Do sleep masks really work?

According to research, yes. Using an eye mask can help you log more time in the REM sleep stage, reduce the amount of time it takes you to reach REM sleep, and maintain higher levels of melatonin, which further promotes healthy sleep patterns.

Are sleep masks bad for your skin?

As long as you clean your sleep mask regularly, it does not pose any harm to the delicate skin on your face around your eyes. No matter the fabric of your sleep mask, it will collect oil, sweat, and bacteria from your skin over time. Read your sleep mask's care instructions for optimal washing practices, and if daily washing seems improbable for your routine, aim for at least once every few days.

The 11 Best Sleep Masks of 2023

One thing you don’t want to be short on is sleep. A proper night’s rest—the Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours—helps ensure you sidestep issues like memory loss, colds, chronic diseases, and even early risk of death. The problem: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of adults in the United States log less than this amount of sleep each night.

Artificial light—from device screens to that streetlamp outside your window—can contribute to this lack of sleep by throwing off your sleep-wake cycle. For those who struggle, a sleep mask can be quite handy. The right one will surround you in darkness and comfort, fostering an atmosphere ripe for sound snoozing and balanced hormones.

Here are the best sleep masks on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask at Lunya.co

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Best Budget:

JYMY Store Silk Cooling Weighted Sleep Eye Mask at Amazon

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Best Silk:

Slip Silk Sleep Mask at Amazon

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Best Weighted:

Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask at Amazon

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Best Contour:

Bucky 40 Blinks Contoured Eye Mask at Walmart

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Best For Travel:

Calpak Silk Neck Pillow & Mask Set at Nordstrom

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Best For Back Sleepers:

OSTRICH PILLOW Loop Eye Mask at Amazon

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Best for Side Sleepers:

FRESHME Handmade Cotton Sleep Mask at Amazon

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Best Light-Blocking:

Tempur-Pedic Sleep Mask at Amazon

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Best Lightweight:

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust Us

4.6

Revolve

Pros

Allows for custom fit
Washable silk material
Blocks both light and sound

Cons

Size runs small

While many masks make a mess of your hair, Lunya’s wide band keeps yours in place without creating unwanted creases, and it won’t slip off in your sleep. Plus, the large eye pad area covers the entire eye, ensuring that light of any kind will not disturb your slumber. And since it encircles the entire head, it keeps stray sounds away, too.

The silk material glides smoothly on your skin and won't contribute to fine lines or wrinkles.

Pros

Ensures you always have a clean mask on hand
Quality construction
Great travel size

Cons

Lets some light in
Lacks washing instructions

We love this nifty three-pack, so you have one to wear, one to wash, and one to spare (or gift to your best friend). The pretty pink floral print is made with soft satin nylon, and the adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit that won't make a tangled mess of your hair.

The mask also does a solid job of keeping light out without excessively pressing on your face.

4.6

Amazon

Pros

Great fabric for sensitive skin
Cool and breathable
Won't leave lines on your face

Cons

Must wash by hand
Lighter colors allow more light through

Equal parts soft and durable, this sleep mask is a perfect choice for blocking out unwanted light. And since it’s made of 100% silk, it helps protect the delicate skin around your eyes as well.

It’s kept in place with an elastic band that is also covered in silk, so it won’t destroy your hair, either. You can choose from nine different colors.

What Our Editors Say

"I use this silk sleep mask every night and I can’t get enough of it! I’ve struggled with insomnia for years, but wearing this sleep mask has truly helped. Thanks to the ever-present street lights, It’s hard to make your bedroom completely dark when living in Manhattan (even with blackout curtains), so this sleep mask really helps block that extra light out and keeps me from waking up during the night. I love how soft it feels against my face and how it doesn’t leave marks on my skin when I take it off in the morning. I highly recommend the black color, as it blocks out even more light!" — Isabella Broggini, Commerce Editor, Verywell Fit and Mind

Amazon

Pros

Removable weighted insert
Adjustable for custom fit
Aids stress reduction and relaxation

Cons

Must wash by hand
Too heavy for some users

Resting this eyeshade across your face makes you instantly feel like you’re in the midst of a soothing spa day. Filled with fine-grade glass beads that apply gentle pressure to the face much in the same way a weighted blanket would for the body, this micro-plush and luxurious imitation cashmere mask helps kick stress and anxiety to the curb.

Secure it in place before you doze off by using the adjustable Velcro strap.

Pros

Ideal for people with long or fake eyelashes
Ultra lightweight
Excellent light blocking

Cons

Not as durable as other options
Difficult to wash

This mask features molded-foam contoured openings that individually cup each eye. Those deep center pockets create an effective barrier against light and are roomy enough so you can blink freely without worrying about your lashes brushing up against the mask.

It also has an adjustable elastic strap with hook-and-loop closure to ensure it stays put.

Calpak

Pros

Easy to carry
Easy to clean
Quality silk fabric

Cons

Expensive
Carrying bag lacks durability

This set features a sturdy, patterned silk sleep mask and a matching silk neck pillow that feels like memory foam, all of which fits into a convenient, clear carrying pouch.

Even better, it makes any travel—be it a road trip or a red-eye flight—that much more comfortable. And when your set starts to look dingy, you can throw it in the washing machine to restore its luster.

Courtesy of Ostrichpillow

Pros

Adjustable fit
Great at blocking light
CPAP mask-friendly

Cons

Lacks durability
Only works for back sleepers

This microbead-filled, ergonomic mask wraps around the head, crisscrossing in front of the eyes and securing with Velcro at the nape of the neck. The result: A super-soft cocoon of darkness. It’s stretchy, too, so it fits a wide range of head sizes.

This sleep mask is also a nice tool for when you need to escape the world for a brief moment of meditation.

Amazon

Pros

Made with organic cotton
Excellent light blocking
Great for sensitive sleepers

Cons

Velcro on straps wears out easily
Band size runs large

This handmade, organic cotton mask looks quite oversized, but it’s so lightweight and comfortable that you'll barely notice it's there. The wrap-around style also features a handy nose cutout so it'll stay securely in place without creating excess pressure on your face.

Bonus: The mask comes with a pair of earplugs in case you need help drowning out noise at night, too.

Amazon

Pros

Material molds to your features
Excellent at light blocking
Durable construction

Cons

Bulkier design than other options

This contoured, machine-washable mask is basically a Tempur-Pedic bed for your face. It's comfortable, supportive, and molds specifically to your features, all of which encourage quality sleep.

The elastic band has a Velcro closure, which allows you to achieve a more personalized fit. And the durable material is designed to last, giving you top-notch sleep support year after year.

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Sleek design
Naturally cool to the touch
Easy to adjust

Cons

Must wash by hand
Band size runs large

This feather-light, jewel-toned eye cover is made from cooling silk charmeuse and has a slippery surface that feels extra luxurious against the skin. The fabric won't create any crease marks on your face as you sleep, and the soft and gentle elastic band gives you just the right amount of customization that won't pull, break, or fray your hair.

Pros

Silk and cotton outer layer
Subtle compression
Can be put in the freezer for added cooling effect

Cons

Size runs small

This budget-friendly find does a great job of keeping you cool and blocking out light simultaneously. The outer pouch that lays directly over your eyes is made of silk while the inner removable pouch is filled with tiny gel beads that conform to the shape of your face, allowing for the slightest bit of compression.

For a quick cooling fix, chill it in the freezer and then slip it on before you drift off to sleep.

Final Verdict

For a more traditional silk sleep mask, go for the fan-favorite Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask. If you have long lashes or falsies, look into the Bucky 40 Blinks Contoured Eye Mask because the roomy contoured cups allow you to blink comfortably while wearing the mask.

The Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask is our best overall pick, though, because it boasts a wide surface area that ensures darkness, and the wraparound style won’t disturb your hair or slip off while you sleep.

What to Look for in a Sleep Mask

Light Blocking

If a sleep mask doesn’t block the light effectively, then it’s not worth your time. Consider darker-colored fabrics over lighter ones, and the coverage area of the sleep mask is key as well. If it's too small for your face, the light may peek through.

Material

Masks come in myriad fabrics—silk, satin, cotton, merino wool, and more—each of which present their own benefits and drawbacks. Generally, look for textiles that are gentle on the face, breathable, and, if you run hot, cooling.

Comfort

If your mask is too loose, it’ll likely slip off, but if it's too tight, you may end up with a headache. Look for options that sit comfortably on your face and are just snug enough to block light so you can snooze. An adjustable strap may be helpful in customizing the fit for optimal comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sleep masks really work?

According to research, yes. Using an eye mask can help you log more time in the REM sleep stage, reduce the amount of time it takes you to reach REM sleep, and maintain higher levels of melatonin, which further promotes healthy sleep patterns.
Are sleep masks bad for your skin?

As long as you clean your sleep mask regularly, it does not pose any harm to the delicate skin on your face around your eyes. No matter the fabric of your sleep mask, it will collect oil, sweat, and bacteria from your skin over time. Read your sleep mask's care instructions for optimal washing practices, and if daily washing seems improbable for your routine, aim for at least once every few days.

Why trust Verywell Mind?

Rozalynn S. Frazier is an award-winning multimedia journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on health and fitness. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and an avid exerciser who routinely puts wellness tools and fitness gear through its paces to help assess which products are worthy of praise. Frazier, who loves sleep masks and has several she regularly cycles through, has created content for SELF, Men’s Health, Real Simple, Health, Essence, Cosmopolitan, Livestrong.com, and more.