The 11 Best Sleep and Eye Masks of 2023

May 24, 2023

From weighted eye masks to classic silk options, one of these is sure to lull you to sleep.

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Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

Forgetting to pack a sleep or eye mask for a long flight is akin to forgetting my passport; it really, truly feels like the end of the world and there's no way I could get on an international flight without one. Sleep masks are designed to provide a darker environment no matter where you are, which can make nodding off on a bright plane or beachfront hotel a whole lot easier. The gentle pressure on the head and face area can also feel, to some, like a weighted blanket; helping to promote restfulness and a sense of calm.

The right eye mask for sleep should also help prevent dry eyes on long flights and can even help to prevent wrinkles by relaxing the face and lessening the friction around the eyes. What can we say — they’re really just an unsung but major player in any good travel arsenal or sleep hygiene routine. The Manta Sleep Mask in particular should earn a place in your travel kit if you want something that’ll offer a dark environment without putting too much pressure directly on your eyes. It's also made from a combination of cotton and fleece so it's both breathable and cozy. But if you’re looking for a specific style of eye mask for sleep, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve pulled together a handful of stand-out sleep and eye masks that will suit all kinds of travelers and sleepers.

Manta

This uniquely-shaped mask cups the eyes without causing pressure or discomfort.

The fleece material may feel too hot for some shoppers.

The Manta Sleep Mask has garnered a reputation as being the most comfortable and efficient eye mask for sleep on the market — and it's easy to see why. The mask cups the outer edges of the eye rather than pressing directly onto the eyes which helps provide more long-term comfort. The cup-shaped eye covers also help to provide a true blackout in any environment for a better and deeper sleeping experience wherever you are. We also like that this option is made with a super soft cotton and fleece material that can easily be thrown in the wash.

Price at time of publish: $35

The Details: Cotton, fleece | Machine washable

Amazon

This elegant sleep mask is super gentle on the skin and hair.

The flat design is less comfortable than cupped or padded designs.

Looking for an elegant sleep mask that won't leave you with frizzy or tangled hair come morning time? The Slip Sleep Mask — and the whole Slip line for that matter — is designed to provide sleep support without causing fizzing or breakage. It's worth noting that the silk material also allegedly helps prevent wrinkles or skin irritation as well thanks to the smooth feel and natural material. This option is available in a variety of cool colors and patterns to best suit your style and although the mask is hand wash only, the silk material is surprisingly durable and will hold up for years.

Price at time of publish: $50

The Details: Mulberry silk | Hand wash only

White + Warren

This ultra-soft eye mask is non-slip and will stay in place all night.

The cashmere material is very delicate and requires careful hand washing or dry cleaning.

There's no point of investing in an expensive sleep eye mask if it's going to slip off your face halfway through your snooze — so if you know you’re a restless sleeper or you tend to change positions a lot you might want to consider investing in a cashmere eye mask like this one from White + Warren. The soft, cashmere material is delicate on the skin like silk, but the textured material won't move even if you do throughout the night. We also really like that this option is slightly larger than the average sleep mask; it spans down the nose and over the forehead for cozy and complete coverage.

Price at time of publish: $85

The Details: Cashmere | Hand wash or dry clean

Amazon

This 100 percent silk sleep mask is machine washable and super easy to fold up and store in your travel kit.

The thick silk material can get a bit hot.

Looking for something you can just throw in your travel bag for emergency in-flight naps? The Jersey Slumber Silk Sleep Eye Mask is a great option for anyone looking for a decent sleep mask but who doesn't want to spend a ton on something they don't plan on using all the time. Despite its budget-friendly price point, it's made with 100 percent silk material that won't cause hair breakage or frizziness. The slightly rounded cups and adjustable strap also mean that this option won't irritate your eyes or cause any unwanted pressure around your head.

Price at time of publish: $10

The Details: Silk | Machine washable

Amazon

This adjustable sleep mask comes in a leopard print design that's bold and fun without overdoing it.

The flat design might feel uncomfortable on the eyelids or lashes.

If you’re planning to use your sleep mask on the airplane — or if you just like to look stylish at all times — it could be worth looking into a mask that's just as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional, and that's where the Kitsch Satin Sleep Mask comes in. This silky mask is made with an adjustable strap that allows you to control the pressure of the mask while the matching beige and cream-colored leopard print pattern offers a fun take on a more utilitarian product. We also really like that this mask doesn't absorb moisture from your skin so you won't have to worry about your nighttime skincare products rubbing off while sleeping.

Price at time of publish: $18

The Details: Silk, satin | Hand wash only

Amazon

This classic Breakfast at Tiffany's set pays homage to the movie that single-handedly made eye masks chic.

It's designed for costume use and might not be as comfy as other options on our list.

Name a more iconic sleep eye mask moment than Audrey Hepburn waking up in her New York City apartment in Breakfast at Tiffany's… you can't, can you? The cheeky turquoise blue eye mask and matching earplugs were technically designed to be a costume but the over-the-top design can easily be used for practical purposes if you really desire. The chic tassel earplugs really do work to block out noise while the eye mask is made of 100 percent silk and can be tied and adjusted to fit your head comfortably. We also like that this stunning option comes in an equally chic box which makes it great for gifting to the Holly Golightly lover in your life.

Price at time of publish: $30

The Details: Silk | Hand wash only

Amazon

This comfortable Bluetooth headphone is ultra-lightweight and thin, and it's way more comfy than regular headphones.

The low-battery alert sound is loud and repetitive.

For some of us, falling asleep with a sleep story or podcast playing in the background is the only way to successfully get some half-decent shut-eye. If that sounds like you, you might want to consider streamlining your gear and opting for an eye mask for sleep that has built-in headphones. The Musicozy Sleep Headphones are a great example of what a Bluetooth eye mask can be. It's super lightweight and subtle so you won't feel like you’re sleeping with the weight of a battery pack attached to your face and it seamlessly pairs with your smartphone. The only downfall is that the low-battery alert is a bit irritating and repetitive starting as soon as the battery gets down to 10 percent — but as long as you remember to charge your device every day or two you shouldn't run into that problem often.

Price at time of publish: $40

The Details: Memory foam | Machine washable

Walmart

This moisture-wicking sleep mask sits over the ears for a better and more comfortable fit.

The cloth nose contour could be larger for a better blackout.

Side sleepers know the struggle of trying to find an eye mask that’ll actually stay on without riding up or down throughout the night — but thankfully the Alaska Bear Sleep Mask was actually made specifically for side sleepers. This moisture-wicking sleep mask was designed to sit on top of the ear rather than above it which helps keep the mask in place while taking pressure off the head. The unique-shaped eyecups are designed to block out as much light as possible even while laying on your side. However, the nose contour is quite small and those with larger noses might notice that some light does, unfortunately, seep in.

Price at time of publish: $35

The Details: Memory foam | Machine washable

Amazon

This unique eye mask is instantly calming thanks to evenly distributed pressure designed for relaxation.

The beanbag design might not be the most convenient for using while sitting upright in economy seats.

The Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask is basically a hug for your face; the weighted beanbag band is designed to provide a gentle, even pressure that offers benefits similar to those of a weighted blanket while still blocking out much of the light around you. The unique design can either lay across your face while you're laying on your back or you can use the rounded tie at the back to adjust the sleep mask around your head for more convenient side sleeping. We also love that this option comes in a huge variety of fun colorways, including everything from classic grays and blacks to bright orange and yellow.

Price at time of publish: $35

The Details: Microfiber, cotton | Machine washable

Ssense

This premium travel set includes everything you need to make your flight or hotel stay a luxurious experience.

The items are made out of satin rather than silk.

Nothing says see you in first class quite like a matching set of Versace travel accessories. This set includes everything you’d want to find in a first-class amenity kit: slippers, a pillow, a branded Versace travel pouch, and of course a silky-smooth Versace eye mask for sleeping. Every item is printed with the signature La Greca pattern in a neutral black-and-gray colorway that’ll easily suit your existing travel (or bedtime) style without being too loud or overbearing. It's also admittedly a bit much to spend on satin travel accessories — but if you have a penchant for designer accessories it’ll be worth it every time you pull out your travel gear before hitting the road.

Price at time of publish: $575

The Details: Satin | Hand wash only

Amazon

This option offers the benefits of total darkness without feeling too snug on the face and head.

It doesn't work as well for side sleepers.

The Ostrich Pillow Eye Mask is the best sleep eye mask for blocking out pretty much all light. It's a true blackout mask that’ll provide instant darkness, even if you’re in the middle seat next to someone who refuses to close the airplane window. It features six layers of material to ensure no light gets through, but the unique curved design and adjustable wrap-around material won't irritate your eyes or eyelashes, even if you keep this mask on for all night. This mask also features 3D ergonomics that have been designed to comfortably mold to your unique face shape for a better fit.

Price at time of publish: $45

The Details: Modal, foam | Hand wash only

It doesn't matter if you’re a hot sleeper or not — you’ll want to ensure the eye mask you’re buying is made from breathable material. Silk is your best bet to prevent overheating and moisture absorption from your hair or face, but a cotton blend is another good contender and actually better if you want something moisture-wicking.

Shape and fit are crucial in ensuring your sleep mask works for your specific needs. If you’re a side sleeper, for example, you’ll want something that is well-contoured and fits around your eyes and nose to block out light without pressing into your face. If you’re sensitive to pressure around your eyes, you’ll also want something with eyecups that won't press into your eyeballs or bother your eyelashes.

As many light sleepers know, a sleep mask is a godsend for those who yearn for restful slumber. "It's a way to block out the unwelcome intrusions of light and create an abode of darkness for your eyes," explained James Oliver, sleep expert and founder of Australia-based Hey Mattress. "By doing so, it can work wonders for your sleep quality — you'll fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed and energized."

The materials used in making eye masks are crucial, and silk and satin are some of the best options of all. "These fabrics are preferred because of their smoothness and comfort," explains Oliver. "However, silk edges out satin when it comes to breathability and causes less irritation and wrinkles around the eyes — which is a bonus!"

If you're ever on a flight and you want to doze off without any disturbance, wearing an eye mask is a wise choice. "Wearing an eye mask for sleep on an airplane blocks out the cabin's glaring lights and unwanted distractions, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and snoozing," Oliver said. "Plus, it signals to other passengers and flight attendants that you're trying to get some shut-eye, which may result in fewer disturbances."

A well-fitting sleep mask is vital to your comfort during sleep. "Your eye mask should rest securely over your eyes without pressing too firmly on your face, and it should also be adjustable to fit a variety of head shapes and sizes," Oliver said. "Finding a sleep mask that fits perfectly is key to achieving a peaceful and uninterrupted slumber."

For this article, T+L contributor Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as an award-winning travel writer and former lifestyle editor and interviewed sleep expert James Oliver to curate a list of the best sleep and eye masks to suit most needs.

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