The best sleep masks for a restful night, tried and tested

Telegraph

12-05-2025

Getting a steady eight hours of sleep a night doesn't always come naturally, but just like finding the best mattresses and pillows to help you get some solid rest, finding the best sleep mask can make a world of difference when you're trying to block out light for some crucial added ZZZs.
Sleep masks can range in price from £5 to £150 depending on the type of fabric you want to invest in (you'll find everything from cotton to mulberry silk in our round-up) or high tech features you may want to add to your sleep experience, like a mask that massages your eyes or has built-in headphones.
I tested some of the best sleep masks, from leading brands such as Tempur, SnoozeBand, Drowsy and Boots, to see how they aided a good night's sleep. This guide is also regularly checked and updated.
The best sleep masks: At a glance
How to choose the best sleep mask for you
Whether you need a sleep mask to help with having a lie-in, resting during the day after a night shift, or blocking out distractions on a flight, start by choosing the right material for your skin. Consider whether silk, cotton, or velvet will be best suited to sit over your eye area, and whether the material inside the mask, such as memory foam or polyester, will give you a more comfortable experience overall.
Dr Linsday Browning, author of Navigating Sleeplessness and bedroom furniture brand And So To Bed's sleep expert, says using a 'poor quality eye mask made of fabric that is not breathable and may cause you to sweat and overheat. Also, if they are not soft, you may find the fabric irritating against your face'.
Hygiene and fit are important factors to consider, too. 'Ensure that your eye mask is washable, so that you can regularly wash it to keep it hygienic and that the strap that goes around your head is tight enough so that it doesn't slide off your face during the night, but not too uncomfortable,' she adds. While elasticated straps should provide a decent fit for most, look for adjustable straps if you'd like a truly customisable fit.
Finally, consider whether you want any additional features such as headphones, massaging or contoured eye pads with your mask.
How we test sleep masks
I wore each sleep mask for number of nights consecutively to test how comfortable it was against my face for up to eight hours, and whether it threw up any features that positively or negatively impacted my sleep.
I tested how well the masks blocked out light by wearing them during the day, at night with a low light on, and in complete darkness. I also took note of how soft and breathable the different materials felt against my skin, and the overall hygiene of each mask by how easy it was to wash.
I also looked for how comfortable the different fastenings were and how well the masks fit my head, and whether they felt secure or slipped off during the night.
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The best sleep masks of 2025
1. Best Buy Sleep Mask: Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask
This sumptuous silk sleep mask by Drowsy is one of the most luxurious on the market. Its cloud-like padding is soft and comfortable, wrapping all the way around my head, and left my eyes feeling cushioned and supported.
This is a true blackout eye mask and successfully blocked out any light. It lay flush against my face to keep everything dark, even around my nose where light can often seep in. The wide adjustable strap provided a snug but comfortable fit and meant I didn't have to worry about it moving during my sleep. I didn't wake up with marks, creases or lines on my face, which sometimes happens with other masks.
The mask's mulberry silk is 22 momme (the weight measurement for silk). The higher the momme, the heavier and more premium the silk, with this considered midweight. It requires more gentle care than cotton and polyester so you can either hand wash this sleep mask, which is my preference, or Drowsy suggests you can machine wash it on a cold or delicates cycle in a laundry bag.
There are 18 shades to choose from. I tried (and loved) the lilac lavender haze colour but others available include deep rouge, emerald green, pumpkin spice and pale pink. There's even one inspired the mask worn by Audrey Hepburn's character Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's, complete with gold embroidery and eyelashes.
This is one of the more expensive sleep masks on the market, but having tried it, I would happily pay the £70 RRP. Retailers Cult Beauty and Selfridges regularly stock the eye mask at a discounted price, however.
Key specifications
2. Best Value Sleep Mask: Boots The Travel Nightshade Eye Mask
If you don't want to spend a great deal on a sleep mask but still want it to block out light and fit comfortably, one of the most affordable and impressive options I found is Boots' The Travel Nightshade Eye Mask.
Even though it's not available in an array of colours and patterns, the simple grey design is incredibly thoughtful. The elasticated strap meant it fit comfortably around my head and it blocked out practically all light. (A sliver of light appeared when I glanced my eyes downwards into a specific position, otherwise it was completely dark.)
The cotton polyester blend felt pleasant against my skin and didn't become sweaty or stuffy, while its lightweight and compact design made it easy to add to a travel bag for a night away. Given that it's by Boots, which often has a store in most major airports, train stations and travel hubs, it makes a good emergency choice if you've left your usual sleep mask at home and been caught short on the road.
And if £6 wasn't enough of a bargain, with a Boots Advantage Card you'll save a further 10 per cent on all Boots own-brand products, making it just £5.40. The only slight inconvenience is that it needs to be hand washed, but it's hard to complain given the price.
Key specifications
3. Best Sleep Mask with Headphones: SnoozeBand Deluxe Sleep Mask Headphones
If you need music, a podcast or an audiobook to lull you to sleep, this is the solution for you. It's a sleep mask with super slim built-in headphones, so you can drown out a snoring partner or street noise without needing a pair of ear plugs or ear buds. It had such a positive impact on my bedtime routine that it quickly became a go-to every evening.
At first, you need to adjust the position of the headphones so that they line up correctly with your ears, and it's not the quickest job. But once done, you can link it to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to play everything from relaxing music to some of its built-in soothing sounds. With up to 15 hours of playback on a single charge, you can even set up an automatic shut-off timer for between one and three hours to save it from playing for too long after you've fallen asleep.
The adjustable strap means that you can achieve a comfortable fit and the blackout design is impressive, keeping all light out. An added bonus is the built-in zippered section which can house an ice or heat pack, which may prove useful if you suffer from a sore head or migraines.
Key specifications
4. Best Silk Sleep Mask: SilkAddict 100% Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask Wrap
Score: 9/10
We like: It's cooling and light blocking
We don't like: Only darker colour options
If you're not already aware of the benefits of using a silk pillowcase, it can help prevent you waking up with creases on your face, stop your hair from becoming frizzy in the night, and stop often expensive night creams and moisturisers from sinking into the fabric. Silk sleep masks offer many of the same benefits.
Mulberry silk is one to look out for while shopping for silk sleep masks and pillowcases. It s renowned for its strength, softness and hypoallergenic qualities, making it some of the highest quality that you'll find. This mask is 22 momme, and as someone who can often get quite warm overnight, I liked that this mask stayed cool all night long and was lovely and cushioning on my eyes and head. It also benefits from a velcro strap to allow for a superb fit which helps keep all light out. I awoke refreshed, with the sleep mask not having moved since I put it on, and I had no creases or marks on my face either.
While it is available in six colours, it would have been nice to see it in a few brighter hues. But if you're looking for a simple and sophisticated design, this could be an excellent choice for you.
Key specifications
5. Best Embroidered Sleep Mask: Elizabeth Scarlett Eye Mask
If you find that silk masks slip down or move around as you toss and turn at night, a velvet design like this one could be a better option for you. The fabric used is luxuriously soft and the range of embroidered designs (which spans everything from animals and flowers to hearts and fruits, all set against a background of rich hues) adds to its premium feel.
Its classic shape doesn't block out light completely, but it was still one of the better traditional options I came across. Plus, the elasticated strap was one of the tightest out of all the sleep masks that I tried, which I appreciated as I have a smaller head. It wasn't baggy and didn't add or cause any pressure on my eyes or around my head as I slept either. It also has enough stretch that it should work for a range of different people.
It has a dried lavender filling, which I found was a soothing touch, while the accompanying storage bag makes it another great option to pack in your carry-on or to give as a gift.
Key specifications
Material: 100 per cent cotton velvet front, 100 per cent polyester velvet back
Strap design: Elasticated strap
Care instructions: Spot clean only
Additional features: Filled with dried lavender
6. Best Blackout Sleep Mask: Manta Sleep
Featuring additional eye socket pads, the Manta Sleep Mask has a true blackout design and, once I'd adjusted the pads to fit properly, lets zero light in. It took some trial and error to position pads correctly and when off by even a centimetre or two, I found that it started to press into the sides of my face as I moved from sleeping on my back to my side and vice versa. However, once they were in place, they offered some of the best light blocking of all the sleep masks that I tested.
In comparison with the silk or cotton options I tried, the mask's modal fabric wasn't the softest or most breathable, so it could feel quite stifling in warmer weather or when you have the central heating on. It has a somewhat medical look to it too, which might not be to everyone's taste.
It comes with a pair of earplugs and an accompanying mesh wash bag, making it well suited for travel and a top pick for blocking out ambient light on a flight, bus or overnight train journey.
Helpfully, Manta offers a 60 day trial period, so you can test the mask out for yourself and see if the eye cups and fabric works for you before fully committing.
Key specifications
Material: Modal eye cups, polycotton outer strap, polyester velour inner strap
Strap design: Velcro wrap
Care instructions: Machine washable
Additional features: None
7. Best Sleep Mask for Comfort: Tempur Sleep Mask
You are likely familiar with Tempur's mattresses and pillows, but the bestselling sleep brand also has an eye mask to match. Filled with its patented memory foam (the one originally designed for NASA astronauts), it conforms to the contours of your face in a comfortable, cushioning way while the adjustable velcro straps help you to find the right fit. Fastening it snugly blocks out any light while the soft velour cover adds yet another layer of relief for your eye area.
This combination made it one of the most pleasant masks to wear overnight or for longer periods. The velour fabric could get quite warm however, which wasn't an issue for me during colder nights, but could become a little stuffy at warmer temperatures.
It's spot clean only and you can't submerge it in water. For those simply using it at bedtime, while not ideal, this shouldn't be too troublesome (just remember to remove any makeup fully and let all skincare sink in before wear). But it would be hard to clean if it was particularly stained or dirty – something that's likely when travelling.
Key specifications
8. Best Contoured Sleep Mask: Slip Contour Sleep Mask
Slip has been selling silk sleep masks for many years now, but it's the new contour sleep mask range that caught my eye, and for good reason. It has a memory foam padded contour shape to protect your eyes (and any eyelash extensions) and I found the additional space around my eyes was both a good shield and made it supremely comfortable. It let in a tiny bit of light the elasticated strap meant it fit snugly.
While I opted for floral striped motif, it also comes in three solid colours and two other summer-appropriate patterns, meaning there should be a style for every taste. The silk itself felt sumptuous and soft against my skin, too.
Despite being a definite investment, the quality of the silk and the inclusion of a sturdy matching gift box makes this a luxury buy. And if you already happen to have one of Slip's matching silk pillowcases, the combination really elevates your sleeping experience; both had a noticeable impact on my hair in particular, leaving it much less frizzy and more manageable than normal come morning.
Key specifications
9. Best Sleep Mask for Style: The White Company Silk Piped Eye Mask
For something elegant and opulent looking, The White Company's piped silk eye mask is a lovely choice. It has an ivory white body and light silver piping and strap, so would work well for any upcoming brides, or paired with the brand's range of nightwear, silk pillowcases and scrunchies.
It didn't completely blot out all light, but it felt silky and soft on my skin, and the elasticated strap kept it in place all night. And when comparing it with the other more affordable silk mask on this list from Marks & Spencer, I preferred The White Company's fit. It is hand wash only, which might put some off, but it only took a quick dip and some hanging outside on the line for it to be refreshed and ready to wear again later that day.
The silk is 19 momme, which I was happy with given the price, and it feels like a better quality silk both to the touch and when wearing it.
Key specifications
Material: 100 per cent silk
Strap design: Elasticated strap
Care instructions: Hand wash only
Additional features: None
10. Best Massaging Sleep Mask: Bob and Brad EyeOasis 3
Score: 7/10
We like: The eye massager, removable gel mask and storage pouch
The Bob and Brad EyeOasis 3 is certainly one of the most innovative sleep masks on the market. It massages and gently heats your eyes (there are two settings), while a removable cooling gel eye mask means you can switch between different temperatures depending on what you need on a particular day.
The features make it well suited to anyone who often experiences eye ache and headaches or simply wants to relax before bed. It's not suitable to wear during sleep (because of its sturdy and rather bulky design) but as someone who spends most of their time looking at a screen, I often get dry, tired eyes at the end of a long day. Adding this sleep aid to my bedtime routine has been a game changer, however. I wore it for around an hour before winding down each night and while I had been concerned the massage feature may feel intense or intrusive it was instead soothing.
There are two additional features that make it stand out. Firstly, its foldable design and accompanying storage pouch mean it's still easy to store, keep clean and travel with. Secondly, and this is similar to the Snoozeband above, it has Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to hook it up to your phone or tablet and play music or podcasts of your choosing. A number of white noise tracks are also preloaded, including soft rain and meditation music, if that's more to your taste.
Key specifications
11. Best Cotton Sleep Mask: Desmond & Dempsey Eye Mask
Desmond & Dempsey is known for its sophisticated sleepwear, something that extends to its sleep masks. With a fun array of designs to choose from, you can match your sleep mask exactly to your pyjamas or nightdress, and the monochrome white and black jaguar print I tried is its bestselling pattern.
Made from 100 per cent organic cotton, the eye mask was one of the most lightweight that I tested, making it a good choice for taking with you on your travels when every gram of that luggage allowance counts. The elasticated strap fitted tightly and securely around my head without leaving any indentations or lines, making it comfortable to wear for a full eight hours.
It didn't block all light out, however, as I found quite a bit of bright light was able to filter through it, so it might not be the best option if you're hoping to get some shut eye during the day or somewhere that isn't relatively dark to begin with. The brand also recommends that you hand wash it.
Key specifications
12. Best High Street Sleep Mask: M&S Collection Pure Mulberry Silk Eye Mask
If you've been on the lookout for a 100 per cent silk sleep mask, you'll know just how tricky it can be to find a good quality one for less than £25. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that Marks & Spencer had a mulberry silk option for just shy of £15. Coming in two somewhat neutral shades – a light blue and creamy mink – it felt soft and cosy on my skin. And unlike the majority of the sleep masks that I've featured in this round-up, you can pick it up in-store, instead of having to order it online.
I also appreciated that it can be washed in the machine, as it does save time and energy, though the price does require some compromise. While I liked this sleep mask's feel and construction, I sadly found the elasticated strap to be a bit too big and baggy, which meant that it shifted around on my head quite a bit during the night. Regular readjustment became rather annoying. It is also important to note that it doesn't block out the light completely either, but this is to be expected given that the mask doesn't fully reach down to the nose.
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Sleep mask FAQs
Do sleep masks work?
Not only can sleep masks be highly beneficial for the skin but 'by blocking out light, they also regulate melatonin production, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep,' cosmetic dermatology Dr. Simon Ourian says. So, if you've been debating adding a sleep mask to your bedtime or travel routine, it is well worth trying one.
'Quality sleep is essential for skin repair, as collagen production peaks at night, helping to maintain elasticity and reduce fine lines. So, a well-chosen sleep mask can contribute to a refreshed, radiant complexion,' he adds.
Are sleep masks bad for your eyes?
Not if you choose the right one. 'A poorly designed sleep mask – one that's too tight or made from rough fabrics – can cause friction, leading to irritation, puffiness or even fine lines around the eyes,' Dr. Ourian said. 'To protect the delicate under-eye area, opt for silk or satin masks, which minimise friction, prevent moisture loss and help reduce the risk of premature ageing.'
Do sleep masks help with dark circles?
While sleep masks don't directly eliminate dark circles, they can help prevent them, Dr Ourian says. 'Poor sleep increases cortisol levels, which can break down collagen, leading to under-eye puffiness and dark shadows. By promoting deeper sleep, sleep masks support skin regeneration, reduce inflammation and help maintain a brighter, more youthful-looking eye area.'
Cooling or weighted sleep masks may also improve circulation, further reducing dark circles and under-eye bags.
Why do eye masks help you sleep?
Most of us find that we get a better night's sleep when it's dark. This is because too much light before bed can disrupt melatonin production, making it harder to go to sleep, and light too early in the morning can mean we wake earlier than we would like, Dr. Browning says.
'If you don't have good quality curtains (perhaps you are staying in a hotel room or camping), then an eye mask can be an easy way of solving the problem of disruptive light in the bedroom. This may be especially important in the summer months in the northern hemisphere when the daylight hours are so long.'