After testing 32 sleep masks over nine weeks, including popular brands like Manta and Cozy Earth, the Mzoo Luxury Sleep Mask emerged as the best overall option in the US. The testing focused on how well the masks blocked light, comfort, fit, and durability, with additional feedback from multiple testers to account for different face shapes and sleeping positions.
Why this matters
Exposure to light during sleep can suppress melatonin production, a hormone essential for restful sleep. A good sleep mask blocks out light, helping people sleep longer and more deeply. Unlike blackout curtains, sleep masks are portable and relatively affordable, making them a practical tool for improving sleep quality at home or while traveling. Adequate sleep is linked to better health outcomes, including maintaining a healthy weight, reducing illness risk, and potentially extending lifespan.
Key developments
- Best overall sleep mask: Mzoo Luxury Sleep Mask
- Best budget sleep mask: Alaska Bear Two-Strap Silk Sleep Mask
- Best Bluetooth sleep mask: Manta SOUND Sleep Mask
Testing process
The masks were selected based on retail availability, consumer interest, online reviews, and recommendations from Reddit. Testing took place in various environments, including a bedroom, a tent, and an Airbnb with broken blinds to simulate different light conditions. Each mask was worn for at least two nights and washed twice to assess durability. Four additional testers provided feedback to ensure a range of perspectives on fit and comfort.
Top sleep masks reviewed
Mzoo Luxury Sleep Mask
This mask was favored by nearly every tester for its effective light blocking and comfort. It features springy sponge foam around the eyes and wide adjustable straps similar to bra straps. The foam padding around the eye cups is soft and does not press uncomfortably against the eyes, even when sleeping on the side. The mask stays securely in place all night without slipping.
Material details were not provided by the manufacturer.
Alaska Bear Two-Strap Silk Sleep Mask
At $16, this is the most affordable silk mask tested. It has two adjustable straps that distribute pressure evenly and a silk nose baffle to block light effectively. The flat design allows for any sleeping position. Silk is believed to reduce friction on the skin, potentially minimizing sleep wrinkles. However, the thin straps can dent or tangle hair, and the mask applies light pressure on the eyes.
Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask
Made from 22-momme silk, this mask is the tallest tested, with padding and concave indentations to allow blinking without pressure on the eyes. It is a single pillowy strip with a Velcro closure, which helps prevent hair frizz. The mask was noted for its luxurious feel and helped the tester sleep past 8 a.m. for the first time in years. It is the most expensive mask tested and became slightly less soft after washing.
Manta Original Sleep Mask
This contoured mask has removable foam eye cups that can be repositioned or swapped for specialized versions (freezable, microwaveable, ventilated). It blocks light completely without putting pressure on the eyelids or lashes. It is most comfortable for back sleepers, though some side sleepers found it uncomfortable. The mask is machine washable and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Nodpod Weighted Sleep Mask
Designed like a weighted blanket for the eyes, this mask drapes over the face and is intended to be worn only until the wearer falls asleep. It is filled with plastic microbeads and lined with cotton, with an optional silk lining upgrade. The mask is lightweight and can be frozen to soothe eyes. While it may help with falling asleep, it is not designed to stay on all night.
Therabody Vibrating Sleep Mask
This mask vibrates for 15 minutes to promote relaxation and potentially deeper sleep. It offers three vibration modes with two intensity levels each. The mask stays securely in place and blocks light effectively. However, it is best suited for back sleepers, as vibrations can be loud when lying on the side. The inner layer is machine washable, but the outer layer with vibration components is not.
Conclusion
The Mzoo Luxury Sleep Mask stands out for its combination of comfort, effective light blocking, and secure fit. For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Alaska Bear Two-Strap Silk Sleep Mask offers good performance at a low price. Specialized masks like the Manta Original and Therabody vibrating mask cater to specific needs such as total darkness or relaxation through vibration. Weighted masks like Nodpod provide an alternative approach to falling asleep but are not designed for all-night use.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
