Evie Summers
Sleep masks are a popular accessory for travellers, especially those who struggle to sleep on planes. The right sleep mask can improve your sleep quality by blocking out light and distractions, such as other passengers pacing the aisles or your seat mate's action movie. There are many different types of sleep masks to choose from, including lightweight and packable silk masks, masks with moulded eye cups, weighted masks, and masks that use light technology to reset your body clock and combat jet lag. In addition to sleep masks, other products such as compression socks, neck pillows, earplugs, and noise-cancelling headphones can also enhance your in-flight experience and help you arrive at your destination well-rested.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Block out light and distractions to help you sleep on a plane |
| Material | Silk, satin, cotton, modal, memory foam, foam, polyester, bamboo-derived viscose |
| Design | Moulded cups, weighted, blackout, adjustable straps, washable |
| Additional features | Built-in speakers, light technology, vibration, nose pieces, ear plugs |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sleep masks with moulded cups
The Mzoo Sleep Mask is a popular option in this category, known for its soft, contoured design and adjustable strap. Its memory-foam eyecups offer gentle compression, allowing your eyes to open and close without any resistance. The mask effectively blocks out light and stays in place throughout the night, making it a good choice for those who toss and turn.
Another option is the Manta Sleep Mask, which features tapered eye cups that contour to the face for a custom fit and complete blackout. The eye cups are made of pure silk, which is gentle on the delicate skin around the eyes. The mask is also adjustable and breathable, ensuring comfort during sleep.
For those seeking a more affordable option, the Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask is a simple foam-contoured mask with a single velcro strap. It provides ample room for the eyes and does a decent job of blocking out light, although it may not be as comfortable as the silk options.
When choosing a sleep mask with moulded cups, consider the material, adjustability, breathability, and light-blocking capabilities to ensure a comfortable and restful sleep.
Sleep Studies: Are They Necessary for Pilots?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Weighted sleep masks
Sleep masks are a popular accessory for air travellers, especially those who are frequent flyers or are travelling long-haul. They can help block out light, engine noise, and cabin chatter, enhancing your in-flight experience and ensuring you arrive at your destination well-rested.
The Nodpod Sleep Mask is an award-winning, strap-free design that uses Deep Touch Pressure to calm overactive minds and soothe headaches. The Manta Weighted Sleep Mask also uses Deep Touch Pressure to help you fall asleep faster and get more restorative sleep. It features a duo-strap design for a precise, adjustable fit, and its angled head strap ensures total comfort for side sleepers.
Battling Insomnia: Strategies for Early Risers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blackout sleep masks
Block Out Light and Distractions
The main purpose of a blackout sleep mask is to block out light, creating a dark environment conducive to sleep. This is especially useful when trying to sleep on a plane, where visual distractions and light from the windows or other passengers' devices can interrupt your slumber. A good blackout sleep mask will contour to your face, preventing light from seeping in around the edges or through the material.
Comfortable Design
Look for a sleep mask with moulded or contoured eye cups that keep the mask away from your eyelashes and eyelids. This design ensures that there is no pressure on your eyes, allowing you to blink and move your eyes freely. The eye cups also prevent any smudging of eye makeup during your flight. Additionally, a mask with an adjustable strap will allow you to customise the fit to your head, ensuring comfort and security.
Portable and Easy to Pack
Additional Features
Some blackout sleep masks come with added features for an enhanced sleep experience. For example, the Lumos Sleep Mask uses light therapy technology to help adjust your body's circadian rhythm, reducing the effects of jet lag. The Therabody Sleep Mask offers a unique twist with built-in vibrations designed to improve sleep quality.
Affordable Options
In conclusion, blackout sleep masks are a great tool to improve your sleep, especially when travelling by plane. Their ability to block out light, comfortable design, portability, and additional features make them a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to arrive at their destination well-rested and ready to take on the day.
Sleep Bra: A Comfortable Night's Rest for Expectant Mothers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleep masks with built-in headphones
Quality
Although there are many inexpensive options available on the market, it is important to look for a well-made product that is comfortable and built to last. Check reviews to ensure the mask provides 100% blackout and has eye cups/eye protection to ensure the mask doesn't press on your face.
Materials
Generally, a nylon finish works well, but some people prefer silk. Silk is a good option for those seeking a more luxurious and breathable experience.
Earphone Width
If you're a side sleeper, look for earphones that are less than 5mm in width to ensure they don't cause discomfort when sleeping on your side.
Volume Adjustment
Consider where the volume adjustment box is situated. If it's on the side of the mask, it may press into your face when you lie on that side. Look for options with the box on the front instead.
Battery Life
A good battery life is essential for long-haul flights. Look for options with a battery life of at least 8-10 hours, like the LC-dolida Sleep Headphones, which offer up to 10 hours of playing time.
Adjustable Speakers
For the best experience, look for masks with adjustable speakers so you can position them just right. The Manta Sleep Mask SOUND, for example, has convenient headphone adjustment tabs that allow you to adjust the speakers even while wearing the mask.
Ease of Washing
Some sleep masks with built-in headphones have removable outer layers that house the electronics, making them easier to wash. The Manta Sleep Mask SOUND, for example, has a unique 2-layer strap design that allows you to peel off the outer layer and machine wash the inner layer.
Price
Prices for sleep masks with built-in headphones can vary significantly. While there are cheaper options available on Amazon, such as the LC-dolida Sleep Headphones, which are currently priced at $29.99, higher-end options like the Manta Sleep Mask SOUND can cost upwards of $100.
In conclusion, when choosing a sleep mask with built-in headphones for air travel, consider factors such as quality, materials, earphone width, volume adjustment, battery life, adjustable speakers, ease of washing, and price to ensure you get a product that meets your needs and provides a comfortable and uninterrupted sleep experience.
Newborn Sleep: Naps After Feeding, a Necessity or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleep masks with built-in light technology
Sleep masks are a great way to block out light and get some rest on an airplane. While some people might be self-conscious about using one, those who do swear by them. Some people even use them at home.
If you're looking for something a little more high-tech than a simple sleep mask, there are options with built-in light technology. The Lumos Sleep Mask, for example, uses light therapy to help regulate your sleep patterns and strengthen your body's natural sleep foundation. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and has a battery that lasts up to four days.
The Lumos Mask is based on research from Stanford University, which found that short light pulses are effective in adjusting the body's circadian clock. The mask uses light flashes to send signals to your circadian clock through your eyelids while you sleep, helping you regain your natural sleep cycles. This can be especially useful for travellers dealing with jet lag, night shift workers, or those who want to fall asleep earlier.
The Lumos Mask also has a sunrise alarm feature, where the light slowly brightens to gently wake you up, aiding in a smoother morning transition. It's designed for comfort and durability, with a removable, washable mask cover made from soft fabric and padding.
Another option for a sleep mask with built-in technology is the Musicozy Sleep Eye Mask, which has built-in headphones. This can be useful for blocking out noise and providing some entertainment while trying to sleep on an airplane.
Understanding Optimal Sleep Cycles for a Good Night's Rest
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Sleep masks are not necessary, but they can be helpful if you want to block out light distractions and get some rest during your flight.
Sleep masks can help block out light and distractions, such as other passengers pacing the aisles or your seatmate's action movie. They can also help improve your sleep quality by providing a comfortable fit around your eyes, preventing neck cramps, and keeping your eyelash extensions intact.
There are several types of sleep masks available, including lightweight and packable silk masks, masks with molded cups to keep the fabric away from your eyelashes, weighted masks to calm nervous flyers, and masks with built-in headphones or speakers. Choose a mask that is adjustable, blocks out light effectively, and suits your personal preferences and comfort level.
Sleep masks are available at various retailers, including Amazon, Nordstrom, Slip.com, Quince.com, Barmy.biz, Ostrichpillow.com, Lumos.tech, Mantasleep.com, Brooklinen, Lunya.co, Backcountry, Blissy.com, and Mykitsch.com.
Sleep mask care instructions vary depending on the materials used. Some masks can be machine-washed, while others need to be hand-washed or have removable linings that can be washed separately. Consult the care label on your sleep mask for specific instructions.
