Get some good quality shut-eye with an expert-recommended eye mask
Research shows that, on average, we spend around a third of our life asleep – based on the typical lifespan, that’s 9,490 days or 227,750 hours. But shockingly, we spend an estimated seven years attempting to sleep and in our recent sleep survey, only 15% of GH readers said they were regularly getting sufficient shut-eye.
There are many different approaches to snoozing, and what works best for you could look completely different for the next person. But what we can collectively agree on is that sometimes we need a little help drifting off, whether it’s reducing screen time, listening to white noise, using a weighted blanket or investing in a high-quality mattress and pillow, or even a trusty pair of ear plugs.
Another trusty sleep accessory comes in the form of an eye mask, which can help reduce light creeping in during early sunrises or due to ever-so considerate early-risers.
The best eye masks aren’t just for looking glamorous à la Holly Golightly — they can also help you fall into a deep, uninterrupted sleep by blocking out light and external distractions like your phone. Some smart masks go even further and include fancy features such as bedtime playlists for those who prefer to listen to music while snoozing or want to reduce anxiety at nighttime.
There are plenty to choose from, so the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute set out to test the market-leaders. See below for a quick glance at our winners and read on for our full reviews.
The benefits of wearing an eye mask
If you thought eye masks were just there to make things feel more luxurious, think again.
Theresa Schnorbach, psychologist and sleep scientist at Emma Sleep says eye masks are crucial for blocking out light. “Exposure to light, especially in the evening or when it's time to sleep, can disrupt your internal clock and make it challenging to drift off,” she explains. “Eye masks create a controlled, dark environment that helps align your internal clock with your sleep schedule.”
Wearing one every night can also encourages a consistent routine, Schnorbach adds, creating a familiar sleep environment and more stable sleep patterns.
And we all know the many benefits of enjoying a good night’s rest on the regular, from improved memory and alertness the next day to better recovery from exercise and even clearer skin.
How to choose an eye mask
When buying an eye mask, Schnorbach says that comfort and fit are the most important factors to consider — but otherwise it really comes down to your own needs and preferences.
Wrap-around masks work best for full coverage, for example, while designs with built-in headphones are good for those who prefer some noise to help them sleep. There are even some weighted and heated designs on our list, which are helpful for people prone to tension headaches and anxiety.
When looking for the right material, silk and polyester are popular choices. Silk is breathable, has temperature-regulating properties and provides a smooth surface for skin and hair, but is usually on the pricier side. Polyester is lightweight, durable and tends to be more affordable, but it’s also more likely to absorb skincare products.
How we test
The concept of a sleep test is always a funny one – no, we didn’t watch over our testers from behind a double-sided mirror and take notes as they slept. Instead, we sent the eye masks out to our at-home panel who scored them on how easy they were to use (bearing in mind any additional functionality), whether they felt secure and if they were comfortable and adjustable. Washing and cleaning instructions were also assessed.
Performance was judged based on whether they efficiently blocked out the light, if they were comfortable to wear for long periods without slipping off or leaving marks, whether eyes felt more rested after use and whether they improved people’s sleep overall.
You’ll find our winning masks below all proudly displaying the GHI Approved logo. We’ve also included some picks from our shopping editor so you have as much choice as possible, catering to every budget and need.
EyeOasis 2 Eye Mask Massager
Score: 92/100
If you need help to wind down before you go to sleep, whether you prefer a massage, listening to crashing waves or white noise, then you need to take Bob and Brad to bed with you. No, not two men, but rather the mask they developed and modestly named after themselves. The two physical therapists designed this smart pre-sleep mask with a built-in heated eye massager that targets pressure points in the head and increases blood circulation, to alleviate eye strain or migraines.
Its purpose is to get you relaxed and ready to sleep. It has five different massage modes and intensities, as well as in-built optional white noise, which can help to reduce anxiety. But if you prefer to relax to the sweet sounds of Metallica, you can also connect to your own music via Bluetooth.
It went down a treat with our testers. One “adored” how it was “gentle on the eyes and yet effective”. It left another feeling “refreshed every time” they wore it, and because it’s foldable, it’s also easy to take with you on your travels, to work, or even on the daily commute (this wouldn’t be the most outrageous thing spotted on the Tube, we’re sure). “The best sleep mask I’ve ever used,” said one satisfied tester. Not so bad, Bob and Brad.
Silk Sleep Mask
Score: 88/100
Coming in 17 different shades of silk, from a deep ‘Midnight Blue’, to an opulent ‘L’Amour Gold’, these eye masks from Drowsy really put the beauty in sleep. They’re made from mulberry silk, said to be the softest fabric in the world, so they feel good and protect your skin and hair from friction and damage caused by pillows and bedsheets. In other words, this mask won’t leave any sleep marks on your skin or kinks in your hair, so you’ll wake up feeling and looking fresh.
Though light and delicate, the padded silk is 100% light-blocking – a great plus as the days start to get lighter earlier. Likened to a “giant, comforting, cooling pillow for the eyes”, we’re not sure what else you’d want from a sleep mask. It comes in a beautifully wrapped box with one tester praising the “simple and clean design that screamed luxury.” It’s a quality product, so we think the investment is worth it. To keep the delicate silk intact, when the time comes, we would recommend hand washing in warm water and leaving out to dry.
You can even get a limited-edition Breakfast at Tiffany-esque version.
Earth’s Secret Dream Sleep Mask
Score: 77/100
This clever eye mask has extra padding inserted around the eyelids, which blocks light out effectively without feeling tight and uncomfortable against the eyelids. Testers appreciated this feature, with one saying it was a “comfortable wear”, and another reporting that they, slept better when using the mask.
It’s on the chunkier side, so it’s best suited for those who sleep on their backs or for those who find flimsier masks slip off while they’re snoozing. Whether you need it for travelling, daytime naps, or you simply haven’t got around to putting those blackout blinds up yet, there are some good quality ZZZs ahead with this product.
Sleep Mask
Score: 76/100
Helping us achieve great sleep quality is at the heart of Tempur’s mission, and now you can match your eye mask to your mattress and pillow for a night of uninterrupted and comfortable slumber, thanks to this comfy eye mask.
Developed with the same pressure-relieving material as the brand's mattress, it’s made up of viscoelastic cells (think memory foam) that mould to the shape of your face for ultimate comfort.
Multiple testers praised its ability to block out the light – “extremely effective” and “completely eliminates light disturbances from my sleep” were just a couple of the comments we got back. Another tester thought it was a great option for travelling, so slip this into your hand luggage for a restful flight.
SmartGoggles
Score: 72/100
Whether you regularly stare at a screen all day or find it hard to fall asleep at night, Therabody’s SmartGoggles claim to help ease eye strain and help you relax before bed.
Not your average eye mask, it uses innovative SmartSense technology to reduce eye strain, headaches and tension through air massage, vibration and heat. It also has an in-built heart rate sensor, which is used to monitor your heart rate and adjust the vibrations to help you wind down before bed (or relax if you’re feeling stressed during the day).
You can choose from three different modes – SmartRelax, Focus and Sleep. The SmartRelax mode massages your eye area, using vibrations that match your heart rate. The Focus mode adds gentle heat to help ease tension around the temples. And the Sleep mode slows down the vibration pattern and delivers a calming massage to help you relax before bed.
Our testers enjoyed the combination of heat, massage and vibrations. “I loved the sensation around my eyes and head,” said one, with another adding: “It was pleasant to have on and the heat function is really nice.” The goggles are bulky, although they fold in half and come with a case for storage and portability. They’re also comfy to wear. Reviews on set up were mixed, with some finding connecting to the app a little fiddly, and they are a little noisy in use. However, if you struggle to relax and want to have a break from screen time before bed to ease those tired eyes, they are a worthy buy.
Read our full review of the Therabody SmartGoggles.
Silk Piped Eye Mask
Score: 72/100
“Beautifully made, not a stitch out of place”, was how one of our panel members described this 100% silk mask from The White Company. It’s a simple and classy option, which is what we’ve come to expect from the brand. Made from luxurious 19 momme silk (which is the measurement of the weight), this mask is gentle on the eyes where the skin is thinner and more susceptible to developing fine lines.
The elasticated strap is great for keeping the mask in place, though some testers wished it was adjustable to give a more personalised fit. Pair with the Silk Piped Pyjama Set for a night of ultimate comfort (and style).
Shopping editor's picks
Lavender Weighted Mask
Kitsch’s weighted eye mask is filled with microbeads, which help to create gentle pressure to ease headaches and anxiety.
The extra pressure does initially feel quite strange — it was surprisingly heavy — but we soon got used to it and fell asleep quickly, with the weight providing a comforting feel. The beads were evenly distributed and didn’t shift when you turned onto your side, and it effectively blocked out light.
The mask is also infused with lavender which, although subtle, added to the relaxing, spa-like feel.
Bluetooth Sleep Mask
This Bluetooth eye mask pairs with your phone and plays music through built-in headphones, so you can drift off to your favourite playlist without having to lie uncomfortably on your AirPods.
The wrap-around design effectively blocks out light and its 10+ hour battery life lasts through the night. The sound quality is as good as regular headphones, and a control panel at the front of the mask allows you to easily increase or decrease volume in the dark.
It comes with a charging cable, earplugs and a storage bag for safe keeping.
Silk Eye Mask Sleep
Ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies, Ethical Bedding’s sleep mask is made from eucalyptus silk, which is naturally resistant to dust, mites and mould.
It looks and feels more expensive than its price point, with hidden seams and a lustrous shine. The mask is large enough to cover your eyes and the surrounding area, with no light coming through. But it did slip on occasion, possibly due to the slightly loose elasticised strap, so it’s probably a better option for people with wider heads.
It comes in a matching storage pouch, which makes it easy to pack for holidays or tuck away in a drawer when not in use.
Dusk Silk Gift Set
Dusk’s eye mask, scrunchie and pillowcase set, crafted from top-quality 22 momme silk, creates a full, luxurious bedtime set-up.
This mask feels gentle on the skin, provides full coverage around the eyes and generally stays on all night. It’s slightly cushioned for a little extra comfort, and the ivory white hue is easy to match with your pyjamas of choice.
The verdict on eye masks
Our winning pre-sleep mask, the EyeOasis 2 Eye Mask Massager from Bob and Brad, combines a built-in heated eye massager and white noise, making it the ideal choice if you’re serious about improving your sleep.
The Drowsy silk sleep wraparound mask is one for sleeping beauties, with its skin-friendly material that screams luxury.
A pillow for your eyes? You can’t go wrong with the Tempur Sleep Mask, which is comfy and cooling thanks to the brand's pressure-relieving material, which also makes up the brand's mattresses.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
At the GHI, we’ve been testing thousands of products for over 100 years, from robot lawn mowers and sewing machines to IPL devices and hair straighteners.
Our testers are experts in their fields. Our health and wellness tester Kim Hawley has over 30 years' experience in the industry. She is a level 4 qualified personal trainer, has a nutrition qualification and has worked in leading health clubs across the UK. For this test, she collated and analysed all the feedback from our panel and scored each mask according to rigorous protocols.
Our lifestyle writer Madeleine Evans - who has written about hundreds of products since joining the GHI – then took this information and turned it into an easy-to-follow review. She’s always on the lookout for the latest products we can trial to keep this list updated and bring you the best deals.
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