Finding the Best Sleep Mask for Your Needs
A quality sleep mask can make a huge difference when it comes to sleeping through the night. Whether you’re looking for an eye shade to bolster your sleeping habits or just need something to block out excessive light in your room, there is no shortage of sleep mask options — and they come in all shapes, sizes, and prices.
Finding the right sleep mask for you involves more than just reading product reviews and picking something off a shelf. Sleep masks serve a wide variety of purposes, and depending on your needs, selecting the right product for you could make a world of difference.
Finding the perfect sleep mask requires knowing your needs and understanding the available sleep mask options. In this article, we’ll cover the basics that you need to know about sleep masks so you can find the perfect one for you.
Types of Sleep Masks
There are two general categories of sleep masks: ones with straps and ones without. Sleep masks with straps rely on elastic or fabric bands to keep the mask close to the face, while sleep masks without straps simply wrap around the head without relying on elasticity.
Sleep masks with straps tend to be the most popular choice for individuals looking for maximum light blocking and a secure fit, while sleep masks without straps can still provide adequate light blocking without the squeeze of elastic.
Light Blocking Ability
The ability of a sleep mask to block out light is of utmost importance. Sleep masks that aren’t designed to block adequate light can be extremely uncomfortable and may even inhibit sleep. When selecting a sleep mask, make sure to find one that offers proper light blocking or avoid the temptation to select one that does not.
Some sleep masks, like blackout masks, are designed to completely shut out the light, while others, like night masks, may provide only partial light blocking. Also, some masks will have a tight grip on the face while others provide a looser fit, with both providing varying levels of light blocking ability.
The best way to determine if a sleep mask offers adequate light blocking is to read reviews and try one on in person. Regardless of the level of light blocking, make sure you select a sleep mask that is comfortable and takes into account any particular needs that you have.
Additional Features
Many sleep masks come with a variety of other features that can significantly improve the sleeping experience. From neck support and noise reduction to built-in aromatherapy and speaker sets, there are a wide range of features available to enhance the sleeping experience.
- Noise Reduction – Some sleep masks are designed to provide noise reduction for those that live in noisy environments.
- Neck Support – Some masks come with built-in neck support, including buckwheat hulls that can reduce the strain on the head and neck.
- Aromatherapy – Some masks come with built-in aromatherapy systems that use essential oils to help promote relaxation and sound sleep.
- Speaker Sets – Some masks come with built-in speakers, allowing users to listen to soothing music or other audio programs while sleeping.
Conclusion
The right sleep mask can make all the difference when it comes to a good night’s sleep. By understanding the different types of masks, their light blocking ability, and additional features available, you’ll be in a better position to select the right sleep mask for you.