By Sarah Madaus September 13, 2026 Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Bedtime doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. If you’re trying to rest on a long-haul flight or in a noisy, too-bright environment, the best sleep masks can help fake the feeling of a cozy, tranquil bedroom —making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. In general, “it’s best to sleep in a dark room,” says Jose Colon , MD, an adult and pediatric sleep medicine physician based in Florida. “If you have blackout shades, that’s great, but they’re not always practical.” He adds that city-dwellers may find it especially hard to block light from their bedroom, and that trying to sleep soundly in the summertime (when the sun sets later) can be tricky if you like to hit the hay on the earlier side. “In those situations, a sleep mask can be a helpful way to block out light and create a darker sleep environment,” Dr. Colon notes.
Beyond better sleep , certain sleep masks can offer perks for your skin, too. Just like with silk pillowcases , sleep masks made with silk or satin act as a smooth surface for the delicate eye area so you don't wake up with those tell-tale pillow creases on your skin. As New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, previously told Allure , "silk and satin are extremely soft materials, so they cause less friction between the skin and the fabric." As a result, you’ll wake up feeling and looking more refreshed and bright-eyed. Forget counting sheep: These editor- and expert-approved sleep masks are all you need to drift off to dreamland.
Is it healthy to sleep with a sleep mask? What is the best type of eye mask for sleeping? How do I choose the right sleep mask? Meet the experts Our staff and testers Best Overall: Manta Original Sleep Mask Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Manta
Why we love it: Manta’s machine-washable Original Sleep Mask is designed to keep most sleepers comfortable, calm, and sound asleep through the night. “It is highly customizable, offers full blackout, and [has] cups over your eyes that allow you to open your eyes without the mask rubbing your lashes,” says Michael Breus , PhD, a California-based clinical psychologist and clinical sleep specialist, noting that he considers it his favorite sleep mask out there.
That customizability extends to the mask’s adjustable elastic head strap and eye cups, which slide along the length of the mask to better match the actual distance between your eyes and ensure a closer, comfier fit. The deep, moldable eye cups not only prevent friction on your lids and lashes, as Dr. Breus noted, but they also reduce the pressure on your eyes overall—so you won’t wake up with fuzzy, bleary vision or dents around your eyes. Strictly a side sleeper? In that case, Dr. Breus recommends the Manta Pro Mask ; its sides are thinner and less bulky, so they lie flat against the sides of your head.
Fabric: modal fabric, polycotton, polyester velour How to clean: machine-wash, air-dry flat Adjustable: yes Best for: back sleepers, combination sleepers Best for Travel: Mzoo Sleep Mask Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Mzoo
Why we love it: For complete, total lights-out, consider Mzoo’s Sleep Mask. Its memory foam eye cups contour to the shape of your face and provide supportive, dense cushioning without adding pressure or heat; if you’re a hot sleeper, rest easy knowing that the foam is perforated to ensure…