This updated, heavier version of a traditional sleep mask follows the large success of weighted blankets. A controlled study composed of 120 people showed that weighted blankets resulted in more daytime productivity and reduced fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Using similar technology, weighted sleep masks press around the eyes and are meant to help trigger the parasympathetic system, minimizing the “fight-or-flight” response and setting your body and mind up for better sleep. With the help of Nishi Bhopal, M.D., an integrative psychiatrist and sleep doctor, we’ve compiled a list of the best weighted sleep masks of 2023. These soothing products have varying materials, features, and price points to meet different physical and lifestyle needs. Find our picks, and Bhopal’s expert insight, below. A silk-wrapped elastic headband holds the mask in place. Just note, it is non-adjustable; and some users felt it should be tighter to better support the weight of the mask. This eye mask is not machine-washable. Instead, gently hand-wash it and lay it flat to dry. While this pick is more expensive than budget options, the brand’s 45-day trial period allows you time to make sure it’s a worthy investment. Many customers enjoy the quality and design of this mask. One such person comments, “The weight is just right, and the best part of the design is the baffling, so the beads don’t fall onto one side when you’re lying down.” For example, if you find the lavender too strong, simply fill the interior with flaxseeds. Alternatively, some users found the mask too heavy on their eyelids, which can be remedied by simply removing some filling. Extra packets of fill materials are included with your order, along with a cooling gel eye mask, which easily slips inside the silk shell to treat puffy eyes. This mask is made from natural, non-toxic materials and is free of synthetic fragrances and parabens. The flaxseeds mold to your face with a “bean-bag” effect, while an adjustable elastic band holds it in place when changing positions. With its eco-friendly materials and customization, it’s no surprise that this sleep mask has earned over 900 ratings, most of them 5 stars. Reviewers say the mask blocks out “every bit of light” and helps their sleep “significantly.” Others note the “fine materials and attention to detail,” calling this mask an “excellent value.” The mask is held in place by an adjustable elastic headband that expands from 18 to 27.5 inches. Side sleepers will appreciate the mask’s extra-thin edges that don’t dig into the face or leave unwanted marks. To clean, hand-wash the inner pillow and cover and lay flat to dry. With over 1,700 ratings, this mask proves you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability. A happy user who had been searching for a quality sleep mask reports that “the silky cover feels great against my skin.” Others say the eye pillow is “well-made,” and that “the weight of it is perfect.” Instead of hair-snagging elastic or velcro, this mask has a keyhole slit on one end, so you can pull the other side through to your desired tightness. Many side sleepers simply lay it over their eyes in bed, since the material is slightly bulky. For added cold therapy, simply toss the mask in the freezer before using. Unlike more delicate masks, this one is machine-washable. It comes in a variety of colors, but the lighter shades aren’t as effective at completely blocking light. A non-adjustable, elastic strap holds the mask in place. Many people comment that, while the mask itself is highly effective, the strap is thin and eventually stretches out. Also keep in mind this mask is hand-wash only. Focus mode alleviates tension between the eyebrows; SmartRelax uses SmartSense Technology and a biometric sensor to customize your experience while lowering your heart rate for increased relaxation; and the Sleep mode gently massages your temples with a slow-wave vibration to help you relax. You can also customize your experience by activating massage, vibration, or heat features, if desired. This mask folds in half for portability, and the battery lasts up to 150 minutes (depending on the mode). Connect with the Therabody app via Bluetooth, where you can enjoy TheraMind: a sound therapy experience. Your purchase comes with a protective case, charging cable, and instruction manual. Bear in mind, this sleep mask weighs a whopping 14.8 ounces. When in use, it measures 8.3 inches by 4.7 inches, making its size an important consideration before buying. Despite its space-age appearance and higher price tag, people love the effectiveness of this eye mask. According to one user, it “eliminated post-screen-work headaches almost entirely.” Another user says it’s an “excellent relaxation gadget that has become a part of my daily routine.” Preferred sleep position: Not every sleep mask is suitable for every sleep position. If you are primarily a side sleeper, a bulky mask won’t be comfortable. People who often change positions will want a mask that has even weight distribution, to prevent the filling from falling to one side or the other. Filling material: The type of filling you choose will largely determine how the mask will need to be cleaned. If you choose a mask with aromatherapy materials, such as lavender, Bhopal advises to “make sure you can tolerate the scent.” In her opinion, “glass beads are a good option for most people.” Personal preferences: Be sure to pick a mask that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Bhopal recommends choosing one with a fabric that “won’t irritate your skin.” She explains that “generally, a natural fiber like cotton or silk is a good option.” With that in mind, “some people might prefer a softer, fuzzier fabric,” she adds. Weight: Most weighted eye masks range from 10 to 16 ounces. Some people prefer more pressure from heavier options, while Bhopal says “a lighter version is more comfortable for others.” New users may acclimate better by starting with a lighter weight.
