Best high quality sleep masks to block out light (bloody, hair, yoga)

[PatanjaliTwist]

Hello All...

I'm a lifelong troubled sleeper in any conditions & have worn sleep masks for years for one of my problems... blocking out light. I first tried masks 15-yrs ago when I worked nights & slept days. No amount/color of dark curtains/shades could block out enough light for me. Took me 2-yrs to get used to them... feld quite claustrophobic at first, but my need for complete darkness superceded the discomfort of sleeping with something on my face, banded around my head. Until I was tamed to them, I ran around like a daft loon taping & stapling curtains to window frames, placing objects alongside edges of windows/doors in an attempt to find complete blackness & to block out every inch, nook, cranny & crack of light. Now I don't find them so inhibiting & can sleep in bright daylight. That problem solved.

My current problem... the best mask I'd ever had was from www.gaiam.com for $35, but they haven't made them for 5+ years. It was well-made with cotton, generously padded, had a nice fit around the nose so it didn't feel inhibiting & had a removable, small pouch filled with lavendar which velcroed onto the front. The elastic which went 'round the head wore out within a few years, but I made it work by altering it. Problem is it got lost somewhere... probably on a trip where I accidentally left it in a hotel... it was white & my feeling is it blended with the sheets & I didn't notice 'til I was far, far away.

That was years ago & since then, I've purchased 6 online from different companies. No matter how much I pay, the masks are a bit chinzy and/or don't fit well. I still use them... have even bought cheaper ones in beauty supply shops or spas in the event it might be a find & nope, nothing since has been comfortable. Some are too large, others are too tight, some have annoying velcro on the back so it rips my hair out when I loosen it to a comfortable fit, some are too restrictive around the face, particularly the eyes or cheekbones... oh, woe is me!

I recently saw a blog where someone had a high end mask for $190, made of softened kid leather. No, not THAT kind of mask, silly! It was a Bottega Veneta napa leather woven sleeping mask, but was a one off item which has long been unavailable, based on the research I'd done. Don't know if it's comfortable... but being soft leather, it might last longer than the cotton gaiam one I had to alter several times over 10-yrs.

So, I don't care how much I need to pay for one, but need something comfortable since even if it's dark, I now can't bloody well sleep without my 'cat burgler mask' as my SO calls it. I've searched through many online stores & again, after spending $200 at various shops, I still don't have something I want to use daily, so I rotate them, which is annoying, particularly when traveling.

Does anyone use them or know which company has high quality mask products? I'm normally good at researching... I'm at a loss here. I don't care which color it is, if it has looney pics on the front or which material it's made from... I'll try anything.

Thank you!

[SunnyTXsmile]

Originally Posted by PatanjaliTwist

Hello All...

I'm a lifelong troubled sleeper in any conditions & have worn sleep masks for years for one of my problems... blocking out light. I first tried masks 15-yrs ago when I worked nights & slept days. No amount/color of dark curtains/shades could block out enough light for me. Took me 2-yrs to get used to them... feld quite claustrophobic at first, but my need for complete darkness superceded the discomfort of sleeping with something on my face, banded around my head. Until I was tamed to them, I ran around like a daft loon taping & stapling curtains to window frames, placing objects alongside edges of windows/doors in an attempt to find complete blackness & to block out every inch, nook, cranny & crack of light. Now I don't find them so inhibiting & can sleep in bright daylight. That problem solved.

My current problem... the best mask I'd ever had was from www.gaiam.com for $35, but they haven't made them for 5+ years. It was well-made with cotton, generously padded, had a nice fit around the nose so it didn't feel inhibiting & had a removable, small pouch filled with lavendar which velcroed onto the front. The elastic which went 'round the head wore out within a few years, but I made it work by altering it. Problem is it got lost somewhere... probably on a trip where I accidentally left it in a hotel... it was white & my feeling is it blended with the sheets & I didn't notice 'til I was far, far away.

That was years ago & since then, I've purchased 6 online from different companies. No matter how much I pay, the masks are a bit chinzy and/or don't fit well. I still use them... have even bought cheaper ones in beauty supply shops or spas in the event it might be a find & nope, nothing since has been comfortable. Some are too large, others are too tight, some have annoying velcro on the back so it rips my hair out when I loosen it to a comfortable fit, some are too restrictive around the face, particularly the eyes or cheekbones... oh, woe is me!

I recently saw a blog where someone had a high end mask for $190, made of softened kid leather. No, not THAT kind of mask, silly! It was a Bottega Veneta napa leather woven sleeping mask, but was a one off item which has long been unavailable, based on the research I'd done. Don't know if it's comfortable... but being soft leather, it might last longer than the cotton gaiam one I had to alter several times over 10-yrs.

So, I don't care how much I need to pay for one, but need something comfortable since even if it's dark, I now can't bloody well sleep without my 'cat burgler mask' as my SO calls it. I've searched through many online stores & again, after spending $200 at various shops, I still don't have something I want to use daily, so I rotate them, which is annoying, particularly when traveling.

Does anyone use them or know which company has high quality mask products? I'm normally good at researching... I'm at a loss here. I don't care which color it is, if it has looney pics on the front or which material it's made from... I'll try anything.

Thank you!

I'm sorry to hear about your sleeping situation. I have a history of strong sleeping disorders, and have tried what has felt like every eye mask (and trick to cure insomnia) possible. I'm proud to say that, while not perfect, my sleep has come a LONG way.

Specifically regarding sleep masks...
I was so surprised when I purchased one from Target in a pinch, and it worked better at blocking light then my high-end one did (which I no longer have because this one works so well). It fits like a glove, and has a thick padding on the back on bottom that goes over the bridge of your nose (that you can only see if you flip the mask over) and keeps all light from getting in. I've had masks shaped like this before, but for some reason, this one works better for me than those.
Bathery Luxury Sleep Mask : Target

I also have a prettier one. While it's not super expensive, it costs more than the one above, yet doesn't work nearly as well (but it's super cute).
Banana and Cream Silk Luxury Eye Mask for Sleeping As by BibBon

Have you also considered light blocking curtains, etc? Also, some other tricks that insomniacs use may help you.

Good luck!

[PatanjaliTwist]

Originally Posted by SunnyTXsmile

Bathery Luxury Sleep Mask : Target

Hiya Sunny... Thank you so much for replying & all your info! I very much appreciate it.

I didn't know Target had them, so I'll find one nearby & visit to have a look. As you may have found, being a sleep mask user yourself, most dept stores/stores with spa products/travel shops tend to have poorly made ones, no matter the cost. Odd that it took me 2-yrs to be able to wear one without it being so uncomfortable I had to take it off after an hour or 2 & now I can't sleep without one, even if it's dark. I somehow have to feel that slight compression over my eyes. Go figure...

I also have a prettier one. While it's not super expensive, it costs more than the one above, yet doesn't work nearly as well (but it's super cute).
Banana and Cream Silk Luxury Eye Mask for Sleeping As by BibBon

These ones look great. After searching for weeks, I finally figured out early this am to search for 'designer sleep mask' & found a few helpful links. In fact, one store has masks which look exactly like some of the link you copied, but they're $10 rather than $35! I like that some are silk as they're washable. At times, I've had to take a nap during the day & makeup does sometimes get onto my masks, so I hand wash them every 1-2 wks.

Designer Sleep Masks - Sleep Masks - Buy now from Swissco_

I also found the Bottega Vineta mask for $250! Honestly, if it were comfortable, I'd buy it, but, it doesn't look so. It looks like the back is terry cloth, which I can't imagine is comfortable. I bought one terry mask in the spa product isle of Sally's & I can't even wear it for 5-min... feels awful against the skin. But, the Bottega also looks as if the elastic strap will wear out shortly. For $250, it had better last a fair amount of time & have something more plush & comfy against my face than terry.

Nero Intrecciato Nappa Eye Mask - Bottega Veneta"}}}

Have you also considered light blocking curtains, etc? Also, some other tricks that insomniacs use may help you.

Yes, as I mentioned above, I tried them all... made my own black curtains, black out shades, melatonin (horrible, bloody, gory dreams, so I won't take it any longer), meditation, yoga, sound machines (they keep me awake), hot baths, aromatherapy, acupuncture, expensive mattresses/pillows & I must sleep with a loud fan on high for white noise because I'm an inner city dweller & need to block out traffic/neighbor sounds. Honestly, if I wear a mask, lights can be on & it doesn't matter anymore, which is great. I can no longer sleep without feeling a mask on my face.

Interestingly, all my siblings have the same problem (we all need loud fans as white noise) & there're a bunch of us, so who knows... maybe such things are hereditary?

I've had insomnia my whole life & everything wakes me... noises, vibrations, the SO snoring & I've also had life long nightmares every night... all siblings do, too. Been to drs, sleep clinics, sleep group therapy (yes, such things exist)... a loud fan normally drowns out exterior noises, but nothing works 100% of the time. Like many who suffer the same, of course I've tried everything you can name. Occasionally, I have to nibble a piece of a sleeping pill (never on a work night as they zonk me out, even if I only take 1/4 pill) so I can pass out for 10+ hours (pass out being the operative phrase) & feel as if I'm refreshed once in awhile.

So far, sleep masks & the loud fan are my saving grace. Looks like I found a few links & I'll check out the ones you provided in more detail. Once I buy a few, I'll post back in the hopes it might help you or others. Thank you kindly again! I'll do anything for to aide sleep.

[SunnyTXsmile]

That sounds about right. My experiences are similar to yours. While I get frustrated with my poor sleep, I'm thankful I'm no longer at my lowest point with insomnia. I was sleeping, at best, 4 hours per night, every 3-4 days. When you get that little sleep, you hallucinate, you can't drive a car, etc. It's terrible, so I feel your pain.

Keep us posted. Good luck.

[PatanjaliTwist]

Originally Posted by SunnyTXsmile

That sounds about right. My experiences are similar to yours. While I get frustrated with my poor sleep, I'm thankful I'm no longer at my lowest point with insomnia. I was sleeping, at best, 4 hours per night, every 3-4 days. When you get that little sleep, you hallucinate, you can't drive a car, etc. It's terrible, so I feel your pain.

Keep us posted. Good luck.

Hiya Sunny...

I'm sorry to hear we're agony aunts in this together, although I sincerely appreciate all your help. The BF & I are moving out of the city come Oct 31. As much as I dislike admitting it as a lifelong city dweller, we spent the last year in the suburbs of Denver & aside from his occasional snoring, I slept better than I had in memory. In fact, the 1st month there I slept & slept & slept for 10-12 hrs/day & at times for 20-hrs at a time. It was so dark outside sans lights, I didn't even need curtains & sans all the usual layers of city noise, I might have been able to go without a fan... I didn't, but I might have been able. Not only did I feel like I'd had a long vacation, I swear I looked 10-yrs younger. Who needs expensive creams & lotions when one can have sleep. I'll have to get over disliking living out of walkable city limits, having to drive to everything, living on top of espresso bars & having theatres a stone's throw from my flat.

And, you're right about working your life around sleep deprivation. At times, I can't move my car for a week because I'm so tired I feel like I'd be 'drunk driving'. I've walked in front of cars, tripped off sidewalks, zoned out in the middle of conversations. Once I've slept, I'm golden.

In any event, I'm glad for the glorious sleep mask. Wearing one also helps me fall asleep much faster than I can without, which has made an incredible difference. Just thinking down the line, there must be someone who custom makes them to suit one's face? Everything from clothing to shoes to car seats can be designed for those who have special specifications... someone must make a high end mask which could last for years? Perhaps that's a nice biz venture for someone. With all the sleeping pills prescribed & OTC, there are plenty of us troubled sleepers about.

Cheers for your help. I'll test a few masks & let you know how it all works out.

[tickyul]

I have been using a blindfold for a long time, helps me get to sleep and I stay asleep much better. I bought a cheapo blindfold that I have had for years, bought it at Walgreens. I am so used to it now, does not cause me any discomfort. When I am wearing the blindfold....wow, pitch black even if the light are on.

I also wear earplugs, have been doing so for years. Earplugs help me sleep even better than the blindfold.

[PatanjaliTwist]

Originally Posted by tickyul

I have been using a blindfold for a long time, helps me get to sleep and I stay asleep much better. I bought a cheapo blindfold that I have had for years, bought it at Walgreens. I am so used to it now, does not cause me any discomfort. When I am wearing the blindfold....wow, pitch black even if the light are on.

Hiya Tick... Same here. Since there are so many eye masks available, I'm guessing there are a lot of us needing them.

I also wear earplugs, have been doing so for years. Earplugs help me sleep even better than the blindfold.

I've had them come for free with eye masks from Dream Essentials online. I'm a side sleeper, so can't wear them, but honestly am not sure I'd ever get used to them, as I did a mask. I can't even wear earphones longer than 15-min before tossing them in a drawer.

Marilyn Monroe was an insomniac who once threw here best friend, Carmen out of her home because she slept in on a Sat am & MM still hadn't slept yet. I understand. She told her friend, 'Sleep is my demon'... I totally understand that, too.

[Bayarea4]

I just bought a sleep mask online from Magellan's, which sells travel clothing and supplies. It is soft, light and very comfortable. The part that covers your eyes is molded in a concave shape so it doesn't press against your eyes. It comes in several colors.

Good Night Sleep Mask – IF707 | Magellan's Travel Supplies

[Mr.City]

Originally Posted by Bayarea4

I just bought a sleep mask online from Magellan's..

That mask looks pretty good.

"4.7 out of 5 stars based on 237 customer reviews"

[tickyul]

Originally Posted by PatanjaliTwist

Hiya Tick... Same here. Since there are so many eye masks available, I'm guessing there are a lot of us needing them.



I've had them come for free with eye masks from Dream Essentials online. I'm a side sleeper, so can't wear them, but honestly am not sure I'd ever get used to them, as I did a mask. I can't even wear earphones longer than 15-min before tossing them in a drawer.

Marilyn Monroe was an insomniac who once threw here best friend, Carmen out of her home because she slept in on a Sat am & MM still hadn't slept yet. I understand. She told her friend, 'Sleep is my demon'... I totally understand that, too.

Try the Hearos blue ear-plugs, they are very soft and comfy and come with the highest noise reduction rating(NRR) of all in-ear earplugs. It takes a little getting used to, but man the sense of quiet and isolation when you have earplugs and a blindfold makes sleeping much deeper and refreshing.