Choosing the Best Weighted Eye Mask for Sleep & Why It Helps With Better Zzzs

Looking for the best weighted eye mask for sleep? Read this for tips on how to pick ‘em right. Plus, how wearing one could help you take the best naps ever.

If you’re one of the lucky ones who get great sleep quality, then you understand what a big role it plays in life. And if you aren’t, then you know what’s missing. That’s how big of a deal sleep is.

Let’s face it. Without a good night’s rest or a restorative nap, a productive and fulfilling day is nothing but a dream. Thus, the world’s obsession with getting better zzzs. Not to mention the latest sleep products.

And one that has gained popularity in recent years is a weighted eye mask for sleep. This article explains what it is, how it works and why it's a good addition to your nap toolbox.

But first, let’s address the elephant in the room. Naturally, you would think twice before sleeping with weight on your face. But the answer to this question is… yes, you can use a weighted eye mask for sleep. However, duration matters — and so do other factors.

According to Women’s Health, it's safe to sleep with one if it doesn’t weigh more than 300 to 400 grams (or 0.66 to 0.88 lbs.) ⁽¹⁾. So, keep that in mind when choosing your weighted eye mask for sleep.

Many people wear one to sleep the whole night through. But that’s because their masks are designed to put zero pressure on the eyes. Direct pressure for long periods of time isn’t without risk.

For one, according to Reviewed, it results in dry eyes because the pressure impedes the eyes’ lubrication process⁽²⁾. Another is if the weighted eye mask isn’t made for side sleeping. It could have the opposite effect and wake you as you switch sides.

To be on the safe side, by all means, grab restorative naps with your best weighted eye mask for sleep. And if you want to wear one the entire night, make sure that it isn’t too heavy and doesn’t apply direct pressure on your lids. Remember sleeping all night with a weight on your face isn’t for everyone.

And finally, it is not safe to wear a weighted mask at all if you have glaucoma or pre- or post-eye surgery. When in doubt, check with your doctor first.

Put simply, it’s a heavier-than-usual sleep mask. The weight comes from beads or sand that are sewn into its fabric. You put it over your eyes and secure it around your head.

First, the best weighted eye mask for sleep should block out all light so you can snooze tight.

It works on the same premise that a weighted blanket does. And that's to give the wearer a form of deep pressure stimulation (DPT). As its name suggests, it means applying gentle pressure to the body — much like a hug.

According to Healthline, DTP relaxes the nervous system. It can ease symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as help you sleep better⁽²⁾.

The best weighted eye mask for sleep can stimulate certain pressure points on the face. Think acupressure, the ancient Chinese technique. Practitioners press specific points in the body to promote relaxation and well-being. Both are essential to sleeping well.

Now you know. The best weighted sleep mask helps you feel less anxious, lifts your mood, plus helps you sleep better.

Oh, and there’s more where that came from. Read our post on more weighted eye mask benefits.

Serious about giving a weighted eye mask for sleep a shot? Then it's time to choose a weighted eye mask that’s right for you. Here are a couple of pointers to get you started.

Remember that a sleep mask rests on your face. Choose something that’s under 1 lb. As we mentioned earlier, 0.66 to 0.88 lbs should be fine.

Direct eye pressure is a no-no. That’s why the best weighted eye mask for sleep should have eye cups. These protect your eyes by putting space between them and the mask.

Evenly-distributed weight applies the right amount of pressure to all relaxation points. The best weighted eye mask for sleep shouldn’t feel heavier on one side or the other.

Imagine wearing a weighted eye mask that’s too large or too tight. Not a good thing. Either it’ll slip off since it's heavier than a typical sleep mask. Or it’ll be too close to your skin and eyes for comfort. Find an adjustable one.

If your weighted sleep mask doesn’t prevent the light from creeping in, it needs to hand in its resignation. Darkness gets your body ready for bed. It tells your brain to start producing melatonin, the sleep hormone. Light does the complete opposite.

Earlier in this article, we mentioned how weighted masks can wake you up as you move around in bed. So, the best weighted eye mask for sleep is designed to stay put no matter your sleeping position.

And, we’re throwing it out there. You might want to consider making Manta WEIGHTED Mask a regular part of naptime. Besides the fact that it 100% blocks out light, here’s why.

"Okay, so I struggle to sleep and I can't sleep during the day at all. But I got back home and it started raining with thunder and I knew this was a perfect opportunity. GUYS, I'm not even kidding when I say i had the best nap OF MY LIFE! The only reason i woke up is because of a phone call, if it wasn't for that I would've stayed knocked out. Definitely recommend for anxiety and sleep apnea. Cheers!"

— Nico A.

Sources:

(1) “The best weighted eye masks to guarantee a good night's sleep.” Women’s Health, www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/body/a41639808/best-weighted-eye-masks/. Accessed 03 November 2022.

(2) “Are Weighted Eye Masks Safe to Sleep With?” Reviewed, www.reviewed.com/sleep/features/weighted-eye-masks-may-not-great-sleeping. Accessed 04 November 2022.

(3) “Do Weighted Blankets Work?.” Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/do-weighted-blankets-work. Accessed 04 November 2022.

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