The best sleep mask we tested
Best sleep mask: Mavogel Sleep Mask
Sleep masks may seem to be all the same, but these sleep aids can vary greatly, from how much light they block out to the amount of pressure they apply to your eyes. Some are weighted or made of soft silk while others are scented in hopes of replicating a spa-like experience.
Here at Underscored, we take our sleep very seriously. From the best pillows for stomach sleepers to the best mattresses, we’ve tested almost anything someone might want to make a night of sleep just that much better. We’ve taken the same thorough approach to finding the best sleep mask.
To help, we spent several months testing 15 sleep masks to find the best option for you. We focused on uniqueness in design, how much light each filtered out and the overall comfortability during several nights’ worth of sleep wearing each option. Ultimately, one sleep mask won us over for its dream-inducing design.
The Mavogel Sleep Mask features a genius nose wire so it blocks all — and we mean all — the light. The mask is soft on the eyes and comfortable on the head, and it never so much as budged during the night, no matter our sleep position.
Best sleep mask: Mavogel Sleep Mask
You don’t always have to pay top dollar to get the best the world has to offer. Case in point: the Mavogel Sleep Mask.
Let’s get right to our favorite thing about this mask: the adjustable nose wire. Similar to the nose wire in surgical face masks, the Mavogel’s nose wire lets you get the perfect light-blocking, lock-in-place fit. Many masks had a slight crack of light around the nose bridge. This mask, though, formed the best seal around the edges, blocking out more light than any other mask we tested.
The 100% cotton fabric is some of the softest jersey we’ve ever felt against the eyes. The Mavogel is so light, soft and airy that it has a barely-there feeling. While we found all masks to press on our eyelids ever so slightly that blinking was noticeable, this mask provided the lowest amount of pressure on the eyelids of all the nonelevated masks that we tried.
It’s the slim, nonelevated profile of the Mavogel that makes it a winner for all sleep styles: back, side, stomach or combination. It withstood a rigorous tossing-and-turning test like a champ by not budging out of position — thanks to that nose wire — and hair did not get tangled in the strap. We do wish that the adjustable head strap were a tad wider to spread out the line of pressure around the head, but it was so subtle that we’re really splitting hairs to make this comment. Tapered wings connecting the strap and mask prevent light leakage from the sides, and these little ditties did the job just right. Other masks that we tested had much larger wings without a larger observed benefit.
Though more than half of the masks that we tested come with their own travel bag or box, the one that came with the Mavogel was the most well thought out. The small pouch comes with a little carabiner so that it can easily be clipped onto any travel bag. The only thing we don’t like about the bag is that the mask has to be folded to fit inside, which affect the nose wire, which can become deformed over time if you keep folding it up to fit into the pouch.
Thanks to its unique nose bridge, effective side wings and staying power, we’re confident you won’t find a better sleep mask than the Mavogel — especially considering its price.
How we tested
Build
- Light blockage: A sleep mask that doesn’t block the light is like a swimming pool without water. That’s why we weighted this category more than others. Masks that even showed the slighted crack of light lost a point. We tested in broad daylight and at night in a less-than-pitch-black New York City apartment.
- Material composition: When something is going to sit on your eyes all night while you sleep, it has to be soft and breathable. While testing, we were careful to note if the skin where the mask touched felt hot, cold or uncomfortable at all. We also paid attention to how our eyes felt after a night of rest with the mask on. Were they dry? Did they feel stifled? The softer and more breathable the mask, the more it impressed us.
- Face-shape versatility: No two faces are exactly the same, and that becomes glaringly apparent when trying to find an eye mask that works for everyone. We judged each mask on its ability to accommodate a variety of face shapes and sizes, nose types, cheekbone types and eye types. The more versatile, the better we rated this element.
- Overall build: We stretched elastics, balled them up, washed them, dried them and slept in them to see how they held up to typical wear and tear. Then we judged which ones took a beating, still worked and looked like new.
- Packability: Sleep masks are a popular travel companion for frequent flyers, and our top pick had to pack well. We looked at how the mask itself withstood being jammed into a suitcase or purse and if it came with a travel bag of its own. Masks did not impress us if they easily got wrinkled or damaged, or if they damaged other objects in the bag.
- Weight: Going into this test we weren’t sure if weight would matter or not, so we decided to weigh each mask and then determine if that had an impact. It turned out that it wasn’t a consistent way to judge a mask. Some lighter masks felt better than heavier and vice versa.
- Washability: This was another surprising category. We had assumed that at least one of the masks would be machine-washable, but none of the masks that we tested met that expectation. We judged this category by how difficult each mask was to clean, dry and make ready to wear again. Some did better with the press of an iron, while others could be rinsed in the morning and worn in the afternoon without any fuss. One actually couldn’t be washed at all. The highest marks went to the masks that could be cleaned well without extra steps or difficulty.
- Color options: We like options when it comes to a personal accessory like this, so masks that offered more colors and patterns got higher marks.
Function
- Rest quality: Now, this category was a tricky one. We judged how well a mask stayed on while sleeping, but sometimes it didn’t matter if it fell off. Why? We kept on sleeping and didn’t even notice the mask was missing because it helped us fall asleep so hard. We considered that a win.
- Stability: The last thing that we want is to notice the mask in a way that’s distracting, painful or annoying. Masks that shifted, were noticeable or even — gasp! — woke us up lost points. We especially noted if it caused uncomfortable pressure on the head, eyes or face. If a mask stayed put and felt invisible, it came out on top.
- Heat/dryness: Ew. We hoped we wouldn’t come across a mask that really failed this test, and luckily, we didn’t. Some felt dry and some felt a little swampy, so they lost marks, but none were a total fail. Phew.
- Adjustability: During this test, we measured each eye mask and band to determine the minimum and maximum head circumference and then weighed that against the average head sizes for adult men and women. It was surprising to see how far a few masks strayed from meeting the average in both directions.
- Hair damage: Wearing an elastic band around your head all night could cause breakage or other hair damage, so we put each mask to the test. Masks that left our hair less tangled and with more typical bedhead got higher marks.
- Warranty: Because masks tend to be low-ticket items, a guarantee or warranty turned out to be elusive at best. If one was available in any fashion, it got marks. Three of the 14 masks we tested fell into that category.
Other sleep masks we tested
Made of an upcycled polyester, this mask is soft to the touch, like your favorite worn T-shirt, and felt nice against our eyes. We also liked the double elastic straps on the back, which provided a secure fit that kept the mask on all night but didn't pull on our hair and felt comfortable to lie on.
From Bearaby, the maker of some of our favorite weighted blankets, comes a weighted sleep mask to match. Design-wise, we have no complaints about the Bearaby mask, but at 0.75 pounds, this mask was by far the heaviest we tested. The mask applied a bit of pressure to the eyes, which we felt most when we were lying on our back.
At times, the weight felt a bit much and made it uncomfortable or hard to fall asleep, so some nights we took it off. If you already like the sensation of weighted sleep masks, like the NodPod, you’ll probably like this Bearaby mask, But we wouldn’t recommend it as a good fit for all sleepers some might find the weight to be a nuisance. The Mavogel mask still offers a better, and more travel-friendly, fit at a more affordable price.
The Slip Silk Sleep Mask is incredibly similar to other masks we tested, like the Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask. The silk fabric feels cool and breathable on the skin, and the band sat comfortably on the back of the head without tugging or pulling at our hair.?
The Slip mask is essentially an upgraded version of the classic airplane sleep mask, and while we love how the luxe silk fabric glides across the head, for almost $40 less, you’ll get a lot of the same benefits from the Mavogel mask. We liked the simple design of the Slip mask, which true to its name, slips on and off the head with ease and blocks out most light without adding extra bulk on top of your eyes or brow bone. However, if you’re keen to have a silk mask to match your silk pillowcase or for its beauty perks, the Slip mask is still a great option.
Few sleep masks are as plush and luxurious as the Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask. The mask itself essentially feels like an extra pillow wrapped around your head, and as you would imagine, it’s incredibly comfortable.
The large eye covers on this mask block almost all light, covering from just above your nostrils up to the mid-forehead, while the wide headband fits on top of your ears, helping softly dampen sound while you sleep. As a bonus, it also comes with a silk drawstring sack, which makes storing and traveling with the mask more hygienic.
But as sumptuous as the Lunya mask is, we recognize the plush nature might feel too bulky for some sleepers. While light leakage is minimal, the Lunya mask also lacks an adjustable nose bridge to create a properly personalized fit. While our tester found the Lunya mask to have a relaxed fit, we know that might not be true for everyone, and the?nonadjustable headband means that some users may find the mask too tight or too loose to sleep in night after night.?To help with these fit issues, the mask is available in small and large sizes.
The Cozy Earth Stretch-Knit Bamboo Sleep Mask felt soft against our skin and allowed us to sleep comfortably throughout the night.
We also liked the deep nose cut of this mask and its wide eye covers, which in tandem helped to block out light coming from all angles. However, the Cozy Earth mask felt heavier on our eyes than the Slip or Mavogel masks, probably due to the fluffy filling inside. We also found it hard to get a perfect fit with the headband, since the band is too large to tuck fully behind the ears but not large enough to fully cover them. Instead, the mask rested on the top half of our ears, which didn’t feel the most secure as our heads hit the pillow.
The Ostrichpillow Eye Mask is a comfortable option that does well at blocking unwanted light and staying comfortable on your face. Face-down sleepers may want to look elsewhere, though, as this feels odd to use in that position.
Sleeping in the Ostrichpillow Eye Mask, on our backs or our sides, was the stuff of dreams. We slept in darkness peacefully and even if we had to get up in the middle of the night, it was simple to remove the mask and reapply it without much fumbling.
One drawback to this mask is that sleeping facedown doesn’t feel natural because of the soft but structured cups around the eyes. These are, however, very successful at keeping the mask in place and blocking light. So, considering the price difference, we think you’re better off with the all-around great Mavogel.
The Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask didn’t disappoint much, with its simple flash of fine fabric that worked like a charm and felt like the luxury experience we expected.
The Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask kept our skin feeling cool throughout the night and our hair untangled in the morning, and it was able to comfortably accommodate sleep in almost any position. However, because it lacks a Velcro closure and adjustable nose wire, it wasn’t as adjustable as our winner, which caused a string of differences. Differences include a smidge of light leakage and a tighter fit over the eyelids, not to mention it couldn’t accommodate as wide of a range of head circumferences.
If you can’t afford a trip to the spa, then the Yana Aromatherapy Mask is a suitable alternative. Not only is it weighted but it’s scented with lavender and flaxseed, making for an invigorating yet calming experience.
The Yana Aromatherapy Mask is the best way to treat yourself to a spa-worthy night of comfortable sleep. It features an inner pouch that’s microwave-safe for up to 30 seconds, should you be looking for more of a hug for your face. The Velcro strap allows for a personalized fit while the copper-infused satin cover (which you can refrigerate) feels nice and cool against the skin on humid nights.
However, maintenance is, predictably, a bit tricky. After washing on a cold and gentle cycle and line drying, it lost some of its softness. While it’s certainly relaxing, the weight of the mask might feel overwhelming for a full night’s sleep for some sleepers.
The Coop Sleep Goods Silk Eye Mask is an all-around great sleep mask if you like the look and feel of silk, plus its restorative benefits on both hair and skin.
In testing over the last three months, this mask — made of 16.5 momme mulberry silk — has been a consistent go-to for its perfect balance of breathability, softness and blackout properties. Like all silk, it is quite finicky to maintain: After only spot-cleaning, it still looks as though it’s been through the wringer from the natural oils from our skin. It comes with a gathered elastic closure, which is not ideal for head circumferences of all sizes. It also stretched considerably since first wear, making it fare better when paired with another mask on top to create a tightening effect.
The Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask is incredibly comfortable and feels like wearing two pillows of foam on your eyes. It's intended mostly for back sleepers, so keep that in mind when buying.
The MZOO Eye Mask comes with a pillow of satin-covered foam surrounding each eye, elevating the mask. This is a brilliant feature for eye comfort because eyes can blink naturally without feeling the mask, and there isn’t any pressure on the eyelids. Bonus: It also provides an extra light barrier and is perfect for people with false eyelashes. The mask is more for back sleepers, though, as it is incredibly comfortable — so long as you’re not on your side or stomach. Roll over to your side and those cozy light-blocking foam pads may cause the mask to push out of position, cause too much pressure on the eye area or both.
This mask from Brownmed was one of the heaviest models we tested, mostly because it features a bunch of tiny beads inside the fabric that cradle your face when worn. It's a nice feature but a little too heavy for a full night's sleep.
The Brownmed IMAK Compression Pain Relief Mask and Eye Pillow were noticeably different from the other masks we tested. First, it’s heavy at 186 grams. This is because it’s filled with tiny beads that nestle into your cheeks and eyebrows to provide soothing pressure.
Its narrow elastic headband initially felt like a joke, but it worked fairly well. This mask isn’t for side or stomach sleepers or people who toss and turn at night because of its bulk. It’s not great for a full night of sleep but is excellent for a de-stressing nap on your back or even in your desk chair.
The Alaska Bear Natural Silk Eye Mask is inexpensive and basic but gets the job done. It's available in various colors and patterns, which is a nice touch, but its design doesn't hold up well enough to recommend for long-term use.
The Alaska Bear Natural Silk Eye Mask is a low-priced mask that didn’t come close to our winner, but it held its own. This mask is your standard, run-of-the-mill sleep mask. If a mask that reflects your personality is just as important as the fit, then this mask — which comes in various colors, patterns and art options — is your match. It’s easy to pack, comes with a storage bag, blocks most of the light, and works for different sleep styles and face shapes.
However, it does not meet any top-tier standards in several areas. This mask’s silk caught on our eyelashes when we blinked. It also got wrinkled after it came off during the night and left our hair slightly tangled. So, for the same price, we’d much rather get the Mavogel Sleep Mask.
The Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask has an interesting cupped design reminiscent of the Bucky mask we also tested below. This performed all right but did get a little wrinkly after one night of wear.
The Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask’s cupped design makes it look like a tiny strapless bathing suit top for your eyes. It also looks almost exactly like another mask that we tested: the Bucky. This mask impressed us less than our winner, but that doesn’t mean the Nidra is a total throwaway. Those weird eye cups are actually extremely comfortable for people who blink or open their eyes in their sleep — or who wear false lashes. But it did not fare super well in many of our tests. It came off early in the night due to shifting.
Our hair was staticky after a night of wearing the mask, and the mask itself got deeply wrinkled after one night. We wouldn’t recommend throwing this into a suitcase without putting it in a bag or box — it doesn’t come with one — because the Velcro can snag on other fabrics and objects. The brand does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, however, which was one of the most generous guarantees in our testing pool. Overall, this mask was fine but not great.
Tempur-Pedic is known for its incredibly comfortable, conforming foam in all its uses, and an eye mask seemed like a natural extension. Unfortunately, this mask did not impress us.
Admittedly, we were excited to test the Tempur-Pedic but it didn’t live up to those expectations. Why? The Tempur-Sleep Mask is just too bulky — and without purpose. The extra rolls of foam around the bottom are so big that the mask wouldn’t stay under our eyes. Our cheeks pushed them up on top of our eyelids. The fabric collected dust and lint more than any other mask tested, and it felt drier on the skin and eyes than the other masks.
Another point of issue was the pressure on the nose and cheeks that got to a point of hurting and waking us up. The Tempur-Sleep Mask cannot be washed, and it absorbs creams and moisture from the skin. Plus, the Velcro closure will snag fabrics if not carefully packed separately in a suitcase. However, this mask blocks out light like nobody’s business, and if you have the right face shape, it could be a good choice for you. It also comes with the most robust warranty of the masks we tested, at a full year.
This mask looks extremely similar to the Nidra mask but came up short performance-wise. Although this unique cupped mask has its perks, it wasn’t enough to win us over in the end.
When we took the Bucky 40 Blinks No-Pressure Eye Mask out of its packaging, we thought there was a mistake: It looked like we got another Nidra mask. But after closer inspection, we did find a few differences, and they didn’t impress us as the Nidra mask did. There were also a couple of elements that were better than the Nidra, but those didn’t take it into star status. The Bucky mask is ever so slightly larger, which oddly, made it less effective at blocking light.
The material felt a little rougher and more textured than the Nidra and other masks we tested. We like that it comes in seven colors and unique prints, including marble, floral and even tie-dye. One cool thing about the Bucky — and the Nidra, for that matter — is that it fits a wide range of head sizes, from 16.5 inches to 25 inches un-stretched, making it an option for kids as well as adults.
