why shop manta sleep
The Best Weighted Sleep Masks for Side Sleepers
On the lookout for the best weighted sleep mask for side sleepers? Discover the benefits and how to choose one. Plus, our version with customer reviews.
Hello, side sleeper! As you may already know, sleep is that precious link between your body and overall health. Its significance can’t be overstated if you want to keep as healthy and productive as possible.
When your quality of zzzs is in desperate need of improvement, a sleep mask is a natural, inexpensive and effective solution. Your typical sleep mask works by blocking out light, which is a major disruptor of deep and restful zzzs.
When you see light, it sends a signal to your brain that it's time to be up and about. Meanwhile, darkness tells it to wind down. Plus, it triggers the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
But what if you’re looking for more than just darkness? What if anxiety is depriving you of restful sleep? Or maybe you have painful headaches that prevent you from drifting off and staying in dreamland?
Well, one of the best solutions to getting better quality zzzs (and then some) is the best weighted sleep mask for side sleepers. This type of eye mask goes beyond a typical one’s light-blocking function. It provides gentle pressure, which can relax and ease pain from headaches.
And we know that as a side sleeper, finding the perfect eye mask can be daunting. We wrote this article to educate you on weighted sleep masks. And also help you find one that’s right for you.
Table of Contents
What is a Weighted Sleep Mask?
Weighted sleep masks are like a comfy weighted blanket but for your eyes. Sounds dreamy, right?
A weighted sleep mask combines the perks of a classic eye mask with soothing weighted therapy. It’s typically packed with beads or other weighted materials that apply gentle pressure to your face and around your eyes.
It utilizes Deep Touch Pressure (DPT) therapy to help your body switch from a “fight and flight” response to one of “rest and digest.” The weight of the mask acts like a hug for your face, helping you unwind for bedtime. We’ll talk more about DPT later on.
A weighted eye mask also provides a gentle massage to pressure points on your face. Apart from relaxing you, it may ease the pain of tension and sinus headaches, and migraines. This is based on acupressure, a form of traditional Chinese medicine.
In the next section, we’ll explore weighted eye mask benefits.
Benefits of Weighted Sleep Masks
Just so we’re clear, these benefits apply to anyone regardless of their sleep position. Here are a few:
Calms and Relaxes with Deep Touch Pressure Therapy
So, we promised you more information on DTP. For one, it’s also known as Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS). This type of therapeutic technique uses a firm touch to induce a state of relaxation. It treats children with autism and anxiety disorders, to name a few.
Squeezing, hugging and swaddling are examples of firm touch. DTP also triggers the release of serotonin and melatonin (the happy and sleep hormones) and represses stress hormones like cortisol.
Much like its blanket counterpart, a weighted eye mask helps you unwind and relax for bed. If you can’t sleep because of racing thoughts, then a weighted sleep mask for anxiety might help.
More research is indeed needed on weighted sleep masks. But there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that supports its power to relax and calm.
Blocks Out Light for Improved Sleep Quality
Moreover, weighted sleep masks also block out any disturbing light—be it from your digital alarm clock or that pesky streetlamp outside your window. This means you can enjoy uninterrupted, blissful slumber, regardless of your surroundings.
Like any sleep mask, a weighted one also blocks out light, creating a dark environment conducive to sleep.
The gentle pressure from weighted sleep masks can help side sleepers fall asleep faster and achieve more restful, deep sleep.
Helps Ease Headache Pain with a Gentle Massage
As we mentioned earlier, a weighted sleep mask for headaches uses acupressure to massage specific pressure points. This may ease pain from tension headaches and migraines.
It also relaxes the tense muscles in your face and the area surrounding the eyes. All this while providing sensory relief from light, which may worsen your migraine.
Choosing the Best Weighted Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers
Okay, we’re pretty sure by now you’re considering a weighted sleep mask. Of course, we want to help you out. Here are the factors to consider:
It’s designed for side sleeping.
Side sleepers who use a weighted sleep mask often find it slipping off during the night. And that’s because most of the time, they switch from one side to another.
Weighted sleep masks tend to run a bit bulky because of their filling, too. This may cause discomfort if you sleep on your side.
Look for a weighted eye mask that was designed with side sleepers top of mind. There are a few out there and we’re going to introduce you to one of them later on. So, keep reading.
It should be comfortable.
Whether your sleep mask is weighted or not, it should be comfy. Keep your eyes peeled for ones made from soft and breathable materials. A general rule of thumb is to check if you’re allergic to any of the materials before hitting the “buy” button.
Bonus points for a weighted sleep mask that has soft eye cups. They make things extra comfy. And they’ll prevent light from seeping through. Not to mention protect your peepers from direct weight.
Look for one that’s adjustable for a good fit.
Ideally, a weighted sleep mask should be adjustable. You want it snug enough so it stays in place. But not too tight to cause discomfort.
A good fit also ensures that the weight of the mask is evenly distributed across your face and eye area.
Too much weight isn’t a good thing.
Safety is key. Even if you’re one of those who have no issues sleeping with weight on your face, don’t go for a mask that’s too heavy. The best pressure relief sleep mask for side sleepers typically weighs between 0.6 to 1 lb.
Another thing to avoid is direct weight on your eyes. This could cause your vision to blur temporarily. As we mentioned earlier, eye cups would solve this problem.
If you can’t take the weight for a long time, don’t wear the mask the entire night. Make it part of your pre-bedtime activities. Once you feel relaxed, remove the mask before hitting the sack.
Make it a point to know what the mask’s filling is made from.
The mask’s weight will depend on what’s inside it. Common fillings are glass or plastic beads, flaxseed, or lavender buds for aromatherapeutic benefits.
Knowing what the filling is saves you the pain of dealing with an allergic reaction. It also gives you an idea of how much weight to expect.
Our Top-rated Weighted Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers
Looking for the best weighted sleep mask for side sleepers? Well, we’re not ashamed to say that Manta WEIGHTED Sleep Mask is one of the top ones out there.
We designed it for side sleeping, but expect it to work well no matter your sleep position. Let’s take a look at its features and see what people have to say.
Manta Weighted Sleep Mask
Features:
Calming pressure for instant relaxation
Evenly-distributed weight
100% blackout for deeper sleep
Adjustable fit that stays in place all night
Soft, durable materials
Eye cups that keep direct pressure off the eyelids
First, let’s take a close look at the eye cups. They’re extra tapered, so they narrow out near your temples. This means you’ll feel less bulk if you sleep on your side.
Their unique design features indentations that keep direct pressure off your lids yet still allow the weight to massage the points around your eyes.
Now, let’s examine the head strap. If you notice, there’s stitching on the head strap. This is to ensure that the weight from the glass microbead filling is evenly distributed. The stitching keeps them in place.
The mask’s duo strap design ensures it stays put no matter how many times you shift sides. The adjustable bands secure around your head with micro hook and loop closures that won’t snag your hair. Plus, you can choose to make the mask cover or sit above your ears.
The eye cups and strap are infinitely adjustable for a custom fit. Look closely and you’ll see how streamlined the mask is. This is so there’s minimal bulk for side sleepers.
The mask is designed in such a way that it targets pressure points for instant relaxation. It weighs 0.68 lb and is safe for overnight wear. However, you can choose to use it for power naps or pre-bedtime relaxation.
You shouldn’t use a weighted sleep mask pre- or post-eye surgery. Or if you have glaucoma and other eye conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have chronic headaches or migraines before use.
Reviews from Manta WEIGHTED Mask users:
Perfectly Pitch Black!
"I have really enjoyed sleeping with my weighted mask and have been sleeping like a log, waking very refreshed. It’s very comfortable to wear and I have had no problem with side sleeping with the mask on."
— Martin C.
Manta WEIGHTED Mask Review
"I absolutely love this mask, it is the perfect fit and provides maximum comfort. The overall quality of the mask is brilliant, you'll never be able to find another mask like it. I would absolutely recommend this mask to anyone who needs the pleasure of a weight to sleep."
— Abigail B.
What can I say....
"Really. What can I say... from the moment I put this on, I immediately drift off. It is so comfortable and blocks out the light. Interestingly enough, it also helps me with any headaches or migraines. The pressure of the weight around the sinuses is so relieving. So double bonus! I always recommend this mask to troubled sleepers."
— Vita D.
Perfectly weighted
"I have sinus pain almost daily and chronic migraines. This provides some relief to the pressure and helps me fall asleep."
— Hailey C.
Perfect for migraines
"I have chronic migraines and anxiety, so the weighted mask and I seemed like a match made in heaven. Fortunately (?) I had a migraine on the day my mask arrived, so I had the chance to try it out then. I LOVED the sensation of the tightness and weighted pressure - it didn't cure my migraine, but certainly helped enough to allow me to fall asleep. The past two nights I've slept with the weighted mask have been two of the deepest sleeps of my life and I've woken up feeling more refreshed than ever. Adjusting the eye cups takes some fine-tuning, but once I got them in a position I liked I was able to sleep on my side without any issue."
— Chey
"I have had the WEIGHTED mask for about two weeks now and I am in love with it. Since I was a little boy, I cannot sleep in the dark. Even a small night light will not do. I have to sleep with the lamp on. I've been this way since I was a kid because of trauma. So I thought I would try out this mask to help me sleep better at night. It has helped me so much. Even during the day for my nap it helps me. I will also say that two days ago I had a headache. I finally put on the mask and within 20 minutes the headache was gone! I had another one today and put on the mask and it went away so fast! I have no idea how that works lol. Anyways, this is a great product. You cannot see ANY light whatsoever and there's no pressure on your eyes. It DOES take some getting use to so don't get frustrated if it doesn't bring you comfort right away. Just get it already!"
— Steven H.
Conclusion
Using the best weighted sleep mask for side sleepers is a game-changer for your sleep and well-being. So, choose wisely. Take the time to go over the factors we outlined above.
Weighted sleep masks go beyond blocking out light for better sleep quality. They may promote relaxation, calm anxiety and reduce pain from headaches. They’re a good investment if you seriously want deep and restful zzzs.
We hope you consider Manta WEIGHTED Sleep Mask. We’re confident that it won’t disappoint, especially if you’re a side sleeper.
Let us know if using a weighted sleep mask for side sleepers worked for you. Drop a comment below.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website or provided through our blog, e-mails, or programs is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment that can be provided by your healthcare professionals.