The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
Picture this: You finally crawl into bed after a long, exhausting day of classes and studying. You’re in a deep sleep, only to be awakened by your roommate’s bright lamp or the early morning sun seeping in through your window.
To solve the above issue, some people may invest in blackout curtains, take melatonin, or toss to the other side to avoid exposure to the light. People are willing to invest in physically larger or more expensive solutions, yet they overlook the root cause: covering their eyes directly.
What if I told you that by simply wearing a sleep mask, you are always guaranteed a good night’s sleep?
Sleep masks completely cover the eyes, ensuring total darkness while sleeping. Not to mention, they also bring many benefits, such as improved cognitive performance. According to the National Library of Medicine, researchers found that those who wear sleep masks at night have increased memory retention and alertness the next day, compared to those who don’t wear eye masks. Their reaction times were faster, and their ability to process new information was significantly enhanced. Evidently, sleep masks don’t just improve sleep: they actively enhance brain function, leading to positive impacts in productivity, learning, and focus.
However, a common complaint of sleep masks is that they are “too heavy, too tight on my eyes,” as said by Dhani Mau from Fashionista. Well, in my eyes (no pun intended), such a statement only indicates that the individual hasn’t put in the effort to get used to wearing them.
Non-sleep mask wearers have only been exposed to low-quality, cheap masks, such as those distributed on airplanes. These inefficient versions often feel too loose or are made from irritating materials, leaving many with a negative impression. Just as people take time to find the right shoe, they also need to try on multiple sleep masks to discover the one that works best for them.
As someone who’s been wearing a sleep mask to bed for years, here are my ratings of my (affordable, from Amazon) sleep masks, along with the one I recommend the most.
- Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask
-
The first eye mask I ever purchased was the Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask. During the pandemic, I had more time to address the minor inconveniences in my life, such as the sun waking me up every morning.
This mask served me well for a while. It’s made of cotton, so you can toss it in the wash with your clothes. Mavogel does an excellent job blocking out light, and the extra fabric around the bridge of the nose helps seal out any stray rays. It’s also side-sleeper friendly and comes with an adjustable strap for your head. However, due to its cotton material, the mask feels slightly heavy and can make you feel a bit hot during the summer months. Mavogel also isn’t lash-friendly as the fabric sits directly against your eyes.
My ranking: 7/10
- SMUG 100% Blackout Sleep Mask
-
The second sleep mask I purchased was the SMUG 100% Blackout Sleep Mask. This one is noticeably lighter than the Mavogel and doesn’t trap sweat. It’s adjustable, comfortable for side-sleeping, and blocks most light effectively.
That said, the material feels flimsy, as SMUG would sometimes slip off my head throughout the night. There’s also no additional fabric around the bridge of the nose, so light tends to sneak in from below. Over time, the mask flattened out, and the seams came apart. I’d say this mask works better for naps, travel, or sleepovers, not for nightly use.
My ranking 5/10
- ZGGCD Eye Mask
-
Last but not least, the mask I’ve been wearing for the last two years is the ZGGCD Eye Mask. An “Amazon’s Choice” product, this sleep mask solved the issues I encountered with the previous two. Made of memory foam, this mask strikes the perfect balance between light and substantial; not too heavy or too light.
Unlike the others, ZGGCD is shaped like goggles, meaning the fabric does not touch your eyes at all. Ladies, your lashes are protected! The sturdy circular padding completely blocks out light, even without extra fabric over the nose. The adjustable straps are secure and never slip throughout the night. You could wear this sleep mask on a sunny beach and still experience total darkness. ZGGCD truly delivers the deepest sleep.
The only downside: it needs to be hand-washed and can’t be folded. But for $7.99, it’s an incredible find. Whenever I pack for a trip, the item I need most is my sleep mask.
My ranking 9/10
Don’t let the world keep you awake. Embrace the sleep mask and take control of your rest!
Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, watch us on TikTok, and read our latest Tweets!