Eye masks aren’t just a glam bedtime accessory straight out of Breakfast at Tiffany‘s — they’re a practical tool for achieving deeper, more restful sleep by blocking light and minimising distractions. Whether you’re trying to fall asleep faster or want better quality shut-eye, a good eye mask could make a big difference.
Today, there is a wide variety to choose from depending on your needs. If you’re after a bit of nighttime luxury, silk masks from Ethical Sleep and Drowsy feel ultra-soft and gentle against the skin.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are more functional designs — often made with lightweight, breathable fabrics or featuring built-in extras like contoured shapes or headphones. There are even heated and weighted designs to consider.
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Below, we break down the benefits of eye masks and pick out the top designs to consider.
Wrap-around eye mask: DROWSY Silk Sleep Mask
Weighted eye mask: MyKitsch Lavender Weighted Mask
Eye mask with built-in headphones: LC-dolida Sleep Headphones Bluetooth Eye Mask
Heated eye mask: Spacemasks Heated Eye Masks
Eye mask for sensitive skin: Ethical Bedding Eucalyptus Silk Eye Mask
While they might add a touch of luxury to your nighttime routine, eye masks offer real sleep-enhancing benefits.
One of the biggest advantages is their ability to block out light — a crucial factor in falling or staying asleep. Exposure to light in the evening or during sleep can interfere with your body’s internal clock, making it harder to drift off. Eye masks help create a consistently dark environment, which supports a healthier sleep-wake cycle.
Wearing one nightly can also help establish a bedtime routine. By putting it on before bed each night, you’re signalling to your brain that it’s time to wind down, which can lead to more regular and stable sleep patterns over time.
Plus, there’s evidence that using an eye mask could give your brain a boost — studies suggest it may improve memory and increase alertness the next day.
Below, I’ve tried and tested five eye masks from top brands to help you upgrade your sleep. Sweet dreams!
You may have already encountered the Drowsy Sleep Mask. It gained major attention online not long after launching, with fans including Trinny Woodall and Vogue Williams helping to boost its cult status. And it’s easy to see why.
Designed with a thick, cushioned wrap-around shape, it feels incredibly comforting. The mask is made from high-quality Mulberry silk, which I found cool and soothing against my skin. It’s also kind to hair — especially if it’s prone to tangling or frizzing overnight (like mine).
But the Drowsy mask isn’t all about luxury. It performs well, too — effectively blocking out light without feeling too tight or restrictive and staying perfectly in place throughout the night. It’s a smart combination of comfort and function, especially for someone looking to upgrade their sleep setup.
Having said that, paying nearly £70 for an eye mask is quite the ask. But it’s the eye mask I reach for most, and I can’t recommend it enough despite the high price point.
Material: Mulberry silk
Adjustable strap: Yes
Machine-washable: Yes
Weighted blankets are often credited with improving sleep quality, so I was curious to see if that same calming effect would translate to a smaller format — like MyKitsch’s weighted eye mask. Designed with microbeads, it applies gentle pressure across the eyes, which can enhance relaxation, ease tension and even help with headaches and anxiety.
At first, the added weight felt a little unusual, but it didn’t take long to adjust. The microbeads were evenly spread throughout the mask and stayed in place all night, even as I shifted positions. The pressure created a sense of stillness, stopping me from opening my eyes and helping me doze off faster while also blocking out light.
As an extra touch, the mask is subtly infused with lavender, which adds a faint but calming scent that makes the experience even more soothing. Granted, this weighted option won’t be for everyone—particularly if you have sensitive eyes—but I loved it.
Material: Satin polyester
Adjustable strap: Yes
Machine-washable: Hand wash only
My dad has always needed background music to fall asleep, and for nearly two years, this eye mask with built-in headphones has been his go-to. It lets him listen to music or calming sounds comfortably without the discomfort of traditional earbuds pressing into his ears overnight.
When I tried it, I was impressed by how simple it was to set up—it paired with my phone in minutes. The audio quality was surprisingly clear, the wrap-around design did a solid job blocking out light, and its ten-hour battery easily lasted throughout the night. While there are volume controls on the front of the mask, I found it easier to adjust the settings directly from my phone — although it did mean lifting the eye mask to do so.
It also comes with a few thoughtful extras: a charging cable, a pair of earplugs and a storage pouch to keep everything neatly together.
Material: Polyamide, polyurethane
Adjustable strap: Yes
Machine-washable: Yes
Spacemasks have been a go-to in my self-care routine for a while. These self-heating eye masks are designed to boost circulation, ease tension, and give overtired eyes some much-needed relief.
Although I’d used them for relaxation before, I hadn’t tried sleeping in one until recently — and I quickly realised what I’d been missing. The gentle warmth lasted for around 15 minutes, enough time for me to drift off. The soft loop straps kept the mask comfortably in place all night, and it provided full blackout coverage to help block out any lingering light.
The downside? They only heat up once, so if you’re planning to include them in your nightly wind-down, you’ll have to stock up.
Material: Cotton
Adjustable strap: No
Machine-washable: No — single use only
Ethical Bedding’s mask is an excellent pick for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies, thanks to its eucalyptus silk fabric that is naturally resistant to dust, mites and mould.
Despite its affordable price, it has a premium feel and appearance – featuring hidden seams and a glossy finish. It was comfortable to wear while sleeping and large enough to fully cover my eyes and the surrounding area, effectively blocking out light. That said, it did shift slightly during the night, likely because of the looser elastic strap, which might make it better suited for those with wider heads.
As a bonus, it comes with a coordinating storage pouch, making it easy to keep tidy when not in use.
Material: Eucalyptus silk
Adjustable strap: No
Machine-washable: Machine wash cold
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