The best sleep eye masks to buy in 2025 – tested by a light sleeper and a side sleeper
Whether you are battling streetlights, early sunrises, or just a racing mind, a good mask is the cheapest sleep insurance you can buy. We tested the top contenders to find the ones that actually stay on your face.
In an ideal world, we would all have blackout curtains that seal magnetically to the wall and zero blue-light exposure after 8 p.m. In the real world, my wife likes to read on her iPad until midnight, and I have a neighbor across the street with a security light that rivals the sun.
Sleep masks have graduated from the scratchy nylon freebies you get on airplanes to serious sleep tech. To find the best, I tested them alongside my wife. This matters because we sleep differently: I am a back sleeper who needs total sensory deprivation. She is a side sleeper who hates anything bulky pressing on her face or tangling her hair.
We spent a month swapping masks. Here are the ones worth waking up for.
Manta Sleep Mask
If you hate the feeling of fabric pressing against your eyelids, the Manta is the gold standard. It uses modular "eye cups" that adhere to the strap with velcro, allowing you to position them exactly where your eyes are. Because the cups are deep, you can open your eyes in total darkness without your lashes brushing against anything. It creates a true seal that feels more like a sensory deprivation tank than a mask.
Tester Notes
Drowsy Sleep Co. Silk Mask
This isn't a mask; it's a "face hugger" in the best possible way. The Drowsy mask is massive, wrapping around your entire head with thick, padded mulberry silk. It feels less like an accessory and more like a pillow attached to your face. It blocks light effectively simply by covering so much surface area, and the wide velcro strap means there are no thin bands digging into your ears.
Tester Notes
Bia Smart Sleep Mask
If you are a data nerd or a serious insomniac, Bia is the heavyweight champion. Unlike passive masks, Bia uses neurofeedback sensors to monitor your brain activity and plays "neural music" to guide you into deeper sleep stages. It also features a sunrise simulator that wakes you up gently with light inside the mask. It’s expensive, but it’s an active tool for sleep improvement rather than just a light blocker.
Tester Notes
Lunya Washable Silk Mask
Bulky masks are a nightmare for side sleepers because they dig into the temple when you hit the pillow. The Lunya mask is essentially a wide, flat band of washable silk. It stays put without plastic adjusters or thick foam, making it seamless for rolling around. It’s the closest thing to wearing nothing while still blocking out the world.
Tester Notes
At a Glance
| Product | Best For | Material | Blackout Level | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manta | Total Darkness | Foam/Modal | 100% | $35 |
| Drowsy | Luxury Comfort | Mulberry Silk | 95% | $79 |
| Bia | Biohacking | Foam/Tech | 100% | $379 |
| Lunya | Side Sleepers | Washable Silk | 85% | $48 |
How we tested
We tested these masks over a period of three weeks in various conditions: total darkness, mid-day naps with blinds open, and on a long-haul flight. We evaluated them based on light leakage (does the nose bridge seal?), strap comfort (does it snag hair?), and breathability (does it get sweaty?). Most importantly, we tested them in both back and side sleeping positions to ensure they stay put regardless of how you sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sleep masks really help you sleep better?
Yes. Light is the primary regulator of your circadian rhythm. Even small amounts of light from street lamps or alarm clocks can suppress melatonin production. A sleep mask creates total darkness, signaling to your brain that it is time for deep rest, regardless of your environment.
Which sleep mask is best for side sleepers?
Side sleepers need a mask with a slim profile and flat strap adjusters. Bulky masks can dig into the temples or shift out of place when pressed against a pillow. We recommend the Lunya Washable Silk Mask or the Drowsy Sleep Co. Mask for their soft, wraparound designs.
Are silk masks better than cotton or foam?
Silk is generally better for skin and hair health because it creates less friction, preventing sleep creases and frizz. However, foam masks (like Manta) are often better at 100% light blocking because they can be molded to fit the contours of your nose perfectly.
How often should you wash your sleep mask?
Ideally, you should wash your sleep mask once a week, especially if you have sensitive skin. Oils and skincare products can build up on the fabric. Look for masks labeled "machine washable" (like Lunya) if you want easy maintenance.
