Advantages of Using a Sleep Mask
Block Light
The two main distractions that can keep you from sleeping are light and noise. Even moonlight can prevent you from sleeping deeply and restfully. Your alarm clock and other electronic devices emit small amounts of light that can keep you awake at night. Light sends signals to your body that it is time for you to wake up, whereas your internal body clock responds to the darkness and makes you sleepy.
The Schiffert Health Center, Virginia Tech recommends that you use a sleep mask to block out the light that can interfere with your sleep and keep you awake. A sleep mask not only blocks out the most obvious sources of light such as televisions, lamps, etc. it also blocks natural light such as sunlight and moonlight.
In 2010, a Chinese study in an ICU revealed that the participants who used sleep masks and earplugs had higher melatonin levels, the hormone that controls sleep and greater REM (rapid eye movement) time.
Reduces Swelling
Using a cool sleep mask can help to soothe and relieve the puffiness under and around your eyes. You can use gel-filled masks for this purpose by keeping them in the refrigerator and whenever you need one, you can let the sleep mask rest on your puffy eyes for 10-20 minutes or until the gel is not cold any longer. You could also choose gel masks with herbal fragrances like lavender, etc., to enhance the relaxation.
Relieves Sinus Pain
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, if you suffer from headache and congestion due to chronic sinus, application of heat and pressure can offer relief. For a few minutes, place a gel-filled sleep mask in a bowl of hot water and then transfer the moist heat to the affected areas. If you are suffering from sinusitis with pain after being exposed to wet or cold weather and it intensifies with the warmth, make use of a cold sleep mask while you lie down with your head propped up slightly.
There are several types of sleep masks available in the market and here are some factors that you must consider before buying a sleep mask to ensure nights of comfortable and restful sleep.
What to Consider When Buying a Sleep Mask
Material
Silk
A silk sleep mask is the ultimate in luxury. Since silk is much thicker than most fabrics, it blocks light very well. It is also very soft and durable, making it a very popular choice for sleep masks.
Satin
Satin sleep masks are very popular as it is very similar to the feel of silk but not as expensive. Satin sleep masks are suitable for people with long hair as it will not snag, pull or get caught in it.
Memory Foam
Many sleep masks have memory foam lining the interiors, which gives the sleep mask shape. Memory foam sleep masks are beneficial if you have very long eyelashes or you blink a lot when you sleep if you want to prevent the sleep mask from rubbing or causing irritation. The memory foam also helps to make room for other things such as if you need to use a CPAP mask.
Cotton
Sleep masks made of cotton are natural and hypoallergenic and are perfect if you have sensitive eyes and skin. Cotton is easily washable and gets softer with age. Also, it absorbs water more easily and so it is resistant to the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast.
Polyester
Polyester sleep masks are the most lightweight, as well as durable. They are naturally cooler compared to other materials. However, the polyester may not be very breathable and there may also be the issue of staining.
Beads and Gels
There are sleep masks which have beads or gel in the interiors. If you want your sleep mask to heat and cool, then the sleep masks with gels and beads are a great option. These are also great for reducing puffiness or swelling around the eyes and also help to regulate the temperature of your body if you tend to sleep hot or cold at night.
Fit
There are a few things that you must take into consideration the fit of the sleep mask on your face. The first thing to consider is the overall size of the sleep mask. Some sleep masks may cover most of your face. While some people may find it comforting, others may find it to be claustrophobic. The next thing to consider is if the sleep mask has a strap at the back which stretches and if there is a way to adjust the strap to give you a snug and comfortable fit.
The most important thing that determines how well the sleep mask fits is whether it blocks out the light completely when you wear it. Some masks claim to block out only 98-99% of the light and if the sleep mask is ill-fitting it will let in light and be completely useless. So, you may want to look for a sleep mask that contours your face and also offers complete darkness.
Comfort
The amount and quality of sleep that you get is extremely important. And so, choosing the right kind of sleep mask that offers the greatest amount of comfort is key. The position that you sleep in will determine the type of sleep mask to buy for maximum comfort. For instance, if you sleep on your side, you should get and sleek and slim designed sleep mask that will not put pressure on the side of your face. If the adjustable straps of the sleep mask include a buckle, you must make sure that the hardware is at the back of your head and not on the side.
If you are a back sleeper, then you may want a sleep mask that has space between the eye cavity and the top of the sleep mask, because the sleep mask may put too much pressure on the top of your face due to the effects of gravity.
For maximum comfort, the sleep mask you choose must be lightweight. You could also choose an aromatherapy-infused sleep mask, which can help to increase your relaxation and comfort levels. If you would like to have your eyes open but not see light, then you could opt for sleep masks with holes in the eye cavities. However, this may sometimes be uncomfortable, especially if the sleep mask has any stitching.
Washability
Most of the sleep masks are washable and it is a good idea to avoid one that is not washable. While the washing instructions may vary depending on the brand and material of the sleep mask, generally most sleep masks can be hand washed with mild soap and warm water and air dried. Washing your sleep mask in the washing machine or drying it in the dryer may compromise the stitching and shape. Drying your sleep mask in the sun may be a good option if you are concerned about odor and sunlight is an anti-microbial too.
We will now be reviewing the top 4 sleep masks available to help you make a choice of the best one for you.
Top 4 Reviews of the Best Sleep Mask for Deeper Sleep
Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask
If you’re looking for a comfortable and lightweight sleep mask that will shut out as much light as possible, then the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask is an excellent choice. It blocks the light out completely, even if the light is very bright. Made from natural mulberry silk, the Alaska Bear sleep mask feels extremely soft and smooth on your skin.
The sleep mask has elastic straps which are adjustable so that you can adjust it snugly as you desire. The adjuster is so thin and small that you will not be able to feel it when you are lying in your bed. The adjuster does not have Velcro that can get tangled in your hair as well, which makes it comfortable to wear.
The Alaska Bear sleep mask is lightweight and you can roll it up conveniently, which makes it a great companion while you travel. Overall, if you’re looking for a simple yet comfortable sleep mask that feels gentle on your skin and does its job of blocking out light any time of the day effectively, then the Alaska Bear is definitely a great choice.
Features
- Made from 100% 19 momme natural mulberry silk
- Made from natural, breathable and hypoallergenic fibers
- Plastic adjuster
- Adjustable strap (from 15.8 inches to 27.6 inches)
- Suitable for use by men, women and children
Advantages
- Comfortable.
- Super soft and smooth silk is breathable and offers cool relaxation.
- Easy-to-adjust headband which does not snag on your hair or pillow.
- Plastic adjuster stays at the back of your head, good for sleeping on your side.
- Fits comfortably with earplugs and CPAP face mask.
- Good price.
Drawbacks
- The fit may become loose with use over time.
- Strap connections may be uncomfortable.
Buy It Here
You can buy the Alaska Bear Sleep Mask on Amazon.
Bedtime Bliss Contoured Sleep Mask
The Bedtime Bliss sleep mask is probably among the best contoured sleep masks on our list. There is a lot of space between your eyes and the mask so that you have ample room to move your eyelashes and eyelids freely. The sleep mask has adjustable straps that will not bother your skin and catch in your hair.
The Bedtime Bliss sleep mask is so comfortable that you will forget that it is even there. The contouring of the sleep mask enables it to block out the light very well. The sleep mask comes along with a set of earplugs and a carry case, which makes it a convenient travel accessory.
Overall, the one-size-fits-all shape of the Bedtime Bliss contoured sleep mask makes it ideal for people with faces of different shapes and sizes and if you are looking for a sleep mask that gives plenty of room for your eyes, then Bedtime Bliss is the best choice that can help you relax, fall asleep very quickly and wake up completely refreshed.
Features
- Contoured design with plenty of eye space
- Adjustable strap fits heads of all sizes
- Washable and lightweight
- Portable
- Oeko-Tex certified
- Includes earplugs and carrying case
- Suitable for women, men, children and shift workers
Advantages
- Blocks out the light quite well.
- Won’t smudge if you have makeup or lotion on.
- Very comfortable.
- Does not put pressure on your eyes.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Does not interfere with REM sleep and also has sufficient room for you to open your eyes and relax.
- Does not cause dry eyes.
Drawbacks
- If used daily and washed very often, may not be very durable.
- Strap may be difficult to adjust.
Buy It Here
You can buy the Bedtime Bliss Contoured Sleep Mask on Amazon.
Dream Essentials Sleep Mask
If you’re looking out for a sleep mask that gives you a lot of space for your eyes and eyelashes, then the Dream Essentials Sleep Mask may be a good buy. Made from inbuilt foam, the sleep mask has deep eye cavities which helps to maintain the shape of the sleep mask and it also lets you open your eyes while wearing the mask conveniently even if your eyelashes are very long.
The inside of the Dream Essentials sleep mask is made from natural cotton which feels extremely soft and gentle on the skin and the outside is made from plush fabric. The sleep mask features a simple slider strap that allows you to get a snug fit to block out all the light effectively.
The Dream Essentials sleep mask has 2 cloth pieces that are attached to the nose contour, which can be positioned to block out any light if the shape of the mask is not the perfect shape for your face. Overall, the Dream Essential sleep mask is an excellent option that offers more breathing space for your eyes and eyelashes compared to the other sleep masks on our list.
Features
- Contoured sleep mask.
- Features concave eye pockets.
- Made from revolutionary interlocking fabric.
- Fully adjustable strap and quick-release closure.
- Comes along with a travel carry pouch and earplugs.
- Suitable for women, men and children.
Advantages
- Flexible and elastic.
- Soft foam cushioning is very comfortable.
- Features a slider strap adjustment that is much better than Velcro.
- The sleep mask comes along with earplugs.
- Suitable for side sleeping.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
Drawbacks
- The foam padding may apply more pressure around your eyes.
- The sleep mask may not be very comfortable if you lie face down.
- Minor problems of light leaking in.
Buy It Here
You can buy the Dream Essentials Sleep Mask on Amazon.
Jersey Slumber Silk Sleep Mask
The Jersey Slumber sleep mask is a well-designed mask that is comfortable for all-night-long use at a very affordable price. Made of silk, the sleep mask feels very soft and smooth against the skin and provides gentle comfort to your eyes. The wide and long design of the sleep mask blocks the light effectively.
The sleep mask is especially suitable if you have sensitive eyes and have issues with rubbing, lack of breathability and tightness. In terms of the size, the Jersey Slumber sleep mask is quite large and helps to block out light.
The Jersey Slumber sleep mask features a thin slider strap that is adjustable and allows you to sleep on your side very comfortably. The Jersey Slumber sleep mask is overall a very comfortable sleep mask and it is especially a great mask for use while you travel on a plane because is so soft and lightweight.
Features
- Made from 100% high-quality silk
- Hypoallergenic
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Adjustable soft elastic strap
Advantages
- Inexpensive.
- Lightweight and convenient for use anywhere.
- Very simple and comfortable.
- Good for sensitive eyes.
- Adjustable slider strap.
Drawbacks
- The sleep mask may let in some light because the design is not too contoured.
- The flat design of the mask may not let you blink comfortably or keep your eyes open.
- May not be suitable for all sleeping positions.
Buy It Here
You can buy the Jersey Slumber Sleep Mask on Amazon.
When buying the perfect sleep mask, the price may not always be the only factor to consider. You must decide the best option after considering various factors such as — what kind of a sleeper are you and do you sleep mostly on your side, back or stomach? How you will use your sleep mask, how often you’ll use it and what you are hoping to achieve. What is your skin type, the amount of light in your room and how much you travel? Once you answer all the above questions, you can buy a sleep mask that is the “best fit” for you.