
Comfortable Materials For Comfortable Sleep
Sleep masks are very popular among people who have trouble sleeping and people who travel a lot. They can help you sleep better by blocking the light from your immediate surroundings. While you can use them at your home, they are also ideal for traveling because they are lightweight, affordable, and convenient. You can use them anytime, whether you are napping on a plane or sleeping on an unfamiliar hotel bed.
The materials that are used to make sleep masks are important, especially for individuals who are allergic to, or irritated by, certain fabrics or materials. Sleep masks come in variety of materials, and every material has its pros and cons. Lucky for you, I have compiled information on the most common types of materials in this article so that you can purchase the one that suits you best.
Silk
Silk is known as the queen of all fabrics. Sleep masks made from silk give a luxurious, soft, and comfortable feel. Additionally, silk is ideal for blocking light and feels light on the skin. It doesn’t tug at sensitive parts of the skin and feels softer on the eyes. Some of the best sleep masks are made with high quality silk that feels extra thick. Silk is famous for its overall combination of thickness, shine, durability, and softness. When a sleep mask is made with 100% natural silk it means that there were no chemicals used in its production.
One drawback to having a silk sleep mask is that silk gets dirty easily and, although you can wash it, it becomes weaker after every wash. It is also usually relatively more expensive compared to sleep masks made from other materials.
Cotton
Cotton is another material that is often used in the production of sleep masks. Cotton sleep masks are loved for their comfort, style, and light-blocking ability. Many high-quality sleep masks are made from ultra-comfortable and natural cotton. Cotton is perfect for individuals with sensitive facial skin. There are no skin allergies when using cotton sleep masks, as the soft cotton rests gently over the eyes and blocks almost all the unwanted light when fitted correctly. Furthermore, cotton tends to get more comfortable and softer with time. Compared to other materials, cotton absorbs sweat from the body and evaporates it back out into the air. It also discourages the growth of yeast and bacteria by wicking moisture away from the skin.
On the downside, because cotton absorbs sweat and moisture from the body, if you have applied any creams around your eyes it will absorb that as well. Although it is a washable material that remains soft, it tends to shrink and discolor after frequent washes. Furthermore, it dries slowly and is prone to producing lint.
Polyester
Sleep masks made from polyester are not only lightweight but also durable. Most sleep masks made from this material are famous for their lightweight and comfortable construction. Because of their lightness they avoid contact with your eyelashes or eyes and allow you to sleep without experiencing any pressure. Another advantage of polyester is that sleep masks made of it feel cooler when first put on.
Polyester does not wick moisture as efficiently as cotton, or “breathe” as effectively. Sleep masks made from polyester are slippery and this material is also known to make you sweat. It can be irritating to sensitive skins. It also absorbs oils quickly; it gets stained easily and these stains are hard to remove.
Satin
Satin sleep masks are mostly mixed with cotton or silk material, and sometimes foam material is added as well. Overall, they feel good on the skin and are comfortable, especially at the back end of the mask, so there won’t be any damage or pulling on your hair. Satin is washable; you should wash your satin mask on a low temperature and so that it doesn’t shrink or discolor.