Sleep masks can help improve your night's sleep or just help you get in a good catnap while you are in a well-lit place. Many people sleep masks for traveling, however, they can also be worn at home when you're ready for bed, but your partner wishes to stay up to read. Whatever the situation, there are some qualities that make some sleep masks just a bit better than others.
Light Blocking
The primary job of a sleep mask is to block light. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the best sleep is obtained in the darkest rooms, but the design of many sleep masks can create a gap over the nose, which will let light in. Therefore, higher quality sleep masks will include a small flap of fabric sewn over the nose that is designed to accommodate all different shapes and sizes of faces. This flap, which can be adjusted, is usually made from a lighter fabric than the main sections of the mask to prevent a feeling of a heavy weight on the bridge of the nose.
Raised Profile
Newer sleep mask designs have raised domes over the eye area to keep pressure off the eyes and eyelashes, which helps accommodate REM sleep patterns. Recent research conducted at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, has shown that REM sleep contributes to the overall feelings of restfulness and well being once you wake up. The more REM sleep achieved, the better your mood will be. Domed sleep masks that allow the eye and eyelashes to move freely can help you achieve REM sleep without discomfort that may rouse you from sleep.
Adjustable Fit
Heads and faces come in all shapes and sizes, so the best sleep masks will be adjustable to provide a good fit. Look for wide straps with large sections of fasteners that will hold the mask on firmly without putting extra pressure on the face. Keep your hairstyle and any ear jewelry you wear in mind to prevent anything from catching on the mask or the fasteners.
Fabric
The best sleep masks will use lightweight fabrics that are soft to the touch but are also washable. The face is a sensitive area, so any scratchy or especially heavy fabrics may become uncomfortable as you sleep. The eye and nose area of the face also tend to be rather oily, so good eye masks can be tossed in the wash along with your pajamas to prevent any irritation of the skin and eyes from a buildup of oils in the fabric.
