A great night’s sleep is a gift we can give ourselves every day, and a sleep eye mask is a key part of that ritual.
But which sleep mask?
With so many on the market, it can be so hard to choose the best mask for comfort, breathability, flexibility, or price.
Which mask word is better for travel? Are some sleep masks better at blocking out light than others, and is there one that offers complete darkness? What fabric is better for the skin? What is the best fit for my face?
Take a deep breath — we’ve got you!
In this mindful guide, we will help you navigate choosing the right mask specifically for you, walk you through everything you should look out for, and explain what features can either help or harm your sleep hygiene.
Step #1: Considering Your Fabric Options
Your sleep eye mask is more than just a cover or a sleep aid; it’s an intimate accessory. After all, it rests on your face and covers the delicate skin around your eyes. And when it's made with the wrong fabric, it can lead to puffiness, irritation, or even dark circles.
So what’s the best sleep mask fabric? Silk eye mask or Tencel? Cotton or bamboo?
A good sleep mask should feel soft and soothing against your skin. You also want it to be lightweight and breathable to prevent sweating, which can clog your pores and cause discomfort.
Let’s look at some of the most widely used sleep mask fabrics, including:
- Silk
- Tencel Lyocell
- Cotton
- Bamboo
1. Silk
Silk has long been cherished for its luxurious feel and natural sheen, making it a popular choice for sleep masks. Its smooth texture is gentle on the skin, providing comfort for those with sensitive complexions.
Here’s a summary of how silk measures up against other mask fabrics:
Historically, Silk is one of the most popular and readily available fabrics for sleep masks. Because silk is naturally gentle on the skin, it is appealing to people with sensitive skin as it is less likely to cause irritation. It is also known for its luxurious texture and elegant finish, but it can be a little on the pricey side. Here’s a summary:
But there are also some big downsides to choosing silk masks.
The Downside of A Silk Mask
Silk isn’t the best at light-blocking, so masks made from silk would need a lining to help with that. But it’s the production of silk that causes the most concern.
Silk production (also known as sericulture) is environmentally and ethically questionable on several fronts. The first consideration being animal cruelty — with a staggering 420 billion to 1 trillion silkworms killed each year to make silk.
There are also many ethical questions around the treatment of workers in silk farming, and there have been many recorded cases of forced labour exploitation and child labour. In India’s silk mills and weaving units, children (some as young as 5) have been found working 12-hour days, 6–7 days a week, often to pay off family debts.
This doesn’t take into account the health risks to workers of silk production. Silk farmers and rearers to reelers and weavers face chemical exposure, increased allergies, frequent injuries, and more.
And although silk is a natural fiber, its production has a considerable environmental impact.
The Environmental Impact of Silk Production
- Silk production is resource-intensive, requiring more water and land than cotton. The process consumes significant energy, especially during cocoon boiling, degumming, bleaching, drying, and processing stages.
- The use of certain chemicals and dyes in silk processing can render the fabric non-biodegradable. Toxic chemicals are common during reeling and treating threads and fibers, leading to potential environmental harm.
- Silk wastewater, often containing toxic chemicals, is sometimes released untreated into natural water bodies, contributing to water contamination.
- Silk Mask Maintenance
Unlike the convenience of machine-washable cotton or Tencel, silk requires more careful maintenance, such as hand washing or dry cleaning. It’s also important to consider that although silk is one of the most potent natural fibers, it loses up to 20% of its strength when wet.
Tip: How to Wash My Silk Mask
The delicate nature of silk fibres makes them susceptible to agitation and high temperatures, which can lead to shrinkage or weakening of the fabric, so it’s important to hand-wash. If machine washing is necessary, use a gentle cycle with cold water, place the mask in a mesh washing bag, and opt for a mild detergent for delicate fabrics. Also, be sure to dry your silk mask out of direct sunlight.
Tencel Lyocell is a sustainable fabric derived from wood chips. It also has a soft and luxurious feel, which makes it perfect for close contact with the skin — which, of course, is what you want from your sleep mask.
Here’s a summary of how Tencel (Lyocell) measures up against other mask fabrics:
The Upside of Tencel Masks
Tencel doesn’t just offer a silky-smooth texture and a gentle touch; it also has temperature regulation and oil and moisture control benefits. This makes it comfortable and exceptionally kind to the skin. And if that wasn’t enough, its hypoallergenic nature means it’s a good mask fabric choice for those with sensitive skin as well.
Additionally, when designed well, Tencel (Lyocell) masks are one of the best light-blocking sleep mask fabrics.
Plus, it's very sustainable!
The Environmental Impact of Tencel Lyocell Production
Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, Tencel fibres are fully biodegradable and third-party certified carbon neutral. Here are just some of the environmental benefits TENCEL™ promises:
- Fibers are harvested from sustainably sourced wood pulp, primarily from eucalyptus trees, which are known for their rapid growth and high cellulose yield
- Their manufacturing process employs a closed-loop system that recycles over 99% of the solvents and water used, significantly reducing emissions and conserving resources
- Wood is obtained from sustainably managed forests, ensuring that deforestation is minimized and biodiversity is preserved
- They are guided by a commitment to social well-being, aiming to impact communities positively and maintain a balance between people, planet, and profit.
TIP: Tencel Lycel vs. Cotton? Take a look at this Stridewide sustainable fashion discussion on the benefits of Tencel over cotton and how one designer is using it to create stainable denim.
The Downsides of Tencel Sleep Masks
However, while Tencel is a mindful option for those who prioritise comfort and sustainability, it is still not so readily available as other fabrics. There are also fewer blends or weaves than, say, cotton. (Unless, of course, you stumble upon our sleep masks that exclusively use Tencel)
Tencel fabric is also prone to wrinkling more than some other sleep mask fabrics. This means it may not appear as smooth or crisp after a wash and could require low-temperature ironing to maintain its polished look.
And although it is much more affordable than top-quality silk, it can be more expensive than cotton and bamboo.
Tencel Mask Maintenance
Luckily, Tencel sleep masks are machine washable.
But to maintain quality and prevent wear and tear, you will want to use a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water and a mild, non-alkaline liquid detergent. Then, air-dry your sleep mask by laying it flat in a shaded area, which helps preserve the fibres and prevent wrinkling.
[Source: Textiles School]
3. Cotton
Because it’s widely available and established, cotton is a budget-friendly fabric choice for sleep masks. It’s soft and comfortable without being too heavy, and is durable and sturdy.
Here’s a summary of how cotton measures up against other mask fabrics:
The Upside of Cotton Masks
Generally, cotton masks are less expensive than those made from premium materials like silk, making them accessible to a broader audience. And when designed with dense and high-quality cotton fabric, these masks can effectively block out light, creating a dark environment conducive to restful sleep.
Additionally, cotton is a highly breathable material, allowing air circulation around the eyes and preventing overheating and sweating during sleep. Its natural absorbency also helps wick away excess moisture, keeping the skin dry and comfortable throughout the night.
The Downside of Cotton Masks
Being a porous material, cotton absorbs moisture from the skin, which can lead to dryness, particularly in cold or dry weather. Additionally, cotton tends to trap dust, pollen, or mold, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
But it’s the production effects that are the most concerning.
Cotton production comes with profound ethical challenges (from child labor in fields to “brown lung” in mills) and extensive environmental degradation (water waste, pollution, soil damage).
The Environmental Impact of Cotton Production
- Cotton production comes with very high water usage (~10,000–20,000 L per kg) , and its farming is known for its heavy use of pesticides/insecticides. Organic cotton does cut chemical use by as much as 91% though, but still requires a lot of water and land.
- While organic cotton does keep the carbon footprint down, the majority of cotton production is said to have a footprint of around 16 kg CO₂/kg.
- Biodegradable, sustainable options that include organic (GOTS) or Fair Trade cotton can dramatically reduce impacts, but can be very costly.
Cotton Mask Maintenance
Cotton sleep masks are typically machine-washable, making them convenient to clean and maintain without special care requirements.
4. Bamboo
Bamboo is quickly gaining popularity as a go-to fabric, celebrated for its versatility, softness, smooth texture, breathability, and durability. It’s especially favoured by brands with a focus on sustainability. However, when selecting bamboo fabrics, it’s important to consider the specific type of bamboo material used.
Here’s a summary of how bamboo measures up against other mask fabrics:
The Upside of Bamboo Sleep Masks
Bamboo fabric is incredibly soft and gentle on the skin, providing a luxurious and soothing feel that is ideal for a good night’s sleep.
It is naturally breathable and excellent at wicking moisture away from the skin, helping regulate temperature and preventing sweat buildup at night.
The Downside of Bamboo Fabric
Bamboo viscose fabrics (like bamboo curtains or clothing) generally allow some light to pass unless a very thick weave is used or used with blackout liners.
Additionally, while bamboo is a natural plant, most commercially produced "bamboo fabric" is classified as semi-synthetic. This is because the process of converting bamboo pulp into fabric typically involves chemical treatments, resulting in a rayon or viscose fiber, which is not regarded as a completely natural material.
Bamboo is better than cotton production on an environmental level, but it’s not as “Green” as we would like. Gittemary Johansen breaks it down well in her YouTube video here:
The Environmental Impact of Cotton Production
- While Bamboo grows fast with no irrigation or pesticides needed , the typical viscose processing uses toxic chemicals and large water volumes (~10,000 L per kg)
- Bamboo fiber is biodegradable, but production can cause pollution unless done in a closed-loop, regulated system, and its carbon emissions are moderate (~10 kg CO₂/kg, similar to other viscose)
You will want to look for organic bamboo to ensure better production impacts.
Bamboo Mask Maintenance
Most bamboo viscose fabrics can be machine-washed on gentle cycles, line-dried, or tumble-dried on low. And your bamboo sleep masks won’t generally require special detergents or fabric softeners. They also dry fairly quickly
[Source: Ermi Tekstil]
Step #2: Finding the Right Fit
Now that you have chosen the right sleep mask fabric, let’s discuss fit. We each have unique head shapes and preferences for how we want our masks to feel. And in reality, not all masks are created equal when it comes to fit.
To find the best one for you, you need to think about how it will sit, and there are three main elements (the three S’s) that will affect that:
- Straps
- Shape
- Size and weight
1. Sleep Mask Straps
Straps are an important factor when choosing the best sleep mask for you. Opt for a mask with adjustable straps to ensure a snug yet comfortable fit. This prevents the mask from slipping off during the night.
Elastic straps can lose elasticity, resulting in a loose and ill-fitting mask. Even good quality masks with the best elastic straps can ride up. Here’s one review from Max, the self-proclaimed side-sleeper sleep mask connoisseur:
- “The single strap is pretty good: made of thin and soft elastic with a silent sliding buckle for adjustment. However, it doesn’t prevent the mask from riding up. ”
On the other hand, Velcro is an excellent choice if you want a fully adjustable sleep mask, providing a secure, custom fit without snagging or tangling your hair — it’s what we use to make our sleep masks one-size-fits-all.
But you do want to pay attention to the area around the Velcro and the type used — some cheaper masks can be more protrusive than others.
You also want to consider the thickness of a sleep mask strap when choosing the right fit. Overly thick straps, for instance, can cause discomfort when closed in certain sleeping positions.
2. Sleep Mask Shapes
Sleep marks come in all shapes and sizes. While some masks feature a contoured shape to relieve pressure on the eyes and lashes to promote more natural blinking, others are flat for a gentle covering with less intense pressure.
Choosing the right sleep mask for you will depend on the fit and feel you are looking for. Let’s look at some of the most popular sleep mask types and the pros and cons of each in terms of fit.
The Classic Sleep Mask Design
- The classic fabric design is usually flat and uses soft fabrics (silk, cotton, or polyester) with an elastic strap.
- They are lightweight and affordable, but may press against the eyes or let in light due to a lack of contouring.
The Contoured or 3D Sleep Mask Design
- These sleep masks (like the Manta sleep mask) are molded with eye cups to lift off your eyelids and lashes.
- Although they are popular for people who don’t like their eyelids touching their masks, they are bulkier and finding the right fit can be a hassle.
The Wrap-Around Sleep Mask Design
- These sleep masks cover the eyes and ears and are the best masks for blocking out light and noise.
- And although they can feel tight or overall warm, choosing a cooler, lighter fabric like Tencel is a good fix if you want the advantages of a more immersive and cosy environment that comes with a wrap-around mask.
3. Sleep Mask Size and Weight Options
The size and weight of the sleep mask you choose are also important influences on whether you have a comfortable sleep or not.
Lightweight masks are often more comfortable for extended wear, while heavier masks can provide a soothing, weighted effect. The choice between them will be personal, but whichever type you get, you must make sure it fits you well.
A mask that’s too tight can cause headaches, while one that’s too loose might let light in, defeating its purpose. Having an adjustable mask will make a big difference as you will be able to adjust the fit to balance out the fit, whether you have gone bigger, smaller, heavier, or lighter with your sleep mask.
What about weighted sleep masks — are they a good choice?
Like a weighted blanket, weighted sleep masks apply gentle pressure using beads or padding. And while they can provide calming pressure to reduce stress or anxiety, some sleepers and travelers find them to be too heavy and hot for sleep. But we will talk more about padding choices below.
And does sleep mask size matter?
Some brands offer S/M/L or “one-size-fits-most” — but that doesn’t always work for smaller or larger heads, so you will want to look carefully at sleep mask product pages for the dimension details.
Your face shape is also a factor. Someone with a lower brow or high cheekbones, for instance, could find certain masks more comfortable.
Lastly, size is important for travel. Large, contoured or 3D masks, for instance, aren’t a convenient option if you need something compact or foldable options for a carry-on.
Bonus Content: Travel Essentials: Don't Forget These Must-Haves for Your Summer Holidays
And don’t forget to read those sleep mask reviews! A brand shopper who has worn the mask you’re considering buying is the best person to objectively rate if it’s a comfortable fit that promotes good sleep quality.
And don’t forget to read those sleep mask reviews! A brand shopper who has worn the mask you’re considering buying is the best person to objectively rate if it’s a comfortable fit that promotes good sleep quality.
Step #3: Choosing the Right Padding
The eye mask padding you choose matters when it comes to comfort and function.
While thicker padding can provide
- Better light blocking
- A more cushioned feel
They can feel heavier on the face. And for some sleepers it causes discomfort enough to worsen sleep. Thicker padding also makes traveling with them a little more clumsy.
Masks made with lighter padding, on the other hand, are:
- Generally more versatile
- Better for extended wear
- Compatible with most sleep positions
So, what does this mean?
Unless you are choosing a padded mask because you prefer a heavier fit, it would be better to select a sleep mask with less or no padding made with better light-blocking fabrics such as Tencel or cotton.
If you want a little more support from heavier padding, then the materials themselves are also something to consider.
What is sleep mask padding made of?
Many sleep and eye masks use synthetic materials like memory foam for their padding, which, while supportive, can trap heat, lead to sweatiness, and irritate sensitive skin. Something our founder really struggled with herself.
So, if you want a more breathable and skin-friendly option, look for masks that offer natural or hypoallergenic padding materials that promote airflow and comfort. This is partially important for those of you with sensitive skin or if you tend to overheat during the night.
Step #4: Factoring in Ethics and Sustainability
The next step in choosing the right sleep mask is factoring in the ethics and sustainability of the brand and the mask.
Now more than ever, it’s our responsibility as consumers to think critically about where our purchases come from, who makes them, and what materials are used. Choosing a sustainable eye mask is a thoughtful way to care for yourself and the planet.
Bonus Content: How to Ensure Your Apparel is Ethically Made: A Comprehensive Guide
Investing in a sustainable eye mask is a small but impactful step toward more conscious living. It’s a way to enjoy personal comfort while supporting a healthier planet.
Here are the three main elements you will want to look for in your sleep mask brand to gauge their ethics and sustainability:
- Materials
- Manufacturing and production
- Packaging
Let’s take a closer look at each.
Eco-Friendly Sleep Mask Materials
The first thing you will want to consider is the environmental impact of the materials your sleep mask brand uses.
- Masks from organic or responsibly sourced fabrics such as bamboo, organic cotton, or Tencel Lyocell aren’t just gentler for your skin, but gentler on the planet.
Then you will want to consider how far they’ve traveled to get from their destination to their manufacturing processes. The further their material source is from where their masks are made, the larger the carbon footprint.
But products made closer to home are more likely to have a lower environmental impact due to reduced transportation emissions.
For example, we source our fabric within Europe and ethically manufacture our TENCEL™ Lyocell masks in Portugal and the UK. This not only supports fair wages and working conditions across our supply chain, but also helps reduce our environmental footprint by keeping production local.
And if you are concerned about animal welfare, you want to make sure you choose vegan materials like bamboo, Tencel, or plant-based satins instead of traditional mulberry silk.
Ethical Production Practices
Supporting ethically made products means you are choosing sleep mask brands that promote fair wages and safe working conditions for all workers in their supply chain.
If you want a more ethically produced sleep mask, you want to make sure the brand encourages:
- Fair labor practices
- The use of non-toxic dyes and water-saving production methods
- Cruelty-free production
- Made to order or small batch production
Look for labels like OEKO-TEX®, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), or Fair Trade Certified to help gauge a brand’s commitment.
And what are some red flags?
Brands that don’t mention where or how their masks are made, greenwash with vague claims, or use cheaper mass production that likely reflects poor labor conditions or unsustainable sourcing.
Minimized Packaging
Packaging might feel like an afterthought, but it plays a big role in sustainability.
The more sustainable sleep mask brands will often use minimal or recyclable packaging in order to reduce waste and keep their overall environmental footprint low.
Here's what to look for:
- Recyclable or compostable materials like cardboard boxes, paper tape, or kraft paper fillers
- Fabric pouches or reusable bags
- Minimal branding or ink-heavy printing
Step #5: Choosing Your Add-Ons
Last on your list of steps on how to choose the best sleep mask for you should be your add-ons. These are extra features that go beyond the basics of fabric, fit, padding, and sustainability, that may be nice to have
Here are the two most popular features and the reasons to choose — or not to choose — depending on what you will be using your eye mask for.
Sleep Masks With Aromatherapy Pouches
Some masks come with pockets for lavender or other calming herbs to enhance relaxation. The advantage is that they combine light blocking and scent for a leveled experience.
But fragrances can irritate those with sensitive skin or allergies. Also, committing to one fragrance and only one way of delivering it could lose its effect.
As an alternative, you could add a room mist to your sleep and relaxation time instead. You can read more about that in our Perfect Routine For Restful Sleep guide or check out our reel:
Are Gel Sleep Masks Worth It?
Some masks come with options to include gel inserts that can either be cooled or warmed. They are great for soothing tired eyes, especially after a long day of screen time, or relieving headaches, puffy eyes, or sinus pain.
But they are a lot heavier and can be very stiff. This means that when sleeping, they often shift, which isn’t great for sleep quality. This means they are often better suited for awake time when you need specific soothing.
In a Nutshell: Find What Feels Good to You
Choosing an eye mask is a personal journey. And whether you choose a silk sleep mask, a gel eye mask for puffy eyes, a contoured mask, or the best sleep mask for bedtime bliss, it’s all about what it feels like for you.
Your comfort and sleep quality depend on it.
What works for someone else may not work for you, and that’s okay.
The key is to prioritise what feels good to your skin, fits your face comfortably, and aligns with your values. And it can feel like work. But when you find the right one, the benefits will be worth it.
Because with the right sleep mask, you don’t just get more comfortable and less light. You can create a restorative bedtime ritual and a small act of self-care every night.
This is exactly the approach (and the search for better sleep!) that led our founder to go from sleep mask wearer to sleep mask designer!