The MyHalos blackout 3D sleep mask, priced from £8.49, outperformed all competitors in a comprehensive test of 12 eye masks during the hottest nights of the year. The mask, which is simple and lightweight, helped the tester fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer than more expensive rivals, including those with Bluetooth speakers, vibration modes, and LED light therapy.
Testing Methodology
Jane Hoskyn, a features journalist with decades of product review experience, tested each mask for at least two nights in May and June, when nights were short and uncomfortably hot. She assessed each mask on its ability to help her fall asleep, stay asleep, and sleep more deeply. Blackout capabilities were tested outdoors in bright sunshine, including while queuing in 32°C heat. Comfort, fit, and ease of use were also evaluated. Her husband, Alan, provided a second opinion on fit for larger facial features.
Overall Winner: MyHalos Blackout 3D Sleep Mask
The MyHalos mask, priced from £8.49 on Amazon, is the simplest and cheapest mask tested, yet the most effective. Its contoured foam eye frame blocks light without touching the eyes, the strap is easily adjustable, and the mask is lightweight and comfortable. The tester noted that it consistently delivered a better night's sleep, even when away from home. The only drawbacks are a lack of Bluetooth and some light leakage around the nose after a year of wear. The mask is available in black, blue, navy, grey, peach, and lavender, and comes with a two-year warranty.
Best Bluetooth Eye Mask: SnoozeBand Pro
The SnoozeBand Pro, priced from £44.99, pairs a light-blocking mask with Bluetooth speakers. The tester found it less effective than the MyHalos for falling asleep due to the need to select audio and adjust volume, but praised its sound quality and flat speakers that remain comfortable for side sleepers. The inner lining is soft and breathable, and the 3D padded eye sockets block light without pressing on eyelids. The mask comes with a free app offering audio sleep aids, and users can stream from any app. The Velcro strap can snag long hair, and the audio is not loud enough to drown out a snorer. The mask has a one-year warranty.
Best Silk Eye Mask: Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask
The Drowsy silk sleep mask, priced from £69, is made from mulberry silk with bamboo filling. It offers good blackout capabilities due to its large size, reaching halfway down the cheeks, and includes a cutout for the nose. The tester found it cooling and kind to skin, but noted slight pressure against the eyelids. The mask comes in many colours, including midnight blue, damask rose, green sapphire, and leopard print, and has a 60-day free returns guarantee.
Best Therapeutic Eye Mask: Therabody SleepMask
The Therabody SleepMask, priced from £89, is a lightweight mask that emits three vibration patterns (pulse, wave, and constant) to soothe the user. The tester found the constant setting particularly relaxing, even for headaches, and the timer powers down vibrations after 15 minutes. The mask also functions as a comfortable blackout mask with a soft eye frame and adjustable strap. The pulse and wave vibrations were distracting for the tester as they were out of sync with her heartbeat. The mask cannot be washed due to the electronics unit. It comes with a two-year warranty.
Other Notable Masks Tested
The Bon Charge blackout contoured sleep mask (£29.96) offers similar performance to the MyHalos but at a higher price. The Manta Sleep Sound mask (£143) provides fantastic Bluetooth sound quality and full blackout, but its foam eye cups are too bulky for many women. The SnoozeBand Silk (£79.20) is great for warm nights but not fully blackout and touches the eyelids. The Tempur sleep mask (from £24) has a snug fit but its chunky strips pressed against the tester's nose. The Manta Sleep mask (£29) is genuinely blackout and machine washable, but the eye cups may press into the nose for side sleepers. The Therabody SmartGoggles 2nd Gen (£199) offers relaxing temple massage and vibration but is too bulky to wear all night. The Lumenate Nova (£99) provides an anxiety-soothing light show but is unsuitable for people with epilepsy, pregnant individuals, under-18s, and those who have been drinking. The Sweet Bee Organics deep sleep eye mask (£48.99) is a beautiful silk mask but presses against the eyelids when fastened tightly.
Expert Advice
Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, sleep expert at Oak Tree Mobility, says, "One of the main reasons for using a sleep mask in the first place is to block out light, especially in the summer when the sun can rise pre-5am. Moulded eye cups with tapered edges are worth seeking out over flat designs because they reduce pressure on your eyelids and allow you to sleep comfortably on your side." Regarding heat, she adds, "The drop in core body temperature in the evening is one of the main biological mechanisms that helps you sleep. Anything that traps heat around your face will be working against this, so look for gentle, naturally breathable fabrics such as silk."
Research supports the use of eye masks: a 2023 study found positive effects on sleep quality in intensive care patients, and a 2022 Cardiff University study showed participants performed better in learning and alertness tasks after sleeping with an eye mask.
