Confession time: I am completely dependent on eye masks for sleep. If I’m traveling and forget one, I’ll use towels and T-shirts to cover my eyes. I look at people who can sleep on planes and trains without them with child-like wonder.
Related: The 14 Best Travel Pillows for Every Type of Seat Sleeper
For folks like me, sleep masks are essential. And, actually, they're pretty great for all travelers. After all, sleep masks are proven to help travelers adjust to different time zones and reduce the effects jet lag. Plus, they're pretty great for those moments when your plane neighbor insists on being the only one to use the overhead LED light on a red-eye.
Below, we’ve rounded up the very best sleep masks, ranging from the most innovative to the most luxurious.
Bucky 40 Blinks Contoured Sleep Mask
This is the ultimate eye mask in our book. The contours may look a little alien-like, but once they're on, the rest of the world (including the flashing video games of the kids seated next to you on the plane) totally disappears.
To buy: amazon.com, $10
Morihata Binchotan Charcoal Eye Mask
Binchotan charcoal purportedly promotes blood circulation, relieves eye pressure, and helps reduce headaches. This mask is infused with the “miracle charcoal” — which is white, and native to Japan — making it a top-notch accompaniment for travelers who tend to get stressed out.
To buy: goop.com, $26
Iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Eye Mask
Another sleep mask known for its anti-aging benefits, this variation features Iluminage’s patented copper oxide technology, which is clinically proven to reduce signs of aging like wrinkles. We also love this mask because of its cushy, pillow-like texture and blackout capabilities.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $35
Flight 001 Molded Eye Mask
The molded shape and flexible strap make this sleep mask perfect for just about anyone. It’s slightly raised, so it doesn’t actually touch your eyes — which is more hygienic — and fully blocks out the light.
To buy: shopbop.com, $18
Slip Silk Sleep Mask
There’s a reason why you’ve seen this sleep mask in fashion magazines and on beauty blogs; this industry favorite is hypoallergenic and made of the highest grade of mulberry silk, which doesn't dehydrate skin while you sleep. Plus, unlike cotton, silk doesn’t tug at skin.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $45
Slip Limited-edition Black & White Leopard Silk Sleep Mask
If you're looking for a stylish option, Slip now offers a limited-edition mask that gives new meaning to the term "beauty sleep."
To buy: nordstrom.com, $50
Nodpod Weighted Eye Mask
You may have heard of the positive effects of weighted blankets, and this unique eye mask has a similar goal. It's filled with microbeads that place a gentle pressure over your eyelids to deliver a calming sensation and help you fall asleep.
To buy: amazon.com, $25
Earth Therapeutics Dream Zone Sleep Mask
The classic. This sleep mask has been sold at stores like Whole Foods for years and remains a top-seller on e-retailers like Amazon due to its charming, celestial design, ability to conform to all head shapes, and delicate (cotton and silk) fabric.
To buy: amazon.com, $14
Brookestone Nap Gel Mask
Brookstone’s dual-sided sleep mask is made of an ultra-plush fabric on one side for a warm, soothing effect and cool, refreshing satin fabric on the other. It also features a removable gel pack that can be heated or frozen. Plus, it's super light-blocking.
To buy: brookstone.com, $20
White + Warren Cashmere Eye Mask
Pair White + Warren’s cashmere eye mask with its must-have travel wrap (“It’s a like a blanket; I use it for staying warm, sleeping on the plane, or if I need a place to sit, I’ll roll it up — I can’t travel without it!” skincare mogul Tata Harper once told T+L), and get ready to have the most comfortable in-flight experience of your life. We especially recommend this mask for the traveler who always gets cold.
To buy: shopbop.com, $90
Morgan Lane Lanie Sleeping Mask Set
Illustrated by the designer —Morgan Curtis — herself, this charming sleep mask is made of extra soft silk charmeuse (so you don’t have to worry about waking up with any of those dreaded face lines) and features an adorable sketch of hopping sheep.
To buy: shopbop.com, $98
Derek Rose Brindisi 27 Reversible Silk Satin Eye Mask
This satin eye mask comes with a matching bag that's perfect for travel.
To buy: matchesfashion.com, $75
Morpho + Luna Jenna Floral-print Eye Mask
Look no further for a gorgeously printed silk eye mask that's worth investing in.
To buy: matchesfashion.com, $123
Asceno Printed Silk Eye Mask
Or go for something bold, like this yellow, geometric-patterned sleep mask.
To buy: matchesfashion.com, $65
Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask
This simple, 100 percent mulberry silk mask is Amazon's No. 1 best-seller in the sleep mask category and has racked up more than 7,700 five-star reviews.
To buy: amazon.com, from $8
