Best Sleep Masks

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Dream Essentials® Escape Luxury
Test Winner: Dream Essentials® Escape Luxury
Amazon Link
No one should ever have to see the things that go on an airplane during a 9-hour flight – which is why every traveler that has eyeballs should pack a great sleep mask in their carry on bag to help promote easy and restful air travel. They aren’t just used for sleeping, either- many of them have recessed cavities so that you can comfortably keep your eyes open if you want to block out the visual stimulants from your flight so that you can relax even in you aren’t tired. Additionally, once you make it to your destination it can be used to fall asleep in an unfamiliar place, especially if the place that you are staying doesn’t have blackout curtains. You might find that you love how something as simple as a mask will help you fall asleep, and you might want to add it to your normal sleep schedule at home.

Standout Picks

Dream Essentials® Escape Luxury
When it comes to value, comfort, and additional features designed to help you catch some z’s on those long and uncomfortable flights- this model is able to give you the restful sleep you need to make you feel refreshed once you hit your destination.
Amazon Link
$17.99
Nidra
This is a great product that has a simple but effective design. Some of the other design out there try and do too much with their products- and often it can make them become too bulky and awkward. This product has a simple cupped design that helps you find that restful sleep that you have been dreaming of.
Amazon Link
$15.99
Yiview
If you were looking for a product that is made out of the same soft materials that your bedroom slippers are made from- this fits that bill perfectly. It is incredibly padded and made from high-quality materials that are as soft as they are padded. For restful sleep in the middle of a long flight with soft quality sponge material has you covered.
Amazon Link
$9.99
Jersey Slumber
The goal of any of these products is to make you feel like you are not flying in an uncomfortable airplane, but that you have perhaps fallen asleep in your favorite armchair at home. In able to make you feel that way- it is important that you don’t feel like you are actually wearing a mask. Jersey Slumber makes a great product that is as comfortable as it is affordable.
Amazon Link
$8.89
Unimi
The more complicated an item doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a better product- and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to this model. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel- it just makes a really great tool with high-quality materials with a classic design that is sure to help lull you to sleep on busy flights while also not breaking the bank.
Amazon Link
Kimkoo Silk
If the ability to open your eyes while wearing this product is important to you, the design of the model will be perfect for you. It is has a lightweight design that is comfortable to wear, completely blocks out all of the light, and comes in at an affordable price. Basically, this product will provide you with all of the features you will need to fall asleep on an airplane.
Amazon Link
Amazker
If you want something that has a little bit more of a form to it (rather than the masks that appears to be simple pieces of lightweight fabric), this particular design is made to fit securely on your face to the point that you might even forget that you are wearing one. It’s made from easy and lightweight materials, and if offered at an affordable price.
Amazon Link
VCOO
For those looking for an option that offers a little bit more style than the traditional solid black options, this will definitely make you stick out from the rest. It not only has a unique design, but it is also made from high-quality materials that stand to block out the light so that you can achieve a great night's rest whether you are at home in bed, or on a busy airplane.
Amazon Link
$7.99
TechRise
TechRise makes another great contoured product that will mold to the shape of your face over time. It is made from 100% skin friendly quality materials that are designed to keep light out while being breathable enough that you might forget you are even wearing a mask. The materials are made from pure cotton filled in mulberry silk fabric.It checks in as being the least expensive option out there on the market.
Amazon Link
L’alysse
This is a great option if you are looking for something simple, yet effective. It is lightweight and made from breathable materials- so it won’t keep you awake readjusting and itching your face. It simple and affordable solution to a simple problem.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Comfort

If it isn’t comfortable- you’re not going to want to wear it. Poorly designed models are made from itchy and hot fabrics and have straps that fit too tightly. When we were on the hunt for the best models out there- we made sure to find materials that were breathable, and straps that could accommodate most sizes of heads. A bonus feature that we loved were designs that come with memory foam that too the shape of your face over time and felt like you were wearing a pillow right on your face while still being cool and breathable.

There are many things to dislike about air travel. It is often hot and uncomfortable, there are too many people trying to make chit-chat with you when you are just trying to relax, and the general realization that you are miles above the ground may be unsettling to some. While the use of drugs is always an option to help you escape this scene- it may not be ideal if you are looking to be refreshed and relaxed once you arrive at your destination. A good sleep mask will allow you to get some restful z’s before you even arrive. They say that it is about the journey and not the destination- but whoever said that has most likely never flown on a 9-hour international flight before.

Features

There are some features that can become problems, especially based on how you fall asleep. There seem to be two camps on what makes a superior way to secure it on your head- and both have their own problems. Buckles- typically composed of metal or a hard plastic– are easy to adjust and can fit securely on your head. The drawback to buckles is that depending on how you sleep- they might dig into your head and become uncomfortable. We tried to select models that had buckles on the side of the head rather than on the back. The other way to adjust is to use velcro. While velcro won’t dig into your head, and you can get a more secure fit using it- it has a tendency to get stuck in your hair.

Materials

This was another important thing that we looked at. The type of materials that a company used will make or break what makes a good product. These will be sitting on your face all night- you want to make sure it is made from quality materials. Models that are made from materials that aren’t breathable- like certain types of nylon and polyester- can not only make your face feel hot and itchy, but it can also cause breakouts. We tried to find the best materials that we breathable and comfortable. An added bonus we found were models that had a layer of memory foam in them that formed to your face over time. The less that you notice that you are even wearing anything on your face means the faster you will fall asleep.

Effectiveness

This is the most important aspect we looked at because if it doesn’t completely block out the light, then it’s not considered to be a sleep mask. Where the problems on light infiltration usually occur is around the nose- because no one nose is the same. Many different companies went about to try and fix this problem in a myriad of ways. Some used pieces of fabric to block out light, which is great for accommodating various sizes of noses but can become a little itchy. Others tried to create a nose bridge with flaps that adjust and can be pinched together- which was one of the more innovative solutions that we liked. Others forewent any type of nose cover, and just added padding to the inside of the nose. The padding may add additional comfort, but it makes it a little more difficult to keep light out with some shapes of noses.

Top 10 Picks

1. Dream Essentials® Escape Luxury

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$17.99
Dream Essentials® Escape Luxury
Amazon Link

When it comes to value, comfort, and additional features designed to help you catch some z’s on those long and uncomfortable flights- this model is able to give you the restful sleep you need to make you feel refreshed once you hit your destination.

Read more

Design

This model is made from soft a comfortable cotton that most likely feels like a blanket you are snuggling up with. The inside is made from more rigid materials, and there are slight divots where your eyes will go to ensure that there is no pressure on your eyelids, and will also keep any outside light from seeping in. Filled cotton pads line the area around your nose so there will no irritation, and less irritation to your face means the easier time you will have falling asleep. The elastic band is able to be adjusted to fit most head types

Additional Features

While this model will keep all of the visual stimulants out of sight so that you can catch some z’s, this product also comes with a pair of free earplugs. Ear plugs are great on a light because they can help drown out the sounds of the engine, and basic airplane chatter to help you fall asleep faster, and not be woken up by any loud sounds. It also comes with a drawstring bag for storage, so you can easily throw it into your carry on.

Value

While it is a little bit more expensive than some of the other brands out there, it by no means will break the band in any way. The cost of this product will likely set you back the same amount of money that you would spend picking up a couple of magazines at the airport gift shop.

Summary:

No matter what kind of sleeper that you are- if you sleep on your back or if you are a side sleeper- this model was designed to keep the light out and stay firmly in place. At a slightly higher price point than some of the others, you will soon find that the ability to achieve a good night sleep on an airplane is well worth the few extra bucks you will spend to get there.

Amazon Link
$17.99

2. Nidra

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$15.99
Nidra
Amazon Link

This is a great product that has a simple but effective design. Some of the other design out there try and do too much with their products- and often it can make them become too bulky and awkward. This product has a simple cupped design that helps you find that restful sleep that you have been dreaming of.

Read more

Design

Like we stated earlier- the simple design is what makes this model really stand out from the rest. It has a cupped shape that specially contours to the shape of your face. These cups that are placed over your eyes make it so that you have the ability to fully open your eyes while wearing it, but still be immersed in total darkness. Some find that products that press against your eyes and don’t give you the full ability to open your eyes can become distracting and actually keep you from falling asleep.

Additional Features

It measures in at 8.8 inches long and 3 inches tall, which will be able to fit most faces easily. Due to the fact that this model doesn’t have any special contouring around the eyes or the nose- it is able to fit most faces. Instead of having a solid elastic band that has to go up over your head, the adjustable band for this model has a strap that fastens in the back.

Value

The price is what makes this design really shine. It comes at an incredibly affordable price, and it is one of the least expensive models making this list. It doesn’t come with any additional features like earplugs or a carrying case, but it comes with a 100 percent money back guarantee if you are displeased with the quality of this product.

Summary

If you want something that is simple, and will fit almost any head shape easily- this is a great product. The only thing that is more important than ensuring that you are always rested to be at your best it to ensure that you never spend more money than you need to on a product.

Amazon Link
$15.99

3. Yiview

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$9.99
Yiview
Amazon Link

If you were looking for a product that is made out of the same soft materials that your bedroom slippers are made from- this fits that bill perfectly. It is incredibly padded and made from high-quality materials that are as soft as they are padded. For restful sleep in the middle of a long flight with soft quality sponge material has you covered.

Read more

Design

It is composed of 5 distinct layers that are designed to sit comfortably on your face, but also keep air moving so that it will never become itchy or hot. The 5 distinct layers are made of cotton, an elastic sponge, an unwoven cotton, cotton filler, and skin friendly layer. Measuring in at 7.3 inches long and 3.5 inches wide- it is a tad narrower than most, which could be a problem if you have wider facial features.

Additional Features

The point that makes this product really stand out from the rest with several different color options as well. It’s built just a little bit differently- but works the best in completely blocking out the light. It has a bridge that is able to be molded once it is on your face in order to block out all of the light.

Value

In terms of all of the various shapes and models that you will found out there on the market- this unit falls about right in the middle of the road. It is not a very expensive sleeping mask which is wonderful. However, considering the quality of construction and materials, it is worth it in the end.

Summary

This is a great model for those that want something a little bit more padded than some of the other models, and for those that need a model that doesn’t run the risk of letting any light in whatsoever.

Amazon Link
$9.99

4. Jersey Slumber

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$8.89
Jersey Slumber
Amazon Link

The goal of any of these products is to make you feel like you are not flying in an uncomfortable airplane, but that you have perhaps fallen asleep in your favorite armchair at home. In able to make you feel that way- it is important that you don’t feel like you are actually wearing a mask. Jersey Slumber makes a great product that is as comfortable as it is affordable.

Read more

Design

What makes this model different from some of the others out there is that it is made from silk- making it incredibly comfortable and lightweight. It feels cool against your face when you put it on, and won’t become too hot or itchy to the point that it is preventing you from falling asleep. It has a large profile so it is able to fit most faces and successfully block out all of the light so that your next airplane ride will be shrouded in darkness.

Additional Features

While this doesn’t have eye cavities that allow you to open your eyes without your lashes getting caught on the fabric, the lightweight 100 percent silk material will not prevent you from opening your eyes comfortably. The absence of formed pads and eye cavities will also help you look more refreshed when you wake up because there aren’t any seam lines that have the potential to dig into your face to give you that classic ‘I just slept on an airplane’ look.

Value

This comes in at one of the lowest price points than many of the other products out there. While it sports a simple design and doesn’t come with any additional features- such as earplugs- it will likely run you about the price of a nice cup of coffee from the airport.

Summary

If simplicity is more your thing- this is an excellent choice. The soft silky material will feel cool against your face, and won’t become hot and itchy the way some of the other designs have a tendency to do. Set at such a low price point, there really is no reason for you not to try out this model.

Amazon Link
$8.89

5. Unimi

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Unimi
Amazon Link

The more complicated an item doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a better product- and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to this model. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel- it just makes a really great tool with high-quality materials with a classic design that is sure to help lull you to sleep on busy flights while also not breaking the bank.

Read more

Design

As we stated above- this model doesn’t try and reinvent the wheel. It is constructed with matte black fabric. It is constructed from two distinct layers. The first layer is a type of memory foam that will contour to the unique shape of your face the more that you use is, and the second layer is elastic polyester to make sure that it will fit perfectly right out of the box. It also has eye cavities that allow you to fully open your eyes without your eyelashes becoming caught on the fabric. This feature is great to help lull you to sleep faster without the feeling on constraint on your eyelids

Additional Features

The head strap on this model is one is its best features. Unlike some of the other models out there, this one doesn’t use buckles that have a tendency to dig into the back of your head over time. Instead, it uses velcro on its elastic bands to ensure a nice and comfortable fit every time you use it. The materials used for this model are considered to be anti-fade and anti-bacterium.

Value

One of the best features about this design is the fantastic price point- which will likely set you back the same amount of money that you would spend buying a nice cup of coffee at the airport waiting to board your flight. It is considered to be one of the most affordable brands currently on the market.

Summary

If you are looking for something simple and easy that gets the job done- this the perfect product to ensure that you arrive at your destination awake and refreshed. And the best part is that it will leave you more money to spend on souvenirs.

Amazon Link

6. Kimkoo Silk

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Kimkoo Silk
Amazon Link

If the ability to open your eyes while wearing this product is important to you, the design of the model will be perfect for you. It is has a lightweight design that is comfortable to wear, completely blocks out all of the light, and comes in at an affordable price. Basically, this product will provide you with all of the features you will need to fall asleep on an airplane.

Read more

Design

What makes this a little different than many of the other products on the market is its strap design. When other products utilize a single strap, it order to ensure that it fits tight- it has a tendency to pull the it right up against your eyeballs. And this scenario isn’t ideal if you want to be able to full open your eyes while wearing it. How this product fixes that is that it has three straps instead of just one, and it dispurses the tension to three different points so that it doesn’t press against your eyes. It is also composed of soft mulberry silk, which will always feel cool and comfortable against your face.

Additional Features

The purchase of this particular product also includes a carry case that makes it easier to throw it into your carry on. If blocking out all of the light isn’t enough to get you to fall asleep on a busy airplane, the purchase of this product also comes with a set of noise-canceling earplugs. With the use of these earplugs in addition to this product- there should be no reason that you cannot catch some z’s on your next trip.

Value

The cost of this product runs about in the middle of the road in comparison to all of the other models out there on the market. It will likely set you back the same amount of money it costs you to pick up a couple of magazines at the airport gift shop.

Summary

If you are in the market for something that will help you fall asleep fast, and it comfortable against your face- and you aren’t will to spend the top dollar- this is an excellent choice to help you make it through those long airplane rides.

Amazon Link

7. Amazker

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Amazker
Amazon Link

If you want something that has a little bit more of a form to it (rather than the masks that appears to be simple pieces of lightweight fabric), this particular design is made to fit securely on your face to the point that you might even forget that you are wearing one. It’s made from easy and lightweight materials, and if offered at an affordable price.

Read more

Design

The design is a little bit more structured than most. It has recessed eye holes that make it so that you are able to open your eyes while wearing it, and a contoured nose that will block out light from infiltrating under the nose. It also has a soft elastic strap that is long enough to wrap around most heads and fastens in place with velcro. The memory foam that found in one of the layers will conform to your face over time.

Additional Features

In addition to receiving this product with purchase, it also comes with a compact carrying case that makes it simple to throw it into your carry on for easy access. And if blocking out the light isn’t enough to get you to fall asleep on a busy flight, it also comes with a set of noise-canceling earplugs- so you can pretend you are already at your destination instead of on a busy airplane filled with grumpy passengers.

Value

The cost of these run about in the middle of the road. They are not the most expensive on the market- but they are also not the least expensive out there. They will most likely run about the same price that you would spend to pick up a couple of magazines to read while waiting for your gate to open.

Summary

If you would like it to fit a little bit more tightly and conform to your face- this is an excellent option. Made with high-quality materials, like memory foam, and offered at a reasonable price, there is really no reason not to give these a try to see if they will help you sleep on your next flight.

Amazon Link

8. VCOO

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$7.99
VCOO
Amazon Link

For those looking for an option that offers a little bit more style than the traditional solid black options, this will definitely make you stick out from the rest. It not only has a unique design, but it is also made from high-quality materials that stand to block out the light so that you can achieve a great night's rest whether you are at home in bed, or on a busy airplane.

Read more

Design

As stated earlier, the design is what makes this product stand out from all of the others. The front is a solid royal blue with white accents. It has contoured eye cavities so you are able to completely open your eyes while wearing them, and it won’t smudge your makeup so that you arrive at your destination looking impeccably fresh and rested.

Additional Features

The soft elastic straps are able to be adjusted via a buckle located on the side- making it easy on your hair. Many of the velcro models might not dig into your head the way buckles can- but they have a tendency to get caught in your hair. The purchase of this product also comes with a trendy and sharp carry bag that makes it easy to throw these into your carry on for when you need them. And if blocking out light isn’t enough to get you to fall asleep on a busy airplane, this product also comes with a set of earplugs.

Value

One of the best things about this product is that it comes in at a great price- and is one of the most affordable options to make this list. It will most likely set you back the same amount of money it might cost you to pick up a sandwich before boarding your flight.

Summary

If you want to get something the ordinary rather than the basic black models, this is a fun and trendy option with excellent functionality to help you get to sleep faster, and be able to enjoy your vacation rest and relaxed from the journey.

Amazon Link
$7.99

9. TechRise

Where to buy
Amazon Link
TechRise
Amazon Link

TechRise makes another great contoured product that will mold to the shape of your face over time. It is made from 100% skin friendly quality materials that are designed to keep light out while being breathable enough that you might forget you are even wearing a mask. The materials are made from pure cotton filled in mulberry silk fabric.It checks in as being the least expensive option out there on the market.

Read more

Design

The design has eye cavities to make you able to fully open your eyes while wearing it, and a nose bridge that keeps light from infiltrating from the bottom. The straps that hold it in place and light and comfortable and is an adjustable strap.

Additional Features

If you find that blocking out the light isn’t sufficient enough to lull you to sleep on busy aircrafts, the set of noise-canceling earplugs might do the trick. This product also comes with a lightweight drawstring travel bag, so it can be easily stowed away in your carry on bag for easy access when you need it.

Value

You are not going to find a product that is less expensive than this model. We might go so far as to say that the cup of coffee that you buy at the airport might be a little bit more expensive than this product. With such a low price point- there really is no reason not to give this a try.

Summary

If you were in the market for something to help you catch some sleep on long and stressful flights- this might be just the thing that you need. Set at such an affordable price, it will save you enough money to bring back more souvenirs from your vacation.

Amazon Link

10. L’alysse

Where to buy
Amazon Link
L’alysse
Amazon Link

This is a great option if you are looking for something simple, yet effective. It is lightweight and made from breathable materials- so it won’t keep you awake readjusting and itching your face. It simple and affordable solution to a simple problem.

Read more

Design

The exterior is made from soft cottons- the same materials that you are probably snuggling up with when you use it. The interior is made from light and breathable materials, and has recessed eye holes that will not put any pressure on your lids, and will make it so that you are able to fully open your eyes while wearing this product. The material feels soft and cushy to the touch, and will contour to the shape of your face over time.

Additional Features

A common problem when it comes to these products is the infiltration of light via the gap by your nose. The way that this brand tries to solve this problem is by creating a line of additional fabric by the nose that will drape down- and it versatile enough to accommodate many different nose sizes- so even if you have a bigger nose, you will be covered with this style.

Value

In terms of price- this model runs right down the middle of the road. It is not the most expensive model out there, but it is not the least expensive. It will set you back about the same amount it would cost you to buy a sandwich before boarding your plane.

Summary

If you want something that will really block out all of the light and is versatile enough to find a wide range of facial type- this is an excellent choice that is set at a reasonable price point.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Dennis Pork, BEST SLEEP MASK OF 2019, Blog