FINDING THE MOST COMFORTABLE SLEEP MASK: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Sleep masks; you've seen them worn on long, red-eye flights or by your next-door neighbor who's too particular about her mid-day nap. But sleep masks are more than stylish sleepwear.

They work by blocking ambient light that suppresses melatonin in your body, preventing you from falling asleep and waking up rested. Light comes from various sources, such as the sun, your house's lamps, or your partner's reading light.

Sleep masks allow you to enjoy the many perks of rejuvenated REM sleep and get through the demands of your day feeling refreshed. However, with so many sleep masks on the market, it can get tricky to pick the right one.

In this guide, we'll share our top criteria when choosing the best sleep masks because you deserve plenty of snoozing!

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING THE BEST SLEEP MASK

LIGHT BLOCKING

The whole purpose of a sleep mask is its blackout capability. In other words, how much light stays out.

• Contoured mask: opt for sleep masks made of thicker fabrics that will achieve better light blocking.

• Openings: ensure your sleep mask has no openings on the sides or nose, as light rays might penetrate.

MATERIAL

At first glance, fabrics might seem unimportant when picking the best sleep mask. However, they're crucial since different materials might cause skin irritation or even wrinkles in the eye area. Here are the most popular sleep mask fabrics to consider:

Cotton

Pros:

• Lightweight, breathable, and soft fabric

• Moisture-wicking (especially if you sweat at night)

• Sturdy and easy-to-wash

• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Creates friction, which might cause short-term wrinkles and fine lines around the eye and nose area

• Absorbs skincare products like oils and creams, reducing your skincare's effectiveness

Silk

Pros:

• Soft and luxurious

• Good light-blocking

• Gentle in the delicate eye and nose area

• Moisture-resistant

Cons:

• Silk masks are trickier to clean and take care of

• Not as sturdy as other fabrics

• Expensive

Satin

Pros:

• A mix of cotton and silk, so you get the best of both worlds

• Lightweight and breathable

• Good light blocking

• Durable and sturdy

• Gentle to the eyes

Cons:

• Not as affordable as other fabrics on this list

Polyester

Pros:

• Durable and lightweight

• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Not moisture-resistant (it can make you sweat at night)

• Less breathable

• Absorbs skincare products like oils and creams, reducing your skincare's effectiveness

Memory foam

Pros:

• Good at maintaining its shape

• Keeps the sleep mask away from the eyes and eyelids

• Fits the contours of the face for effective light-blocking

Cons:

• Not as breathable

• Not moisture-resistant, so expect to get sweaty

• Might cause irritation or acne

Mulberry silk

Pros:

• Probably one of the most natural materials for sleep masks, made by mulberry tree silkworms

• Hypoallergenic with no unhealthy chemicals

• Moisture-absorbent and breathable

• 100% washable (but hand washing is always recommended)

Cons:

• Pricier than other fabrics on this list

SIZE AND FIT

When it comes to your sleep mask, there's no one-size-fits-all. An ill-fitting sleep mask can disrupt the quality of your sleep and make you feel uncomfortable. So, you want to ensure it properly fits around your eye and nose area. Here are the most common fits to consider:

• Elastic straps: they stretch to fit around your head, so make sure they're not too loose or tight.

• Adjustable elastic strap: great for getting the right fit based on head sizes.

• Velcro closure: they usually come with an adjustable nose wire to stay in place.

DESIGN

When choosing your sleep mask, design is key to reap the benefits of a top-notch shut-eye. Here are the most common sleep mask designs to consider:

• Flat masks: less bulky, resting directly on your face and eyes. They might be tricky to wear with long eyelash extensions and gradually graze your eyelashes and eyebrows or cause irritation.

• Contoured masks: they're designed with cups that perfectly fit the eye area, preventing the negative effects of flat masks on the face.

• Weighted sleep masks: they usually come with beads that you can cool down or warm up before bedtime. These will apply gentle pressure on your eyes, helping you sleep faster.

CLEANLINESS

It goes without saying, but you should prioritize sleep hygiene at all costs. Wearing greasy or dirty sleep masks can cause acne and eye irritation. That's why you must clean your eye mask often.

When buying the perfect sleep mask, it helps to find products that are 100% washable. Ideally, you should opt for materials that can be cleaned in the washing machine to avoid the nitty-gritty. However, handwashing is your next best option if you prioritize high-quality fabrics that need extra care.

STYLE

Styling a sleep mask might be less of a matter to some than to others, but if you want them to match your favorite pajama set, there are countless options in the market. Choose among different colors, patterns, and designs, and be stylish even while sleeping!

ELEVATE YOUR SLEEP QUALITY WITH TOP-NOTCH EYE MASKS

Shopping for the best sleep masks? You just found them at Drowsy. Our top-quality light-blocking masks are the luxury antidote to stressful modern lives.

Made of mulberry silk with a fully adjustable head strap, they wrap around your skin and hair for total protection. Their cloud-like padding offers next-level comfort and a sleep cocoon for your weary eyes.

Switch entirely off the world and enjoy the glorious sleep you deserve. Our dream sleep mask comes in 18 colors for stylish appearances, even in your bed. Pick your favorite today!