The Best Sleep Masks for Every REM-Deprived Dude

If you’re on the fence about the best sleep masks, know that there are two types of sleepers in this world: Those who can pass out anywhere—train, plane, at their desk—and those who need the conditions to be juuuust right. Darkness, white noise, ideal temperature, the whole ordeal. If you’re in the second camp, you should consider adding a sleep mask to your routine ASAP, since even if you think you’re sleeping fine, you might not realize how much ambient light is messing with your circadian rhythm.

Sleep masks aren’t just for long-haul flights anymore, either. They can block out the glare of a streetlamp, soften the impact of your partner’s late-night TikTok habit, and even help you fall asleep faster. The right one can also help support melatonin production and help you wake up feeling more rested—even if your alarm is set for 5 a.m for your lengthy morning routine. We tested everything from classic silk masks to blackout styles and high-tech options. These are the ones worth your money.

The Best Sleep Masks, at a Glance:

Best Sleep Mask Overall: Dream Recovery Performance Silk Sleep Mask

No matter how many sleep masks I test, this is the one I keep returning to again and again. Although it’s not guaranteed blackout coverage, it blocks out light better than most—without swallowing your face in excess fabric or giving the slight claustrophobia of eye cups. The 100% mulberry silk fabric feels as smooth as you’d expect, contours to your face, and won’t budge unless you’re a super restless sleeper. Whether you sprawl out like a starfish or curl up into the fetal position, this thing stays comfy without any metal bits or hard parts to create pressure. I keep mine on my nightstand for daily use and never fly without it stashed in my crossbody bag.

Best High-Tech Sleep Mask: Therabody SleepMask

Need to fall asleep fast? The Therabody SleepMask uses gentle vibrations to relax facial muscles and calm your nervous system, lulling you in a sweet dreamland. You can toggle between steady pulses or a rising-and-falling wave pattern that encourages deeper breathing. It sounds high-tech (and it is), but in my testing, it never felt bulky or awkward. The first few nights I used this, I set it to a lower intensity vibration and promptly passed out within five minutes. Despite the embedded battery (which lasts a generous 240 hours), it’s surprisingly discreet—even when lying forehead-down. Therabody’s list of materials—PVC and sofa fabric?—sounds questionable, but the mask itself feels smooth and soft, and the inner liner is perfectly squishy with blackout ridges around the eyes.

Best Blackout Sleep Mask: Manta Pro Sleep Mask

The Manta sleep mask has built a cult following for a reason. (When I polled people I know, over half of them recommended this mask.) Its adjustable eye cups completely block out light without pressing on your eyelids, and the C-shaped design leaves the outer edges foam-free, making it especially comfortable for side sleepers. The strap goes on top of your ears to eliminate pressure, and it’s lined with anti-slip gel so you can toss and turn without it falling off. Nearly every layer on both the eye cups and strap is perforated or mesh-lined, so you won’t wake up sweaty, either. It’s an investment, sure, but if total darkness is a must-have, it’s absolutely worth it.

Best Travel Sleep Mask: Matador Blackout Sleep Mask and Ear Plugs

Featherlight without skimping on coverage, the Matador blackout mask is built for life at 30,000 feet—or a tent deep in the woods. It looks like a headband but packs down to nearly nothing into a built-in pocket, making it perfect for small carry-ons. It’s so lofty that it feels like your favorite puffer jacket, and the bamboo-lined fabric is soft against the skin, even during long-haul red-eyes. There’s a clever little pocket for the included ear plugs, which is a small but smart design decision. However, I did have a little trouble keeping it secure while lying flat in bed; tightening it made it uncomfortable, loosening it made it slip. But for upright or reclined positions, like on a plane, it held up great. For everyday use, I’d prefer something with a little more heft to it, but I would definitely choose this one for extended travel or a long backpacking trip.

Best Weighted Eye Mask: Kitsch Lavender Weighted Satin Eye Mask

This affordable mask delivers a surprisingly luxe experience. Filled with microbeads and dried lavender, the Kitsch Weighted Satin Eye Mask combines gentle pressure with calming aromatherapy proven to help you unwind and sleep better. The satin exterior feels smooth and stays cool throughout the night. It’s not total blackout, but it dims light enough to help you relax. That said, side sleepers may want to skip it—the weighted beads can feel a little awkward if your head’s directly on them.

Best Cooling Sleep Mask: Rest Evercool Cooling Eye Mask

If you run hot at night, this is the sleep mask for you. As if by magic, Rest’s signature Evercool fabric feels refreshingly cool against the skin—even in sweltering temps or stuffy rooms. (I also have their comforter, which I swear by as a hot sleeper.) Unlike silk masks, which you have to baby in the laundry, you can toss this one in the washing machine and dryer without a second thought. It doesn’t block out all light, but the large wrap-around design does a solid job filtering it out while keeping things breathable.

Best Budget Eye Mask: Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask

Don’t want to drop $60 on a sleep mask? You don’t have to. This under-$20 pick punches well above its price. The Alaska Bear silk mask is made from the same 100% mulberry silk used in high-end options, with a wide adjustable strap that won’t tangle in your hair. It’s super lightweight, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin. The only drawback is that reviewers note that the Velcro closure comes undone with too much movement. If price isn’t a concern, I’d still go for the Dream Recovery mask if you’re in the market for silk, as the strap has more give and feels more durable long term.

What To Look For in an Eye Mask

You don’t need to spend a fortune to find a great eye mask—but a few key features can make or break your sleep. Here’s what to consider:

• Blackout vs. Light Filtering: Total blackout masks can help promote deeper sleep, especially if you’re light-sensitive or live in a bright urban environment. For some, they can feel claustrophobic though.
• Material: Silk is great for sensitive skin and doesn’t tug or crease your face. It is also flat against the face, so it will stay in place no matter your sleeping position. Memory foam and padded masks offer more structure and blackout coverage but can feel bulky.
• Fit and Adjustability: A good mask shouldn’t press on your eyes or slide off mid-sleep. Look for wide, adjustable straps, contoured eye cups, or customizable designs.
• Portability: If you’re planning to travel with it, go for something light, compact, and ideally machine-washable.