Take Your Sleep Quality to the Next Level With These 10 Weighted Sleep Masks
The pressure's on.
The pressure's on.
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If you’re someone who struggles to fall or stay asleep, chances are you’ve been told to try a weighted blanket at least once or twice.
According to the Sleep Foundation, weighted blankets use “deep pressure stimulation, which is thought to stimulate the production of a mood-boosting hormone (serotonin), reduce the stress hormone (cortisol), and increase levels of melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep,” for an improvement in overall sleep quality. Various studies have also proven their ability to significantly improve sleep maintenance, raise daytime activity levels, and reduce daytime symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety (1).
But the lesser-known weighted sleep mask category is also worth looking into. The concept is similar; weighted sleep masks are designed to apply soothing pressure to your eye area in order to help you relax and drift off faster.
New research also suggests that wearing an eye mask of any variety to sleep can boost alertness the next day. This is thanks to its ability to block ambient light like digital displays, street lamps, city lights, or sunlight (2).
In the study performed by researchers at Cardiff University, participants were asked to wear eye masks to sleep for several nights, followed by the same number of nights without a mask. They then took three different tests after waking to measure cognitive function. The results showed that people performed better on cognitive and reaction time exercises after having slept with an eye mask versus not.
The study’s author, Viviana Greco, a Ph.D. candidate at Cardiff University concluded that wearing an eye mask to sleep could be an “effective and inexpensive solution” to improving alertness and work performance.
Whether you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or you’re looking to optimize your zzzs, here are 10 of the best weighted sleep masks to try.
Best Overall Weighted Sleep Mask
This weighted sleep mask is made by the same brand as the Gravity Blanket—one of the most popular weighted blankets on the market—so you know it’s legit from the outset. Just secure the adjustable velcro strap around the back of your head and the mask will apply one pound of soothing, evenly-distributed pressure to your eye area. The velcro closure also ensures that the Gravity sleep mask won’t slip off if you toss and turn. Gravity’s Weighted Sleep Mask is made from the same soft material as its blankets, so this mask is ultra comfortable, too.
Weight: 1lb
Materials: 100% polyester
Most Affordable Weighted Sleep Mask
Typically available for about $9, this is one of the most affordable weighted sleep masks on the market. It weighs 225 grams, which equates to about half a pound, so it’s a bit lighter than the Gravity option above. If you tend to run hot, you’ll appreciate that the outer shell is made from a cotton material that feels cool to the touch. And if you want it to be even cooler, stick it in the fridge for a couple of hours before bed for an extra soothing effect.
Weight: 0.5lbs
Materials: Cotton blend
Best Weighted Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers
74 percent of people are side sleepers—if you’re one of them, this mask is for you. It features specialized eye cups that provide 0.64 lbs of calming pressure around the eyes without putting any pressure directly on them. Though everyone will love the adjustable double straps that keep the mask in place, side sleepers will benefit from the tapered design which won’t buckle or feel bulky on your temples. Manta’s mask also blocks 100 percent of light, so you can get deep sleep even in broad daylight.
Weight: 0.64 lbs
Materials: Breathable, cooling materials
Best Smart Sleep Mask
Want more than pressure therapy and light-blocking power from your eye mask? Therabody’s newest product, SmartGoggles, uses SmartSense Technology to actively lower your heart rate to a more relaxed state. The goggles use vibration, heat, massage, and an app-powered sensory experience to soothe headaches, tension, and eye strain (from way too much screen time). Slip them on to relax, gain focus, or fall asleep whenever you need it—their foldable design makes them easy to bring on the go.
Weight: 14.8 oz.
Materials: Protein leather fabric, cotton
Best Light Blocking Weighted Sleep Mask
Developed by optometrists and endorsed by the Sleep Foundation, Ocushield’s weighted eye mask blocks out 100 percent of light to help you fall asleep faster. It’s made from premium bamboo and satin and comes with a detachable hot and cold compress to soothe tension and stress no matter the cause.
Weight: 1.3 lbs
Materials: Bamboo and satin
Best Weighted Sleep Mask for Migraine Relief
Thanks to its memory foam material, this Yfong sleep mask contours to your face to block out light, which is a game-changer if you’re someone who suffers from migraines. It also features contoured cups for your eyes so it won’t annoyingly rub against your eyelids. Yfong’s sleep mask weighs 120 grams, or a little over a quarter of a pound, making it one of the lightest options on this list.
Weight: 0.26lbs
Materials: Memory foam
Best Weighted Sleep Mask for Travel
If you’ve got multiple trips planned year, opt for Mavogel’s Weighted Eye Mask, which comes with a weighted removable insert. Because of the removable design, you can also use it as a traditional eye mask if you’re trying to sleep upright on a plane or train—a case where the weighted effect might not work as well. Users say this mask is also great at blocking out every bit of light due to its oversized fit, allowing you to fall asleep easily even if you’re in a bright setting.
Weight: Not specified
Materials: 100% silk
Best Weighted Sleep Mask for Back Sleepers
Unlike most weighted sleep masks, which look like your typical eye mask, Nodpod’s design has four weighted pods and is meant to be draped across your face. It can also be worn around your head using the pull-through strap, but it’s not the most secure option. That’s why this pick is best for back sleepers—you can drape it over your eyes before dozing off without worrying that it’ll slip off like side and stomach sleepers might. The Nodpod’s fabric is cooling on one side and warm on the other, so you can flip it based on what you’re in the mood for each night.
Weight: 0.56lbs
Materials: Microfiber and cotton
Best Weighted Sleep Mask for Stress Relief
Instead of glass beads, this sleep mask gets its weight from a combination of flax seeds and lavender buds which creates an even more relaxing vibe. The lavender scent is calming, and you can adjust the amount of flax seeds inside the mask until it reaches your ideal pressure. And when the fresh lavender’s scent eventually fades, you can easily add some new fresh buds to the pouch. Another selling point: Its exterior is made from 100 percent silk, so it feels cool against the skin.
Weight: Adjustable
Materials: 100% silk
Best Cooling Weighted Sleep Mask
If you’re a hot sleeper, adding layers is the last thing your nightly ritual needs. But Saatva’s weighted sleep mask won’t make you sweat—it’s made with cooling mulberry silk and all-natural glass beads for deep pressure stimulation without trapping heat. That also means it’s hypoallergenic for anyone with easily aggravated allergies.
Weight: .15 lbs
Materials: Mulberry silk