A sleep eye mask is a small cover that blocks light while you sleep. Masks come in different shapes and sizes, so this guide covers what the research says, which materials are used, and how to choose a mask.
We also compare six sleep eye masks by shape, fabric and fit.
General information, not medical advice; see a doctor if you have trouble sleeping that lasts or gets worse.
Sleep eye mask basics
- The NHS advises making sure your bedroom is dark and quiet, and names an eye mask and ear plugs among the tools to use if needed.[1]
- A review of 35 studies in intensive care units found that eye masks and earplugs, alone or together, improved sleep quality scores and lowered sleep disturbance in critically ill patients.[2]
- In a study of 94 healthy adults aged 18 to 35, wearing an eye mask at night led to better memory encoding and alertness the next day.[3]
- Those studies tested masks in specific groups. They do not show that every mask blocks light the same way.
- Pick a mask by fit and fabric, and avoid one that presses on your eyes.
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Cover | Sizes | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MZOO | Eye mask | Fabric with air-hole memory foam | 10 x 3.9 x 0.8 in | – |
| 2 | Myhalos | Eye mask | – | 10.8 x 5.2 x 0.7 in | – |
| 3 | SMUG | Eye mask | – | – | – |
| 4 | Mavogel | Eye mask | Modal with cotton padding | – | – |
| 5 | Wm Western Miracle | Eye mask | Cotton | – | – |
| 6 | LULUSILK | Eye mask | Mulberry silk | – | Machine washable |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Advantages of Using a Sleep Eye Mask
From being comfortable to adjustable, here are some advantages of using a sleep eye mask when you are ready to doze off.
The evidence is for light blocking. A systematic review of 35 studies with 2,687 participants in intensive care units found that eye mask and earplug interventions had a positive effect on sleep quality scores, and that sleep disturbance was significantly lower in the intervention groups. In studies that measured sleep with polysomnography, it found significant increases in total sleep time, sleep efficiency and REM time, and fewer awakenings.[2]
In healthy people, a study of 94 adults aged 18 to 35 had each person wear an eye mask every night for a week and compared it with a week without the mask. It found better episodic encoding and better alertness with the mask. A second study of 35 adults replicated the encoding benefit and found that it was predicted by time spent in slow-wave sleep.[3]
- Portable – Most sleep masks weigh very little and can be folded and carried almost anywhere. Some come with separate carry cases or pouches.
- Easy To Maintain – Most masks can be washed by hand, and some can go in a washing machine. Check the care label.
- Adjustable – Masks come with elastic bands, straps and fasteners, which lets you adjust them for a comfortable fit.
- Breathable – Masks are made from breathable fabrics such as cotton and silk, and others have vents or contours that let air move around the eyes.
Common Materials Used in the Making of Sleeping Masks
The material of a sleeping mask decides how it feels and how warm it is.
- Polyester – A soft, lightweight synthetic fabric that is durable and resists shrinking. It is less breathable than natural fibers and can feel warm.
- Silk – A soft natural fabric with a smooth feel. Silk masks tend to cost more.
- Memory Foam – Foam gives a mask shape and cushioning, and it is often used in contoured masks. Foam can trap heat, so look for air holes or vents.
- Cotton – A lightweight natural fiber that lets air pass through and is not expensive. The color may fade with frequent washing.
- Modal – A soft, smooth fabric used in the Mavogel, which pairs it with cotton padding.
Buying Considerations for an Eye Mask for Sleeping
Buying an eye mask is simple, but a few details matter.
- Material – Natural fibers such as cotton and silk are breathable, and foam and synthetic fibers feel different. Choose by how warm you sleep and how your skin reacts.
- Light Blocking – A mask that seals around the nose and eyes blocks more light. Several masks here are sold as blocking all light, but we did not test them.
- Eye Pressure – Contoured masks have deep eye cups that keep the mask off the lids and lashes, which suits side sleepers and people with lash extensions.
- Fit – A strap that adjusts keeps the mask in place without pulling hair.
- Portability – A case or pouch helps if you travel.
- Sleep Habits – The NHS says insomnia usually gets better by changing your sleeping habits, and it names a dark, quiet bedroom as one of them.[1]
How We Chose These Masks
These picks come from desk research. We compared product details such as materials, size, care and certifications. We did not test the masks ourselves.
We looked at these factors:
- Shape – Flat, full coverage or 3D contoured.
- Fabric – Cotton, silk, modal, polyester or memory foam.
- Fit – Strap length and nose padding.
- Care – Washable or hand wash.
- Extras – Travel pouch or case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sleep Eye Masks
- Does a sleep mask block all light?
It depends on the fit. Contoured masks with deep eye cups and nose padding block more light than flat ones, and several here are sold as blocking all light. - What is the best material for a sleep mask?
Cotton and silk are breathable, polyester is warmer, and memory foam gives shape but can hold heat. The right one depends on how you sleep. - Can I wear a mask with lash extensions?
A contoured mask with deep eye cups, such as the MZOO, MyHalos and SMUG, keeps the mask off your lashes. - What else does the NHS suggest for a better night?
The NHS says to go to bed only when sleepy, keep the same wake-up time, relax for an hour before bed and keep the bedroom dark and quiet.[1] - When should I see a doctor?
The NHS says to see a GP if changing your sleeping habits has not helped, you have had trouble sleeping for months, or it is hard to cope in daily life.[1]
Our Picks: Sleep Eye Mask
Here are six sleep eye masks to compare by shape, fabric and fit. We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
MZOO® Contoured Memory Foam Sleep Mask
The MZOO Concave is a contoured sleep mask with 13 mm deep eye cups and air-hole memory foam, and a nose bridge cutout.
- The eye cups leave room to blink, and the nose padding is sold as blocking light leaks.
- The strap adjusts from 19 to 28 inches.
2
Myhalos® 3D Contoured Blackout Sleep Mask
The MyHalos Classic is a 3D contoured sleep mask with 16 mm deep eye cups that keep the mask off the eyelids and lashes.
- It has a raised nose piece, an adjustable strap and a protective travel pouch.
- The fabric is washable.
3
SMUG® 3D Contoured Sleep Mask, Lash Extension Friendly
The SMUG Blackout is a 3D contoured sleep mask with molded eye cups that curve away from the eyes, sold as lash extension friendly.
- The adjustable strap is made not to snag hair.
- It comes in printed designs and folds flat for a travel bag.
4
Mavogel® Full Coverage Modal Sleep Mask
The Mavogel is a full coverage sleep mask made of modal fabric with cotton padding, and an adjustable closure.
- It wraps around the eye area to cut light from the sides and bottom, with a soft nose section.
- It folds up for travel and has a roll-up strap.
5
Wm Western Miracle® Cotton Full Coverage Sleep Mask
The Wm Western Miracle is a full coverage sleep mask with a cotton cover and an adjustable strap with no metal parts.
- The cotton fabric is soft and light.
- It is advised to wash the mask before the first use.
6
LULUSILK® Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask, Pink
The LULUSILK is a sleep mask made of 100% mulberry silk with a mulberry silk filling and an elastic strap, in pink.
- It is the natural fiber choice here, and the silk is soft.
- Silk costs more than cotton or polyester.
Index Table: Sleep Eye Mask
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MZOO - Contoured Memory Foam Sleep Mask |  |
| MZOO |
| 2 | Myhalos - 3D Contoured Blackout Sleep Mask |  |
| Myhalos |
| 3 | SMUG - 3D Contoured Sleep Mask, Lash Extension Friendly |  |
| SMUG |
| 4 | Mavogel - Full Coverage Modal Sleep Mask |  |
| Mavogel |
| 5 | Wm Western Miracle - Cotton Full Coverage Sleep Mask |  |
| Wm Western Miracle |
| 6 | LULUSILK - Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask, Pink |  |
| LULUSILK |
Sources
- National Health Service (NHS). Insomnia. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Frontiers in Psychiatry (via PubMed Central). The Efficacy of Eye Masks and Earplugs Interventions for Sleep Promotion in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Sleep (via PubMed Central). Wearing an eye mask during overnight sleep improves episodic learning and alertness. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around the NHS insomnia page, an intensive care eye mask and earplug review and a healthy adult eye mask study, removed the unsupported ‘ensure you wake up well-rested’, ‘90% of light’, and migraine and face discomfort claims, the unrelated FTC textile cite, rewrote all six product notes, and added a disclaimer line, a takeaways box, How We Chose and an FAQ
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: Quadow Unicorn Mask with Myhalos Classic Mask; SMUG Printed Mask with SMUG Blackout Mask; Sysrion Premium Mask with Wm Western Miracle Cotton Mask
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section
- Feb 2022: Added MZOO Concave Mask
- Mar 2021: Published
