
A good sleep mask should block out light and feel comfortable over your eyes. It can also help you adjust to different time zones when you're on a flight and prevent any at-home disturbances from keeping you awake. Finding the right eye mask for you can be hard, which is why The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tested sleep masks to learn which ones will give you the best sleep quality.
This sleep mask was the top performer in our evaluations: Testers loved the contoured design that lets you open your eyes while wearing it. They also said it was easy to put on and take off, and it held up to machine laundering in the Lab without shrinkage or damage. Not to mention, there was barely any light leakage in our evaluations. There are tons of colors and prints to choose from, so this eye mask is primed to be your new favorite sleep accessory.
Silk is not only for sleep masks, but also silk pillowcase. For a matching pair, Brooklinen offers a set with a Mulberry silk pillowcase and sleep mask for under $80, which is a bargain considering that mulberry silk is the highest quality silk with longer and more uniform fibers for a smoother, durable mask. It's available in five shades and you can choose a different color for each piece in the set.
This second-place sleep mask came in just after Bucky, but since it comes with a carrying case and ear plugs, it nabs our pick for best value. The contoured shape means there's space around your eyes, and it held up to our Lab's durability tests. The downside is that it let in a bit more light than some more expensive picks.
If you prefer the feel of natural materials, this one's made with a cotton cover that users say feels super soft. It's also flexible with an easy-to-shape nose piece and flaps on the side, making it great for back sleepers to block light from all angles. On top of that, it has a soft, wide strap that's easy to adjust so you can find your perfect fit.
It might not block out light entirely, but sleeping on silk feels amazing and can actually help prevent creases in your skin – ideal for stomach sleepers. This mask from Slip is is made of high-quality fabric that was both strong and moisture-wicking in our tests.
If you plan to nap while traveling, this two-in-one design is both a pillow and a sleep mask — perfect for saving some space in your carry-on luggage. It's filled with silicone micro-beads and is designed to block out light and sound while giving you a comfy place to rest your head. It might look a bit silly when you wear it (even though it's nothing compared to the original Ostrich Pillow!), but our testers loved the idea of getting a good snooze on the go.
Side sleepers need an eye mask that'll block light without added bulk on the sides. This eye mask from ZGGCD is made from a light memory foam that offers a padded, soft feel. It also has a back elastic strap that'll adjust to your head size.
Perfect for people who get headaches, overheated, or even puffy eyes, this sleep mask has a built-in ice pack to give you a cool compress. Just leave it in the freezer and take it out when you're ready to use it. It's made with small microbeads so it'll feel squishy (not hard) and will fit to your face to help block out light. Amazon reviewers swear by this eye mask, even saying it helps relieve headaches and soothe puffy eyes!
This mask uses the same concept behind its weighted blankets: The pressure calms you down so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It weighs just one pound, so you feel the pressure without it being too much on your face. We love how the weight is evenly distributed and is made with glass beads, which is more dense than the plastic pellet alternative. It also has a micro-fiber cover that feels plush and cozy against skin.
This eye mask uses the same foam material as the pressure-relieving Tempur-Pedic mattresses so it'll mold to your face, giving you both darkness and cushion-like comfort. It also has a velcro strap that's easy to adjust. The outer material is plush and can be removed so you can wash it separately.
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Lexie Sachs earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Fiber Science from Cornell University, and she researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing. She also evaluates luggage, rain gear, disposable paper goods and baby products. Lexie sits on several industry committees, has served as an expert judge for various awards programs and is regularly the first person to hear about new product launches. She is often consulted as a textiles expert by major media outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, Good Morning America and NBC News for product recommendations, trend analysis and shopping and care tips. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2013, she worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries. An avid online shopper, Lexie is the first person to share tricks to save money and time with the rest of the team. She spends her free time going to barre workout classes and exploring New York City with her two young daughters.
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