The 10 Best Sleep Masks of 2023: Top Picks for Every Sleeper
Darkness-first designs cradle your eyes for undisturbed rest plus easy on-the-go comfort.
The 10 Best Sleep Masks of 2023: Find Your Perfect Night’s Rest
In today’s world full of screens and artificial light, achieving deep, uninterrupted sleep can be challenging. Light is a major disruptor of your circadian rhythm, but the right sleep mask can help you reclaim your rest—whether you’re at home, traveling, or catching a nap mid-day. To help you find your ideal sleep mask, we’ve researched and tested dozens of options, focusing on comfort, light-blocking capability, material, fit, and durability.
This expertly curated guide reviews the top sleep masks of 2023, offering detailed insights into their design, unique features, pros and cons, and ideal user types. Whether you’re a side sleeper, a lover of natural fabrics, or seeking the ultimate in blackout technology, you’ll find your perfect match below.
Table of Contents
- Why Use a Sleep Mask?
- What To Look For in a Sleep Mask
- Our Top 10 Sleep Masks of 2023
- How We Choose and Test Sleep Masks
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Use a Sleep Mask? Benefits You’ll Love
Quality sleep is crucial for mental and physical health, but exposure to light can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Here’s why sleep masks have become an essential accessory for many:
- Blocks unwanted light, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
- Facilitates deeper, restorative sleep by supporting your circadian rhythm.
- Great for travel or irregular schedules—perfect for frequent flyers and shift workers.
- Reduces visual distractions, supporting meditation and relaxation routines.
- May help alleviate dry eyes by providing a gentle barrier in dry or air-conditioned environments.
What To Look For In a Great Sleep Mask
Choosing the right sleep mask depends on individual preference and sleeping style. Consider these factors before you buy:
- Material: Silk is gentle and luxurious; cotton is soft and breathable; memory foam offers cushioning.
- Design: Contoured masks allow you to open your eyes without pressure; wraparound styles improve blackout.
- Fit & Adjustability: Wide, adjustable straps prevent slipping and minimize hair tangles.
- Light-Blocking Ability: Test for leaks around the nose and sides, especially if you’re sensitive to light.
- Durability & Care: Machine-washable options are easiest to maintain, but check for shape retention after washing.
- Travel Features: Lightweight masks with carrying cases are best for on-the-go use.
What others are reading
Our Top 10 Sleep Masks of 2023
Below are the year’s standout masks, each with unique strengths to match specific needs—whether you want plush comfort, total darkness, or skin-loving fabric.
1. Bucky 40 Blinks Contoured Eye Mask
- Best Overall & Most Versatile
- Material: Lightweight foam, polyester cover
- Price: $13 – $25
This mask consistently ranks as the top pick in lab and user tests. Its contoured design gives ample space around the eyes, allowing you to blink freely or open your eyes without pressure—ideal for lash extensions or sensitive skin. Users rave about its ability to block out nearly all light and its durable, machine-washable construction. Available in various colors and prints, it’s an appealing and practical choice for most sleepers.
2. Mack’s Dreamweaver Contoured Sleep Mask
- Best Value
- Includes: Carrying case and earplugs
- Price: $12
Offering almost all the benefits of more expensive models, Mack’s Dreamweaver impresses with its contoured shape and included travel accessories. It provides moderate light blocking and boasts a comfortable fit for various head sizes. While it let in marginally more light than the top contenders, its value and convenience are unbeatable for frequent travelers or anyone on a budget.
3. Fishers Finery Silk Sleep Mask
- Best for Skin & Hair
- Material: 100% Mulberry silk
- Price: $24
Silk masks deliver an indulgent sleep experience, reducing friction that can lead to skin creases and hair breakage. This model by Fishers Finery is Good Housekeeping Seal-certified, meaning it’s backed by a refund or replacement guarantee. The mask feels cool and gentle, wicking away moisture, though it may let in a trace of light if not fitted snugly. Still, it’s a favorite especially for stomach sleepers or those with sensitive skin.
4. Magovel Cotton Sleep Mask
- Best for Back Sleepers & Natural Fabric Lovers
- Material: Soft cotton
If you prefer natural, breathable materials, this cotton sleep mask offers exceptional comfort and flexibility. With easy-to-shape nose pieces and side flaps to eliminate light leaks, it conforms to your face for complete darkness—especially for back sleepers. The wide, soft strap is adjustable and stays put, minimizing friction or tangling in hair.
5. Tempur-Pedic Sleep Mask
- Best for Pressure Relief & Cushioning
- Material: Memory foam (Tempur material)
- Price: $29
Using the same pressure-relieving memory foam as Tempur-Pedic mattresses, this mask molds to your face for a personalized, cushiony fit. It offers a velvety feel and profound darkness, with a plush removable cover for easy washing. The substantial, supportive structure is best for those seeking maximum comfort, though light sleepers may notice its bulk on the face.
6. Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask Bundle
- Best Luxury Set
- Includes: Silk mask and pillowcase bundle
- Price: $59
For those who value self-care rituals, Brooklinen’s set includes a sumptuous silk pillowcase and matching sleep mask. The hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking silk pampers both skin and hair, ideal for anyone who wants a taste of hotel-level luxury at home. It offers reasonable light blocking and is ultra-kind for sensitive complexions or curly hair.
7. Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask
- Editor’s Pick for Ultimate Comfort
- Material: Lavish mulberry silk, extra-wide cushioning
- Design: Wrap-around, Velcro-adjustable strap
The Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask’s wide, pillowy band wraps fully around the head for total blackout. Reviewers consistently mention quicker sleep onset and improved sleep quality; its plushness and gentle weight contribute to a cocoon-like, comforting experience. The Velcro strap enables a customized fit that stays put all night, suitable for any sleeping position. Available in multiple stylish colors, it’s machine washable at low temperatures for easy care.
8. Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask
- Best Lightweight Mask
- Material: Pure mulberry silk (thin, highly breathable)
- Price: $15 – $20
This two-strap version is feather-light and stays in place thanks to its dual thin elastic bands with silent sliding adjustable clasps. The silk feels cool against the skin, ideal for hot sleepers or those who dislike bulk. While incredibly comfortable, it may let a bit of light in during bright daylight. The mask is reversible, but be mindful of minor light leakage at the nose if not fitted just right.
9. Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask
- Best for Side Sleepers
- Material: Molded foam (contoured)
- Design: Deep contours prevent pressure on eyelids/eyelashes
Side sleepers often struggle with bulk or slipping, but the Nidra mask’s low-profile, contoured foam sits comfortably even when pressed against a pillow. Deep cups provide a pressure-free fit for the eyes, and the ergonomic nose contour blocks light effectively. Lightweight and secure, it’s machine-washable and packs flat for travel.
10. Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask
- Best Adjustable Contour Mask
- Material: 3D memory foam
- Price: $20
Mzoo’s contoured mask features deep eye cavities and a wide adjustable strap for maximum comfort and light blockage. Its velvet exterior is soft on the skin, and the interior foam molds gently, making it a favorite among those who toss and turn at night. The construction is sturdy and durable, ideal for nightly use.
How We Chose and Tested the Best Sleep Masks
Our sleep mask selections are based on a combination of expert recommendations, laboratory tests in the Good Housekeeping Institute, and real-world feedback from a diverse panel of users with different sleep styles and needs. Tests focus on:
- Comfort over several hours and in various positions (side, back, stomach).
- Light-blocking efficacy in bright and dim environments.
- Durability after repeated laundering and wear.
- Material breathability and skin feel.
- Fit and adjustability across various head shapes and sizes.
We also consulted reviews for innovative features like travel pouches, matching accessories, and skin- or hair-friendly fabrics. Products with consistent consumer praise and lab-proven performance stand out as our top picks.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Sleep Mask
- Adjust your mask snugly but not too tightly to avoid pressure lines.
- Pair with blackout curtains for the ultimate darkness—especially for daytime nappers.
- Clean your mask regularly to prevent skin irritation and maintain hygiene.
- Try pairing with earplugs or white noise for an immersive sleep environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do sleep masks really help you sleep better?
Yes. By eliminating light, sleep masks signal your brain to produce melatonin, making it easier to fall and stay asleep, especially in environments where light is difficult to control.
Is silk or cotton better for sensitive skin?
Silk is often considered the best for sensitive skin due to its hypoallergenic, gentle texture, and low friction. Cotton is also good but can sometimes absorb more moisture or irritate very delicate complexions.
Can sleep masks cause eye problems?
When properly fitted, sleep masks are safe. However, masks that fit too tightly or press on the eyelids may cause temporary discomfort. Choose a contoured, pressure-free mask for the gentlest experience.
Do they help with migraines or dry eyes?
Some people find relief from migraines using light-blocking masks, and those with dry eyes may benefit from the additional barrier that retains moisture.
How should I clean my sleep mask?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions—most silk and cotton masks require gentle hand washing or machine washing at low temperatures. Foam and memory foam masks often have removable, washable covers.
Conclusion
A quality sleep mask is a simple yet effective solution for better rest, whether you’re looking to block out light, protect your skin, or make travel more comfortable. From contoured foam to luxurious silk, the choices above represent the best in comfort, practicality, and design. Try one today to discover your best night’s sleep, every night!
References
- https://chromakode.com/post/sleep-masks/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/health-leisure/a65435256/drowsy-silk-sleep-mask-review/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/g25572070/best-sleep-masks/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/a60885003/sleep-awards/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a65347425/summer-sleep-mask-insomnia/
- https://fishersfinery.com/collections/good-housekeeping-seal
- https://www.consumerreports.org/health/sleeping/best-sleep-masks-a1045869826/
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