You can't argue with the fact that sleeping is fundamental, but improving your sleep is a whole different kettle of fish. If you've tried counting sheep, building a routine, avoiding caffeine, using sleep gadgets and listening to relaxing music, then you know that drifting off isn't always that simple. Enter the best sleep masks.
Sleep masks are one of those products that we associate with long-haul flights. We wear them for the plane journey once and never use them again. However, building this handy accessory into your bedtime routine can have loads of amazing benefits. Plus, there are also other cheap things on Amazon you can buy to help you sleep better.
The best sleep masks at a glance:
• Best sleep mask for side sleepers: Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best high-end sleep mask: TEMPUR Sleep Mask - Buy now on TEMPUR
• Best silk sleep mask: SLIP Silk Sleep Mask - Buy now on John Lewis
What are the benefits of using a sleep mask?
Whether you're struggling to get some shut-eye after a night shift or tossing and turning during your regular routine, here are seven benefits of using a sleep mask.
✔️ Blocks out light
✔️ Results in more REM time - for healthier sleep patterns
✔️ Can improve insomnia
✔️ Reduces distractions
✔️ Prevents dry eyes
✔️ Helps you to fall asleep quicker
What is the best type of sleep mask?
We'd love to give you the verdict of the best sleep mask of all time, but what is best for you might not work for someone else. That's why before you buy a sleep mask, it's essential to determine the best type of sleep mask for you.
Here are the different types of sleep masks that you may come across:
Silk sleep masks
Weighted sleep masks
Foam sleep masks
Light blocking sleep mask
Sleep masks with headphones or earbuds
How we tested the best sleep masks
Over the years, we've had a lot of practice sleeping. According to Dreams, the average person spends approximately 26 years snoozing. Whether it was testing for a catnap on the sofa, catching some z's in the garden or helping us get some well-needed rest at bedtime, we've put these sleep masks for all budgets, cheap and more expensive, through their paces to get an idea of how good they are.
SHOP: The best sleep masks
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best high-end sleep mask
TEMPURuk.tempur.com
Anyone familiar with the TEMPUR range will know to expect big things from this sleep mask. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint. Using the TEMPUR material used in their mattresses, this product moulds and adapts to your face.
Pros
- Filled with the pressure-relieving TEMPUR material that forms to the shape of your face
- Cushions the eye area while you sleep
- Comes with a two-year guarantee
Cons
- Can only be sponge clean
| Size: | One size |
| Colour: | Grey |
| Material: | TEMPUR material |
| Closure: | Velcro straps |
- Our review: "I always go to bed intending to have an early night, and I'm always distracted by something on my phone. Instead of having the temptation, I put on the TEMPUR® Sleep Mask and block out the world for at least eight hours. Not only does it prevent the light from coming in completely, it feels super comfortable on your skin. The only downside is it comes with a massive label, but you can easily cut it out."
Best silk sleep mask
John LewisWalmart
Anyone that has a six-step skincare routine or wants to up their regime needs to invest in this mask. After you've washed your face, tuck yourself in bed with the knowledge that it'll help to maintain your skin's moisture. Select from black or navy.
Pros
- Made from the highest-grade mulberry silk
- Super comfy on the face
- Great for skin health
Cons
- Doesn't have adjustable straps
| Sizes: | One size |
| Colours: | Black, Navy |
| Material: | 6A long fibre mulberry silk |
| Closure: | Elastic strap |
- Our review: "Not going to lie, spending £50 on a sleep mask might seem crazy, but it's worth it. Hear me out, not only is this luxury number the most stunning sleep aid I've ever laid eyes on, but it also has incredible benefits for the skin because it's less absorbent than other materials. Plus, the box that it comes in is gorgeous - it's almost too nice to wear."
Best sleep mask for side sleepers
AmazonHave you planned a staycation? If someone else is driving, you can have a little snooze on the way and get to your destination quicker. This one-size-fits-all mask has wide and adjustable straps that aren't restrictive.
Pros
- Features a bending cartilage design to block light coming from the nose area
- Soft cotton triangle wing design prevents the mask from slipping
- Has five layers of breathable fabric for an ultra-soft feeling on the eyes
Cons
- Eyes can feel a little restricted with the mask on
| Size: | One size |
| Colours: | Grey, Black |
| Material: | Cotton |
| Closure: | Adjustable elastic strap |
- Customer review: "With the early rising sun at the moment, I have been waking up earlier than usual due to the blazing light through my blinds. I can't make any modifications to my flat, so I can't install blackout blinds - this was my second option. I have only used the cheap 'travel' sleep masks in the past and found them useless due to the light leakage but this is completely different. This fits my face comfortably due to the adjustable strap and doesn't let any light in due to its mouldable nose. I have used this for the last couple of days and am very please I can get my full eight hours!"
Best velour sleep mask
Silentnightsilentnight-bedding.co.uk
Silentnight isn't just about mattresses, duvets and pillows they also have a range of sleep accessories including this sleep mask. The sumptuously soft velour material is perfect for blocking any annoying light that might be keeping you up at night. The mask is machine washable and includes a soft storage bag to protect your eye mask and keep it clean and fresh.
Pros
- Comes with a soft storage bag for easy travel
- Fully machine washable
- Made from a soft touch velour eye mask
Cons
- Looks quite large on your face
| Size: | One size |
| Colour: | Navy |
| Material: | Velour |
| Closure: | Elastic strap |
- Our review: "I've been using one of those eye masks you get free on an airplane and putting this Silentnight sleep mask made me realise what torture I was putting myself through. The silky smooth feeling of the mask and no part digging in anywhere sent me into a dream state. The silk-covered elastic straps mean that nothing digs into my ears or head and it doesn't irritate me when I'm sleeping. Couldn't recommend it more." Tried and tested by Commercial Content Editor Natalie Corner.
Best lightweight sleep mask
AmazonInstead of waking up throughout the night due to your partner's snoring, a sleep mask and earplug combination is here to save the day. The list of benefits for this go on and on, but here are a few of our favourites: it's super lightweight, blocks out the light and doesn't cause pressure on your eyes. Amazing!
Pros
- Made from pure cotton filled into pure mulberry silk for a comfortable feel
- Suitable for all head sizes with an adjustable elastic headband
- Comes with earplugs for a proper night's sleep
Cons
- Very large on the face
| Size: | One size |
| Colours: | Black, Navy |
| Material: | Silk |
| Closure: | Adjustable elastic straps |
- Customer review: "I am currently 24 weeks pregnant and struggling to sleep due to being generally uncomfortable, but also the extremely light nights. I needed something to help and rather than investing in blackout blinds, I decided to try a Gritin sleep mask. After reading the reviews, I went ahead and ordered this one. From the first night of using it, my sleep has improved dramatically. I fall asleep within minutes of putting the mask on and sleep mostly undisturbed through the full night. The mask is soft, comfortable and fits well without slipping off. The part which covers your eyes is quite large so there is no chance of light creeping in. I would highly recommend this item!"
Best all-round sleep mask
AmazonFall asleep in style thanks to this gorgeous sleep and eye mask from SMUG. The black wink design is everything, the material is soft, and it'll block out 100 per cent of the light - now that's what we call a triple threat.
Pros
- Great selection of colours
- 100% Blackout design for an uninterrupted night's sleep
- Dome-shaped design ensures natural eyelashes or lash extensions aren't damaged
Cons
- More of a satin-like material, which isn't for everyone
| Size: | One size |
| Colours: | Various colours available, including: Black, Pink, Grey, Leopard, Blue |
| Material: | Unknown |
| Closure: | Velcro strap |
- Customer review: "Love these SMUG masks sooooo much, I've been sleeping so much better and my lashes are less damaged as well. Complete black out. I have three now and two more on the way."
Best sleep mask for 100 percent darkness
Echorechor.co
Need complete darkness to have a snooze? You can have a nap anywhere anytime thanks to the ergonomic wings on either side of the nose preventing any light from entering under your mask while also working to alleviate any pressure on your eyelids for fresher-looking eyes when you wake up. Its unique construction means that there's no pressure on your eyes at all. What a relief!
Pros
- Ergonomic wings either side of the nose prevent light from entering under the mask, so you get that total blackout feel
- Features PureComfort foam with a high-elastic foam inner for comfort
- Eye indentations remove any pressure on your eyelids
Cons
- Material is not the cosiest
| Size: | One size |
| Colours: | White, Grey |
| Material: | PureComfort foam |
| Closure: | Adjustable elastic strap |
- Our review: "This eye mask has a premium feel with Velcro attachments so that you can tighten or loosen the mask to your liking. It is designed with eye holes, meaning you can open your eyes comfortably in the mask, but it will still be completely dark. As a light sleeper, I often toss and turn and lose my eye mask by the time I wake up in the morning. However, this mask stays on throughout the night, and no light peaks through. It would be beneficial for long journeys in planes and buses as well as for staying at hotels or other accommodation." Tried and tested by Senior Commercial Content Writer Ellen Kinsey.
Best sleep mask with headphones
AmazonAssuming that you fall asleep listening to ambient sounds, a sleep mask with headphones is the one for you. Considering it has a built-in speaker, it's easy to use and very comfortable. That said, don't forget to charge it before you get some rest or you won't be able to use it.
Pros
- Provides 10-14 hours of music playback
- The speakers inside this eye mask are covered with an ultra-soft cotton film so you can wear the mask for hours on end without it feeling uncomfortable
- The speakers are 0.25 inches with true HD sound for a clear sound
Cons
- Side sleepers might find it uncomfortable due to the speaker
| Size: | One size |
| Colours: | Various colours available, including: Grey, Blue, Black, Pink |
| Material: | Cotton |
| Closure: | Hook and loop |
- Customer review: "The material on this WU-MINGLU mask is very soft and pleasant on the skin. The charging cable with micro USB is hidden in a small zip-up pocket and doesn't get on the way when in use. The velcro at the back isn't hard, which is important to me as I suffer from compression headaches. The headphones inside the mask can be shifted to adjust the positioning to make it easier to hear. The sound isn't amazing, but is ok - I turn the music a bit louder at the source. The charge lasts for more than eight hours as I was able to listen to it two nights in a row without charging."
Best anti-wrinkle sleep mask
CurrentBodywww.currentbody.com
This luxurious CurrentBody mask in made in collaboration with Dr Harris, London's leading non-surgical doctor. Dseigned to combat the signs of aging while you rest, the mask uses raised silicone dots and a mulberry silk blend to diminish fine lines and increase emotional relaxation. Awaken to youthful, radiant skin after each sleep with this pick.
Pros
- Features a unique raised silicone dot design that's proven to increase emotional relaxation by 67%
- Mulberry silk blend for ultimate comfort and to reduce fine lines
- Created by London's leading non-surgical aesthetic doctor, Dr Steve Harris
Cons
- Elasticated band is too limiting in its size and length, not great for all head sizes
| Sizes: | One size |
| Colours: | Black, Mink |
| Material: | Mulberry silk blend |
| Closure: | Elastic strap |
- Customer review: "I’m now on my second one of these CurrentBody masks, I love it, can’t sleep without it now, I can’t believe the difference around my eye area, was sceptical at first, but totally recommend it, it’s one of my favourite purchases from CurrentBody."
A guide to a good night's sleep
Is it good to use a sleep mask every night?
Using a sleep mask every night definitely has a lot of benefits. Think of it as giving your skin a mini spa treatment while you sleep. Eye masks, much like earplugs, help to create an environment for deep, uninterrupted sleep by blocking out any pesky light. In addition, they can help with reducing wrinkles and fine lines by keeping the sensitive skin around the eyes hydrated and protected from friction. As with anything though, results only come with time and consistent use, so don't expect to see results straight away.
Are there any side effects of using sleep masks?
Eye masks are very safe to use, but there are a couple of things to be aware of. The first is that if you've got particularly sensitive skin, you might find that an eye mask irritates it. If this is the case, it might be better to not wear one to sleep in.
Secondly, wearing a sleep mask that's too tight around your head will also disrupt your sleep. If your mask s too tight it may cause headaches or added pressure on the eyes. Neither of which are pleasant. Saying that, a sleep mask that's too loose is also pointless as it will inevitably slip down during the night.
Lastly, your sleep mask needs to be thoroughly cleaned to keep bacteria at bay. If your mask isn't regularly washed it may harbour bacteria, which could contribute to skin breakouts and infections.
As a final note, these side effects are quite uncommon and can easily be avoided by selecting a mask made of high-quality materials that don't harbour germs, like silk for example.
Why can't I sleep?
The maze of sleeplessness often has multiple paths (unfortunately). Perhaps it could be attributed to your caffeine intake, or your screen time just before bed. Maybe it's the thoughts in your mind that won't let you drift into a dream-like state. It also could be disturbances like light and noise. Even your best mattress. Whatever the reason, it's worth finding the trigger so that you can get back a restful night's sleep.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness Writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
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