The 9 Best Sleep Masks of 2021

Best Overall: Bedtime Bliss Contoured Sleep Mask

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For a comfortable fit at an affordable price that’s a cut above the competition, the Bedtime Bliss Contoured Sleep Mask is a great choice. Designed to fit your face without putting pressure on the eyes, the mask features adjustable straps, a contoured shape around the nose, soft material, and it completely blocks out light. Soft padding on the sides prevents it from rubbing and makes it easy to forget you have it on. The eye mask also comes with a convenient carry bag and earplugs to drown out background noise. Many reviewers stated that they tried several sleep masks before having success with Bedtime Bliss.

Best Budget: Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

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If you’re prepping for a trip and you’d rather spend money on your travels as opposed to accessories, the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask is an affordable option that’s a great pick for just about anyone. With that being said, it’s especially ideal for anyone who suffers from insomnia, migraines, or other eye-related health issues. Crafted from 100 percent natural mulberry silk, this soft, ultra-plush eye mask offers the utmost in breathability and comfort, and its gentle, easily adjustable headband makes it suitable for women, men, and children alike. It’s also super light-blocking, so for those travelers who are especially sensitive to harsh plane lighting, this mask is a perfect fit.

Best Basic: Jersey Slumber 100 Percent Silk Sleep Mask

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For a simplistic design that serves the purpose of helping you sleep, the Jersey Slumber is an excellent option. There’s no bells and whistles with this eye mask, but it is made of 100 percent silk for a soft, soothing feel on the skin and a comfortable, adjustable elastic strap to hold it in place – without getting caught in your hair. Unlike other masks, this lies flat on your face without giving you much space to blink. The light-blocking, black sleep mask takes up very little space in luggage, making it the perfect travel accessory for long flights.

Best Value: Bucky 40 Blinks Sleep Mask

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For a wide variety of color combinations, patterns, and styles, the Bucky 40 Blinks sleep mask is the way to go. There are more than 20 colors and patterns ranging from funky floral to polka dots, so you can easily identify your mask. The eye mask is made of polyester polyurethane foam, creating a smooth, ultralight design that feels comfortable on the face.

Dipped, molded cups around the eyes allow you to blink freely inside, and an elastic band helps to hold it in place. The mask is ideal for long flights, those who work night shifts, or those prone to tension headaches because it can completely block out light. Be sure to handwash this item.

Best Hypoallergenic: Dream Sleeper Mask

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Those who have allergy sensitivities to different scents and fabrics should consider the Dream Sleeper Mask, a hypoallergenic and latex-free eye mask. The simple, functional design completely blocks out light from the eyes and can remain dark even if it shifts slightly in your sleep. The elastic band on the back holds it in place and works well with side sleepers and restless movers. The mask is a little pricier than some of the others, but the warranty is amazing: if you lose the mask the company will replace it for free (you just pay for shipping and handling). Reviewers noted that makeup, oil, and sweat sticks to the material, however, it is machine washable.

Best Heated: Graphene Times Heated Eye Mask

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For a soothing, “mini-spa” treatment on the plane, bus, or just about anywhere, the Heated Eye Mask from Graphene Times will help you sleep better. The mask creates complete darkness and has a convenient USB plug to power on from a battery bank or other source.

With three different heat settings, it soothes the eyes and muscles, and buyers have found it helps with migraines, puffy eyes, and wrinkles. Designed to increase blood flow, it is EPA approved and does not emit electromagnetic radiation. For safety, the timer goes off after one hour, so if you fall asleep (which it is designed to let you do) it won’t stay on all night. 

Best Splurge: SlipSilk Pure Silk Sleep Mask

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Sure, this Slipsilk sleep mask may be a bit of a splurge, but you'll get high-quality, luxury sleep in return. It's crafted from the highest-grade, long-fiber mulberry silk, meaning it won't irritate your skin or absorb moisture. With its use of non-toxic dyes, the eye mask is hypoallergenic and soft to the touch. Plus, it's been developed and refined for over 10 years, so you know you're getting a good investment. There are also eight, elegant colors to choose from, including pink, silver, gold, black, and more. All in all, this pure silk mask is ideal for those dreaded, long international flights, or if you just like to travel in style.

Best Gel Mask: TheraPearl Eye Mask

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Not only will the TheraPearl Eye Mask with Flexible Gel Beads help improve the quality of your sleep, but it'll also pull double duty as a soothing eye pain alleviator and skin protectant. This popular gel mask can be used as both a cold compress and a heating pack. If you frequently suffer from dry eyes on planes (and with the cold air blowing straight at your face, who doesn’t?), the TheraPearl Eye Mask is an ideal solution — when the eye mask is heated in a microwave for a few seconds, its specialized Pearl Technology delivers heat to your eye area to break up clogs in the glands that cause dry eyes. Alternatively, if you suffer from puffiness or deep bags around your eyes, you can cool your eye mask in the fridge before your trip and use it to help with these health issues. The TheraPearl Eye Mask with Flexible Gel Beads is non-toxic and BPA-, latex-, and phthalate-free.  

Best Scented: DreamTime Sweet Dreams Sleep Mask

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Sometimes, comfort and eye-depuffing capabilities aren’t enough when it comes to the perfect sleep mask — no, you also need your mask to smell nice, to be able to sink into a deep slumber during your travels. The DreamTime Sweet Dreams Sleep Mask boasts a soothing yet subtle natural lavender scent (there are real lavender flowers sprinkled inside) that provides some serious aromatherapy benefits. In addition to its lovely scent, this eye mask has a cushy black lining, an adjustable strap, and nose flaps to effectively block out light. This mask comes in two shades — lavender velvet and larkspur blue. FYI, you can also put it in the freezer or microwave for instant cooling or heat.