The Best Sleep Masks
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
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A dark room is the key to getting a good night’s sleep, according to 73% of respondents in a National Sleep Foundation poll. It turns out that science agrees with popular opinion.
Even a dim artificial light (no brighter than a street lamp outside of a window) can cause a person to wake in the middle of the night, according to a peer-reviewed study published in Chronobiology International.
This isn’t a case of “blue light” disrupting circadian rhythms like using a smartphone before bed can do. Rather, researchers at Caltech believe that a protein in our brains responds directly to light exposure!
(Interestingly, I’ve found dozens of customers who complained that their sleep was disturbed by the LED indicator lights on an air purifier.)
Can a “Blackout Eye Mask” Improve Sleep Quality?
A study published in Critical Care, a peer-reviewed medical journal, concludes that the “use of earplugs and eye masks in subjects not only improves subjective sleep quality, but also increases the amount of REM sleep and nocturnal melatonin levels.”
To be fair, this study was conducted in a hospital setting where patients were exposed to light and sounds throughout the night, i.e. not your typical nighttime conditions. Nevertheless, an eye mask may be beneficial for those who are exposed to light during sleeping hours.
The best eye masks use natural, breathable materials and have an adjustable fit. Masks should be hand-washed as often as a pillow case to minimize the risk of developing acne or a stye (an eyelid infection).
Interestingly, eye masks are rumored to cause wrinkles. It sounds like nonsense, but some doctors believe that facial distortions during sleep (e.g. from too-tight a mask or sleeping face down on a pillow) can cause or deepen wrinkles. Consider speaking with your dermatologist if you plan to wear an eye mask regularly. (See also: A guide to microneedling and Bakuchiol.)
Are Weighted Sleep Masks Safe?
In my opinion, the risks of using a weighted sleep mask outweigh the potential benefits. External ocular compression can result in intraocular pressure, which is likely to “contribute to significant ocular pathology, not only for glaucoma, but for retinal vascular occlusive diseases,” according to a clinical study published in The Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. In fact, even the simple act of pressing one’s eyes into a pillow can increase intraocular pressure, according to an analysis published in Acta Ophthalmologica.
Weighted sleep masks are a relatively new product, and as a result, there are no clinical studies that directly speak to the risks of using one. However, a disturbing number of online reviews for these products mention “eye pain” and “blurry vision.” For this reason, I do not recommend these products.
How Much Does a Good Sleep Mask Cost?
A good sleep mask (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $9, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same eye masks cost around $6 while on sale: an average discount of 33%.
Here are the best cheap blackout masks for the money:
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find sleep masks with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any mask with a price above the mid-point.
To find blackout eye masks with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Masks with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than 5% of the analyzed products remain.
Bucky 40 Blinks Midnight Floral Eye Mask
Good Value: $11 | Great Deal: $9
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Bucky’s sleep masks are extremely comfortable because they leave room for eyelashes to blink, yet still manage to block out all light, according to several online customers. Some reviewers warn that the Velcro strap can catch hair; others say that the mask must be replaced every few years because its lining peels.
Note: This mask is also available in cool gray, hibiscus leaf, ruby pop and pink arabella.
Earth Therapeutics Rx3 Soft and Smooth Shut Eye Sleep Mask
Good Value: $10 | Great Deal: $7
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Earth Therapeutics’ sleep mask is lightweight, comfortable and completely dark, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the Velcro strap pulls on their hair; others say the mask has an odor.
Yiview Sleep Mask (3 Pack)
Good Value: $10 | Great Deal: $6
These sleep masks are light, comfortable and effective at blocking light, according to several online customers. Some reviewers (even happy ones) say that the elastic straps are loose and become uncomfortable when tightened. Unhappy customers complain that these masks leak light around the nose.
Jersey Slumber 100% Silk Sleep Mask
Good Value: $9 | Great Deal: $4
Several happy customers say this silk sleep mask improved their sleep. Some reviewers complain that this mask sleeps hot because it isn’t breathable; a few say that the material irritated their skin.
Magic Bear Luxury Silk Sleep Mask
Good Value: $5 | Great Deal: $2
This inexpensive blackout mask is soft, comfortable and breathable, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that light leaks in around the nose; others say that the adjustable strap is too tight.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Mavogel Cotton Eye Mask
Good Value: $10 | Great Deal: $7
Mavogel’s eye mask is extremely soft and has an adjustable nose bridge that keeps light from seeping in, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that the metal clips used to tighten the straps are uncomfortable; others complain that the mask falls off their face at night.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Babo Care Natural Silk Blindfold
Good Value: $12 | Great Deal: $7
This blackout eye mask is soft and effective at blocking light, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the strap is too thin; a few complained that the mask stained their pillowcase.
Unimi Eye Mask for Sleeping
Good Value: $11 | Great Deal: $8
Unimi’s eye mask is dark and comfortable, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say this mask runs large, sleeps hot and isn’t ideal for side sleepers.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
PeNeede 100% Blackout Eye Mask
Good Value: $8 | Great Deal: $5
This inexpensive eye mask is roomy and blocks light effectively. Some reviewers say this mask is too bulky to use in conjunction with a CPAP machine; others say it is uncomfortable because the material is heavy.
Unimi Sleep Mask for Women and Men
Good Value: $9 | Great Deal: $6
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This sleep mask is roomy enough for eyelashes or eyebrows, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the adjustable band rubs against their ears; others say the mask only lasted a few months.
OriHea Eye Cover Sleeping Mask for Women and Men
Good Value: $8 | Great Deal: $6
OriHea’s eye mask is comfortable and effective at blocking light, according to several online customers. Some reviewers (even happy ones) say that the elastic band on this mask stretches out too easily. Customers with smaller heads say that this mask runs large and that light leaks in when the strap stretches.
About the Author: John DeFeo was formerly the head of insights for Live Science, working in conjunction with the site’s sleep science editor. He specializes in the analysis of online customer reviews and has also written about weighted blankets and cotton bed sheet sets.
