At a Glance
- Sleep masks block ambient light, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.
- The guide compares silk, weighted, vibrating, and tech-enabled masks.
- Key features include light-blocking, pressure comfort, cooling, and built-in audio.
- Why it matters: Choosing the right mask can improve sleep quality and reduce eye irritation.
Sleep masks are a simple way to create a dark, quiet environment for rest. Whether you travel, nap at work, or want a better night’s sleep at home, the right mask can make a noticeable difference. This guide reviews the top masks of 2026, covering silk, weighted, vibrating, and headphone-equipped options.
Overview
The most common materials are mulberry silk, modal, and polyester blends. Silk is cooling and gentle on the skin, while polyester is durable and easy to care for. Some masks add extra features such as weighted beads, vibration patterns, or Bluetooth headphones.
Best Silk Sleep Mask
The Blissy Silk Eye Mask is a standout for its softness and portability. It is available in dozens of colors and can be purchased alone or as part of a Dream Set that includes hair ties and a pillowcase. The mask uses 22 momme mulberry silk, a high-quality fabric that feels smooth against the skin. The elastic band is gentle, and the mask is lightweight enough to wear while sleeping on your side.
Key features
- 22 momme mulberry silk
- Multiple color options
- Matching drawstring storage bag
- Lightweight and easy to travel with
The mask does allow a small amount of light to leak in if positioned too tightly, but the reviewer found it easy to readjust.
Upgrade Picks
Dore & Rose Aura Sleep Mask
The Aura is an oversized silk mask that claims skin-benefits. It is Oeko-Tex certified and uses 23 momme mulberry silk. The mask blocks all light and stays in place, even when worn for seven hours. It comes in a gift box but lacks a carrying case.
Illo Wearable Pillow Sleep Mask
This large, marshmallow-shaped mask is surprisingly comfortable. It uses modal, mulberry silk, nylon, polyester, and spandex. The fabric is soft, and the mask muffles sound. It includes a carrying case and can be worn around the neck if desired.
Trtl Glimpse Sleep Mask
The Glimpse features eight colors and comes with foam earplugs and a carrying case. It is made of eucalyptus fabric and has removable, oval eye cups. The mask’s unique “peek” feature lets you lift a flap to see a small amount of light while still blocking most of it.
Best Mask With Eye Cups
The Manta Silk Sleep Mask offers removable eye cups made of 30 momme silk. Users can swap cups for warm or cool versions. The mask blocks light completely and is suitable for large heads.
Other Notable Masks
| Mask | Material | Color Options | Eye Cups | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blissy Silk Sleep Mask | 22 momme mulberry silk | Dozens | No | Light can leak through |
| Dore & Rose Aura Sleep Mask | 23 momme mulberry silk | 3 | No | No carrying case |
| Therabody Sleep Mask | PC, ABS, PVC, sofa fabric | 1 | Yes | Vibrations, audible buzz |
| Baloo Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask | Mulberry silk, cotton, poly lining | 3 | No | 9-ounce, crystal inside |
| Trtl Glimpse Sleep Mask | “High-quality fabrics” | 8 | Yes | Velcro loud |
| Opal Cool Eye Mask | Veltex, aromatic polyether polyurethane | 3 | No | 58°F gel, cooling |
| Manta Sound Sleep Mask | Perforated foam, mesh, modal | 1 | Yes | Built-in headphones |
How We Test Sleep Masks
The testing protocol involved sleeping in each mask for naps and overnight periods. Testers checked for light leaks in direct sunlight and noted comfort, pressure, and any sound issues. The same procedure was followed for all masks.
What to Look for in a Sleep Mask
- Material: Silk feels cooling and is gentle on skin; polyester is durable.
- Light-blocking: A good mask should prevent all ambient light.
- Comfort: Look for soft fabric and gentle pressure.
- Extra features: Weighted beads, vibration, cooling gel, or built-in headphones may suit specific needs.
Key Takeaways
- Silk masks like Blissy and Dore & Rose offer softness and portability.
- The Illo and Trtl masks provide unique shapes and adjustable eye cups.
- Weighted masks add compression; the Baloo includes a crystal for a calming touch.
- The Therabody mask’s vibrations can help light sleepers, but the buzz may be disruptive.
- For travelers, a mask with a carrying case, such as Illo, is convenient.
- The Manta Sound mask is ideal for those who need audio isolation.
Sleep masks are an affordable way to improve sleep quality. Whether you prefer classic silk, a weighted option, or a mask with built-in tech, the right choice can help you rest better and wake refreshed.
