the most comfortable Bluetooth® sleep mask
The Best Weighted Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers: Our Top-Rated Eye Mask
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 stay healthy and productive.
When your quality of zzzs needs improvement, a sleep mask is a natural, inexpensive and effective solution. A typical sleep mask works by blocking out light, which is a major disruptor of deep and restful zzzs.
Seeing light signals 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. The best sleep masks block out light 100%.
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.
Finding the perfect eye mask can be daunting for a side sleeper. We wrote this article to educate you on weighted eye masks and help you find one right for you.
Table of Contents
What is a Weighted Sleep Mask?
Weighted sleep masks are like a comfy weighted eye blanket. Sounds dreamy, right?
The best weighted eye 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 mask's weight 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 gently massages pressure points on your face. Apart from relaxing you, it may ease the pain of tension and sinus headaches, and migraines. This function is based on acupressure, a form of traditional Chinese medicine.
In the next section, we’ll explore weighted eye mask benefits.
What Are Weighted Sleep Mask Benefits for Side Sleepers?
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
We promised you more information on DTP, also known as Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS). This 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.
Putting pressure on the body helps it transition from its sympathetic to parasympathetic nervous systems. This means your body goes from a fight or flight to a rest and digest response.
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 reduction might help. (Note that stress and anxiety are some of the primary causes of insomnia.)
More research is indeed needed on weighted sleep masks. However, much anecdotal evidence supports their power to relax and calm.
Superior Light Blocking for Improved Sleep Quality
Moreover, weighted sleep masks also block out any disturbing light from your digital alarm clock or that pesky streetlamp outside your window. This feature means you can enjoy a good night's sleep 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 a pressure eye mask can help side sleepers fall asleep faster and achieve more restful, deep sleep.
Helps Ease Headache Pain with a Gentle Massage
As mentioned, a weighted sleep mask for headaches uses acupressure to massage specific pressure points. This may ease pain from tension headaches and offer migraine relief. It may also provide sinus pain relief.
It also relaxes the tense muscles in your face and eye area, providing sensory relief from light, which may worsen your migraine.
Choosing the Best Weighted Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers
Okay, we’re pretty sure you’re considering a weighted sleep mask by now. Of course, we want to help you out. Here are the factors to consider:
Designed for Side Sleeping
Side sleepers who use a weighted sleep mask often find it slipping off during the night. That’s because they usually switch from one side to another.
Weighted sleep masks run a bit bulky because of their filling. This bulk may cause discomfort if you sleep on your side.
The best weighted eye masks are designed with side sleepers in mind. There are a few out there and we’ll introduce you to one of them. So, keep reading.
Comfort Is Key
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 materials before hitting the “buy” button.
Bonus points for a weighted sleep mask that has soft eye cups. They make things extra comfy. They’ll prevent light from seeping through and protect your peepers from direct weight.
Adjustable for a Good Fit
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 mask's weight is evenly distributed across the face and eye area.
It's Not Too Heavy
So, are weighted eye masks bad for your eyes? They can be if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Even if you have no issues sleeping with weight on your face, don’t use a too-heavy mask.
The best pressure sleep mask for side sleepers typically weighs between 0.6 and 1 lb. (If you’re thinking of this sleep mask as a weighted eye pillow, it isn’t unless it falls within that weight range.)
Now you may be asking: “Is it safe to wear weighted sleep mask every day?” It is if it isn’t too heavy. Also, if you can’t take the weight long (regardless of how much it weighs), 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.
(Are you asking: “Are sleep masks safe in general?” If so, head over to our article on the hidden danger of sleep masks.)
Know the Mask’s Filling
The mask’s weight will depend on what’s inside it. Typical 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 we expect it to work well no matter your sleep position. Let’s examine its features and hear what people have to say.
Manta Weighted Sleep Mask
Features:
-
Calming pressure for instant relaxation
-
Evenly-distributed weight
-
100% blackout experience for deeper sleep
-
Adjustable fit that stays in place all night
-
Soft, durable materials
-
Contoured cups that prevent direct eye pressure
First, let’s examine the eye cups closely. They’re extra tapered, narrowing out near the temples. This design 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 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 ensures 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 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. There’s minimal bulk for side sleepers.
The mask is designed to target pressure points for instant relaxation. It weighs 0.68 lb and is safe for overnight wear. However, you can use it for power naps or pre-bedtime relaxation.
A common question that many ask is: “Can I wear a sleep mask after LASIK surgery?” You shouldn’t use a weighted sleep mask pre- or post-eye surgery. Or if you have glaucoma and other eye conditions. However, for some, the best weighted sleep mask can help ease symptoms of dry eyes, which affects eye lubrication.
Remember to consult your healthcare provider if you have eye conditions, chronic headaches or migraines before use.
Do Weighted Sleep Masks Work?
Still need convincing? Let these reviews from Manta WEIGHTED Sleep Mask users answer the question: “Do weighted sleep masks work?”
Feedback 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 can be a game-changer for your sleep and well-being. So, choose wisely. Take the time to review the factors we outlined above.
The best weighted sleep mask goes beyond blocking out light for better sleep quality. It may promote relaxation, calm anxiety, and reduce headache pain. It’s a good investment if you seriously want deep and restful zzzs.
We hope you consider Manta WEIGHTED Sleep Mask. We’re confident it's a sleep aid that 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.