECH. It has a speaker, a mike, and headphones! You could easily mistake it for a mini recording studio if it weren’t for the large blindfold part. I found this sleep mask to be very unique and certainly worthy of mention, as it can do so much more than just help you sleep better.
Bluetooth Technology
This revolutionary mask is Bluetooth compatible; this opens up a wide range of uses that were previously unavailable to sleeping masks. As far away as 10 meters, it can wirelessly connect to your other Bluetooth devices – for example, your mobile phone or iPod. For people who like to listen to white noise or guided meditations as they fall asleep (which studies prove to be helpful), this high-tech mask can be really helpful; you will be able to play your music/noise from your device and listen in HD audio via the high-performance stereo speakers on this mask. As it has a built in microphone, you can also use it to take calls on your mobile hands-free as well.
Advanced Ergonomics
The ergonomic design of this eye mask allows it to contour to the shape of your face for maximum comfort. Also, even though it is packed full of high-tech features it is still very comfortable to sleep in; there are no wires or protruding parts that will disrupt your sleep. The velvet material that is used to make these masks is very soft, washable, and effective at blocking out light.
Closing Words
Which one of these masks do you like the best? The pursuit of a good night sleep is a worthy cause and this is why I have taken the time to review these sleep masks for you. As you can see, there is a variety in the style and design elements of this relatively simple device. I hope I was able to introduce you to one or two that you may not have considered on your own. In fact, after listing my recommendations I came across a golden tip – this one, via allthestuff.com – which is using light pulses to soothe you to sleep, how cool is that? It’s reported to be really effective.
But, in the end, it is all about you sleeping better, so if you are able to find one that does only that then my job here is done. If you need more information please feel free to check out my informational articles on sleep masks. If you are still unsure about which one to get, my buying guide is a great place to start.