The 10 Best Eye Masks of 2022

The Best Eye Masks — Health / Alli Waataja

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about a third of U.S. adults don't get the recommended amount of sleep each night, which can be detrimental to one's health and well-being. For many people, the lack of sleep isn't by choice—they have trouble falling asleep (and staying asleep).

Reviewed & Approved

Nidra Deep Rest Sleep Mask is our favorite because it’s high quality and gives you offers plenty of space, even with the longest lash extension possible. For people looking for a weighted eye mask, look no further than the Nodpod Sleep Mask. It has an award-winning design to help ease stress and promote a calm, relaxing vibe for drifting off to sleep.

If you're one of many adults who wants to get more—and better quality—shut-eye without medication, don't underestimate the power of a sleep mask. It may seem like a simple solution to a complex problem, but some people swear by eye masks for sleeping. And since they're compact and weigh next to nothing, eye masks are easy to bring with you anywhere, especially when traveling. After all, it's much easier to fall asleep on a bright train, bus, or plane when you can pull a soft, cozy mask over your eyes to block out the world and drift off.

Eye masks are typically available in a few different materials that you can choose from. If you're concerned about keeping your skin in the best shape possible while asleep, Aanand Geria, MD, a dermatologist based in New Jersey, tells Health silk is the best material you can choose. “Silk is a smooth surface that won't pull at the delicate skin around the eyes, won't damage eyelashes, and won't interfere with the absorption of any nighttime products such as moisturizers,” he says.

But that's not to say that other materials are inferior. If skincare isn't your top priority when choosing an eye mask, many soft cotton options, and even calming weighted masks, are still really comfortable and offer all the same benefits. To help you find the best sleep mask for your needs, we've compiled a list of the top 10 best available options. We also had an integrative neurologist and sleep medicine physician on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Take your pick below, so you can start enjoying all the benefits—like improved sleep quality, dozing off faster, and waking up more rested—that these handy little sleep aids will bring.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask at Amazon

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Best Silk:

Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask at Revolve

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Best Hypoallergenic:

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask at Brooklinen

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Best for Travel:

Tempur-Pedic Sleep Mask at Amazon

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Best Weighted:

Nodpod Weighted Eye Blanket at Amazon

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Best Cooling:

Clique Silk Eye Masks at Cilque.com

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Best for Large Lashes:

Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask at Ulta

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Best Budget:

BeeVines Silk Sleep Mask at Amazon

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Best for Blocking Out Light:

Mavogel Sleep Eye Mask at Amazon

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Best Cotton:

FRESHME Handmade Cotton Sleep Mask at Amazon

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Amazon

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Why We Like It

Deep eye cups mean you don’t have to smash your eyelashes to get a blackout sleeping experience.

It’s Worth Noting

You can’t toss this sleeping eye mask into the laundry with the rest of your items.

The Nidra Deep Rest Sleep Mask is designed to block out light and allow you to drift off to sleep more easily. Its adjustable strap ensures a secure fit, so you can rest knowing that your mask won't slip off during the night. And it’s perfect for those who want a good night’s sleep without smashing their lashes, as this silk eye mask features deep eye cups that are molded for maximum comfort.

Made of 100 percent polyester and foam padding, you’ll want to hand-wash this eye mask to help keep its shape and prevent damage from the washing cycle. For people short on time, this may prove inconvenient. However, we think the quality makes up for the extra minute or two you’ll spend washing it.

Price at time of publication: $18

Product Details:

Material: Polyester
Adjustable: Yes
Cleaning: Hand-wash

4.6

Revolve

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Why We Like It

Machine-washable silk makes maintaining good eye mask hygiene easy.

It’s Worth Noting

Sizing is limited to one-size-fits-most.

This breathable sleep eye mask is made with machine-washable silk, making it easy to clean and maintain over time. Silk offers a smooth surface and cooling effect enjoyed particularly by hot sleepers. Plus, with its one-size-fits-most design, complete with a stretchy silk head strap, most people will be able to find a comfortable and effective fit for blocking out light.

For machine-washable eye masks, it’s still a good idea to hang them dry or lay them flat to extend their lifespan and maintain their overall structure. If you need to use the dryer for a quicker experience, tumble dry on low.

Price at time of publication: $48

Product Details:

Material: Silk
Adjustable: No
Cleaning: Machine-washable

Brooklinen

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Why We Like It

Silk-covered elastic strap is designed to be soft and friction-free, so it won’t cause hair damage or skin irritation.

It’s Worth Noting

The strap may loosen over time.

Crafted from 100 percent mulberry silk, this sleep mask is a hypoallergenic option suitable for sensitive skin or allergies to indoor allergens like dust mites. Silk is particularly great for those with dust mite allergies, as dust mites find it inhospitable to live in. But this mask’s fabric offers extra brownie points for being mulberry silk. Mulberry silk comes from silkworms fed an exclusive mulberry leaf diet, which makes it ultra soft, And, unlike cotton, it won’t pull moisture from your skin. The gentle elastic band is also covered in silk, meaning it won’t cause any damage to your hair as you sleep.

Over time, if you tend to pull on the strap as you remove it in the morning, you may find it stretches out. Gently removing the eye mask each morning may prevent this from happening. You can wash this silk in the machine with the rest of your delicates and lay it flat to dry for the best results.

Price at time of publication: $29

Product Details:

Material: Silk
Adjustable: No
Cleaning: Machine-washable

Amazon

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Why We Like It

The material adapts to your face shape to prevent it from moving around as you shuffle in your sleep.

It’s Worth Noting

It’s bulkier than other options on this list.

Ideal for travel, the Tempur-Pedic Sleep Mask is lightweight, durable, and made from memory foam that comfortably molds to your face. The wider fit also covers more of your face, protecting your skin from hotel or Airbnb pillowcases when you’re away.

This memory-foam eye mask is designed to fit most faces and will retain its shape wear after wear, which adds an extra set of familiar comfort when you’re in unfamiliar places as you travel. While the material is breathable, some people may still find the cloth-type covering retains heat and moisture, especially when compared to silk options. To keep it in tip-top shape, hand-wash it gently.

Price at time of publication: $29

Product Details:

Material: Memory foam
Adjustable: Yes
Cleaning: Hand-wash

Amazon

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Why We Like It

Nodpod eye masks provide a weighted mask option suitable for all sleeping positions—even side sleeping.

It’s Worth Noting

If you’re new to weighted accessories, there may be an adjustment period to having something heavy on your eye area.

Nodpod Sleep Masks are a weighted blanket for your eyes. According to studies, weighted accessories can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve sleep quality.

And, unlike other sleep masks, the Nodpod omits elastic or Velcro straps and instead has hollow ends that rest gently on your pillow next to you. The unique hollow ends and adjustable design ensure your sleep mask stays on without the discomfort of straps. And you won’t worry about the straps stretching, hair damage from tight elastic bands, or hair getting caught in Velcro. The outer material is soft and gentle on the skin. Best of all, you can wash and dry your Nodpod for easy maintenance.

Price at time of publication: $34

Product Details:

Material: Microbead pods and fabric
Adjustable: Yes
Cleaning: Machine-washable

Cilque

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Why We Like It

This silk mask will help cool off those who run hot at night.

It’s Worth Noting

It may smush your lashes down over time as it doesn’t offer extra space through contour padding.

Another 100 percent mulberry silk option, the Clique silk eye mask is hypoallergenic and provides a cool, soft, gentle feel against your skin. The elastic strap is also silk wrapped to protect hair from damage or breakage.

Unlike some other silk masks, this eye mask is machine-washable, making it easy to keep clean and fresh. The makers recommend using a small mesh laundry bag to help protect the eye mask during the wash cycle. Tumble dry on a delicate setting for best results.

Price at time of publication: $38

Product Details:

Material: Silk
Adjustable: No
Cleaning: Machine-washable

Ulta

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Why We Like It

The deep contour of the eye masks offers optimal space for even the longest of lashes.

It’s Worth Noting

This is one of the more expensive options on this list.

The Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask is designed to protect even the longest eyelash extensions. Unlike other more form-fitting eye masks that may press too tightly against the lashes, causing bending or scrunching, this deeply contoured eye mask can be worn without damaging the look and lifespan of your lashes.

Of course, it’s not all about looks, though. The Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask boasts hypoallergenic mulberry silk covering to keep your skin clean and cool. Hand-washing is recommended.

Price at time of publication: $55

Product Details:

Material: Silk and foam
Adjustable: No
Cleaning: Hand-wash

Amazon

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Why We Like It

It’s an inexpensive silk option available in a two-pack for added savings.

It’s Worth Noting

It could be more cost-effective over time to buy a more expensive mask that may last longer.

This budget-friendly sleep mask is soft, breathable, made of silk fabric, and effectively blocks light. An adjustable strap ensures a snug and comfortable fit, and the no-slip design ensures that the mask will stay in place as you sleep. The silk covering offers a cooling effect, perfect for warmer summer nights and cozying up under heated blankets. Covering the elastic strap in silk also means you won’t worry about hair damage, so you can feel confident while wearing this mask every night.

This sleep mask comes in a convenient two-pack with two colors. The best part? When it’s time to wash one mask, you’ll have another clean eye mask ready for use during napping, sleeping, or meditating.

Price at time of publication: $14

Product Details:

Material: Silk
Adjustable: No
Cleaning: Machine-washable

Amazon

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Why We Like It

It offers five layers of materials and a wing design to completely block light from all angles.

It’s Worth Noting

Cotton is not a hypoallergenic material so if you experience facial acne, it’s better to choose a silk option.

Crafted with light blocking in mind, this eye mask features a unique five-layer cotton design that ensures complete darkness and maximum comfort. Perfect for those who need no distractions for a truly restorative night's sleep, it also boasts wings for peripheral light blocking.

The adjustable strap ensures an optimal fit for all head sizes. However, the strap isn’t lined or covered in cotton, so it may create friction against your hair and cause strand breakage. This eye mask also comes with a carry pouch for easy portability and storage. To help keep its shape and extend its lifespan, it should be hand-washed only.

Price at time of publication: $15

Product Details:

Material: Cotton
Adjustable: Yes
Cleaning: Hand-wash

Freshme Handmade Cotton Blindfold Sleep Mask

Amazon

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Why We Like It

It’s fully adjustable without any elastic straps.

It’s Worth Noting

This mask is breathable, but hot sleepers may still do better with silk.

The only handmade item on this list, the Freshme Cotton Blindfold Sleep Mask, is lightweight, ultra-soft, and effective in blocking out light.

The adjustable Velcro strap is covered in cotton and ensures a snug but comfortable fit on nearly any head size—so you won’t ever feel restricted. Plus, it’s an easy roll-up with a carrying pouch making it a breeze to take on the go.

Price at time of publication: $31

Product Details:

Material: Cotton
Adjustable: Yes
Cleaning: Hand-wash

How We Selected

We spoke to several experts to help you find the best eye masks for sleeping on the market. We consulted with board-certified dermatologists for their recommendations about the best materials for eye masks concerning overall skin and hair health. We also spoke with sleep experts, including a psychologist who specializes in sleep health.

Sleep experts we spoke to included:

Aanand Geria, MD, a dermatologist based in New Jersey
Shelby Harris, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist and the director of sleep health at Sleepopolis
Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in Manhattan and assistant professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College

After researching and reading peer-reviewed studies, we narrowed the list of the best eye masks for sleeping based on their criteria.

What to Know About Eye Masks for Sleeping

Who Should Use an Eye Mask for Sleeping

It’s ultimately up to you whether or not an eye mask for sleeping makes sense for your needs. However, experts suggest that people who are light sleepers or whose sleep is disrupted by changing environments are particularly great candidates for eye masks. People who have bedrooms with lots of light or who have partners that like to stay up late with the lights on would also benefit from eye masks.

Shelby Harris, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine and the director of sleep health at Sleepopolis. She tells Health that eye masks can benefit anyone who finds their sleep disrupted due to light exposure, but everyone needs to sleep in as much darkness as possible. “Those who are light sleepers, or shift workers who sleep during the daylight hours, can especially benefit from using a sleep mask,” she says.

What Materials Should You Look for When Shopping for an Eye Mask for Sleeping

Eye masks for sleeping come in silk, cotton, polyester, and blended fiber options. Some are little more than a thin fabric, while others are foam or microbead-filled. Experts say silk is a great option because the material is smooth and soft, which limits the frictional forces on the skin. “Silk is also hypoallergenic, feels cool on contact, and does not trap moisture,” explains Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in Manhattan and a clinical assistant professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Regarding skin hygiene and health, Dr. Geria adds that although silk is the best option, cotton is another excellent choice because it is soft and lightweight. Geria adds that cotton shouldn't scratch or irritate the skin because of its softness. Plus, cotton is sturdy, durable, easy to clean, and exceptional at blocking unwanted light. Lastly, Geria says that cotton is also moisture-wicking and breathable, making it a smart choice if you get hot and sweaty at night.

Avoid coarse materials that could be abrasive and irritating to the skin, notes Dr. Camp. “Eye masks that do not breathe well or retain sweat are also not ideal.”

What You Can Expect to Pay for a Sleeping Eye Mask

You can expect to pay anywhere from around $15 to over $50 for sleeping eye masks. The more expensive sleep eye masks are usually made from materials such as silk or have added features such as contour for long lashes.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the best sleeping eye mask?

Nidra Deep Rest Sleep Mask is our favorite because it’s high quality and gives you offers plenty of space, even with the longest lash extension possible. But the best sleep eye mask is ultimately the one you will wear comfortably, wash easily, and get a better night’s sleep. These factors are all highly individual, so the best eye mask for you will come down to your personal needs. You’ll want to consider whether you’re a hot sleeper if you have skin sensitivities, and if you prefer a closer fit or more space for your lids and lashes.

Is it good to sleep with an eye mask?

Yes, it is good to sleep with an eye mask. Eye masks help promote better sleep. Dr. Harris explains to Health that not getting enough sleep and/or poor sleep quality can lead to issues with memory, attention, cognitive processing, and balance, a higher risk of falls and accidents, more depression/anxiety, mood issues, and a poorer quality of life. “Long-term sleep deprivation can also lead to an increased risk of serious health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and strokes,” she says.

When should I see a doctor for sleep?

If you’re finding sleeping with an eye mask isn’t giving you the quality sleep you hoped for, it may be time to see a doctor. “If someone is struggling with their sleep multiple nights a week (three-plus) or routinely has trouble with the quality or quantity of sleep, they should talk with a doctor or a sleep specialist,” says Dr. Harris. “There’s a lot of effective treatments out there that can improve sleep quality and quantity, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy for insomnia.”

Who We Are

Michelle Pugle, MA, MHFA, is a journalist, author, and suicide prevention speaker featured in Healthline, Verywell Health, and Everyday Health. She is the author of Ana, Mia & Me: An Eating Disorder Recovery Memoir, Space to Grow, Poems, and The Work: Best Lessons Learned in Trauma-Informed Therapy.