Our writers have tested five niche sleep products, ranging from a pop-up blackout tent to a neurotech headband that uses acoustic stimulation synced to brainwaves. The products include the zDen Personal Sleep Sanctuary, Manta SOUND Sleep Mask, Bluewave Ultra Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow, BedJet 3, Elemind Headband, and Jabees Pillow Speaker.
zDen Blackout Tent and Manta Sleep Mask
Photo editor Tracy Allison swears by the zDen blackout tent, which became part of her nightly routine in May 2025. She tried taping silver-backed blackout photography panels to her bedroom windows, but a neighbor commented that it gave her house a distinct 'a-conspiracy-theorist-lives-here' look. The zDen Personal Sleep Sanctuary is priced from $99 at zDen and $109.97 at Amazon.
Writer Juno DeMelo tested four Bluetooth sleep mask models and named the Manta SOUND Sleep Mask her favorite. She reported: 'I went to bed listening to white noise and woke up seven hours later with the mask still firmly in place.' The mask is priced from $143.10 at Amazon, originally $159 at Manta.
Bluewave Pillow and BedJet 3
Allison also recommends the Bluewave Ultra Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow, which allows her to keep her head 'as non-propped-up as possible.' She said: 'I am only one night into using it, but I love it so far.' The pillow is priced from $39.95 at Amazon and $44.99 at Bluewave.
Filter contributor Richard Baguley reviewed the BedJet 3, a high-end solution that pumps climate-controlled air between sheets. He wrote: 'A cool breeze on hot nights and a warm puff on cold ones is a luxurious way to fall – and stay – asleep.' He noted one caveat: pets may hog it for themselves. The BedJet 3 is priced from $498 at BedJet, originally $699, and $569 at Amazon.
Elemind Headband and Jabees Pillow Speaker
Filter contributor Prakhar Khanna recommends the Elemind Headband, a neurotech device that uses acoustic stimulation synced to brainwaves. He said: 'If you are a frequent traveler like me, the Elemind is perfect paired with noise-canceling earbuds on a plane. It also helps with jet lag, when you land in a new time zone and find it impossible to sleep.' The headband is priced at $399 at Elemind.
For those who struggle to sleep with anything in their ears, Khanna recommends the Jabees Pillow Speaker, a tiny speaker placed under a pillow. He writes: 'At just over an inch thick, it doesn't cause any discomfort, especially for side sleepers.' The speaker is priced from $35.99 at Jabees and $39.99 at Amazon.
Readers can email thefilter.us@theguardian.com to share their own sleeping tricks for potential inclusion in next week's newsletter.
