Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
woman in bed under covers
woman in bed under covers
Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom from Stocksnap
WVU | Culture

NODPOD: A WEIGHTED BLANKET, BUT TAILORED FOR THE EYES

Delaney Nuckles Student Contributor, West Virginia University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WVU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Recent threads circulating on TikTok feature individuals showcasing their “bedtime routine,” demonstrating nightly practices that intend to improve sleep. A notable aspect of the trend includes the appearance of a bedside pouch, otherwise seen as a tasteful bag, amassed with sleep essentials. Inside, one item continues to surface on countless videos: Nodpod, not to be mistaken for your traditional silky piece of fabric with a head strap. So, what makes this novel mask so great? 

Design

Offering over 15 styles, Nodpod can be purchased in colors like sage, wisteria and espresso. Some of the brand’s masks include patterns such as cow print and stripes. The mask features four “pods” recognized as weighted pouches that exhibit the product’s signature design. The sides of the mask vary in fabric, with one side a cotton material and the dual side a soft-touch velvet. The mask sits at a $38 price point and can be purchased at retailers like Ulta, Amazon, and most notably Nodpod’s official website. With over 8,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.4-star rating, the majority of buyers use phrases like “must have” and “absolutely worth it” to commend the product. 

Strap-Free

Unlike most marketed sleeping masks, Nodpod isn’t designed to latch onto the back of the head. Instead, it lies across the eyes without the need for fastening. While the sleep mask is advertised as such, the design allows the user to tighten the ends, preventing slippage during sleep. This option allows buyers to choose a strap-free method at night or a secure option. Either way, the decision on how to wear the sleep mask makes it all the more desirable. 

Weight 

Arguably the most appealing part of the Nodpod is its weighted feel. Reviewers highlight this detail, and founder Melissa Bamberg expresses that this quality is what sets the product apart from its contenders. Bamberg also mentions how deep touch pressure simulation, the science of weighted blankets, is what makes the Nodpod distinct. 

Reviews

Clearly, the Nodpod works wonders for most of its buyers. What accounts for this? Is it the weight, material or strap-free design? A combination of all three elements? Users on TikTok go so far as to say that the product is life-changing. In contrast, some purchasers state that the product doesn’t mesh well with side or stomach sleeping positions and can damage the eyes due to its weight. Despite Nodpod’s popularity in the bedtime routines seen online, people question the price point and long-lasting effects of the sleeping mask on the eyes. 

Overall

It all boils down to this–the Nodpod is more than a current trend on TikTok. Gaining traction from a feature on Good Morning America in 2019, Nodpod developed a following that continues to advocate for the use of the sleeping mask. The fun colors, designs and weighted appeal of the mask are alluring to people looking to better their sleep quality or block out harsh light. Are the charming design and weighted feel enough to keep Nodpod on the rise? 

References:

nodpod. (n.d.). NodpodTM | Chill more, stress less, sleep better. Nodpod. https://nodpod.com/

Delaney Nuckles

WVU '29

Hello! My name is Delaney, and I am a WV native from Charleston. Currently, I’m studying Public Health at West Virginia University. As someone who has always leaned more toward the humanities and liberal arts, my major satisfies both my passion for reading and writing and my interest in healthcare. Outside of school, my hobbies consist of making and drinking coffee, walking, journaling, and traveling to new places!