Skip to content
Manta Sleep Manta Sleep
Log in Cart

    Collections

    • Sleep Masks
    • Mask Accessories
    • Sleep Aids
    • Bundles
    • Compare All Masks
    Shop All Products >

    Popular products

    SOUND Mask

    PRO Mask

    SILK Mask

    Original Mask

    WEIGHTED Mask

    COOL Mask

    Get 10% off
Manta Sleep Manta Sleep
Log in Cart
Your Cart

Your cart is currently empty.

Continue Shopping
Join 510,304 people who have improved their sleep
order total: $0 USD
View Cart Checkout
Join 510,304 people who have improved their sleep

why shop manta sleep

Try risk free for 60 days

USA shipping (free)

International shipping

  • SHOP
      sleep masks mask accessories other sleep aids bundles
      Manta SLEEP mask SOUND Manta SLEEP mask PRO Manta SLEEP mask SILK Manta SLEEP mask Manta SLIM mask Manta WEIGHTED mask Manta COOL mask Manta STEAM mask Manta SLEEP mask GLOW Manta SLEEP mask KIDS
      ORIGINAL eye cups COOL eye cups STEAM eye cups SILK eye cups ORIGINAL head strap WEIGHTED head strap SLIM head strap SILK head strap AROMA sachet refills AROMA dots variety AROMA dots bergamot AROMA dots eucalyptus AROMA dots lavender
      travel pillow blue light glasses blackout sticker earplugs nose vents
      the bestseller bundle silk, steam & ice SOUND+ deep sleep bundle
      the most comfortable Bluetooth® sleep mask in existence
      RAZOR-THIN HEADPHONES
      MAXIMUM AIRFLOW
      20HR+ BATTERY LIFE
      SIDE-SLEEP COMFORT
      the world's most advanced sleep mask
      ENGINEERED FOR SIDE SLEEPERS
      ADVANCED MATERIAL SCIENCE
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      TRUE 100% BLACKOUT
      same as the original mask - but with anti-aging silk
      PREVENTS WRINKLES & FINE LINES
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      the original Manta Mask - 100% blackout & zero pressure
      TRUE 100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      COMFY & DURABLE
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      same as the original mask - but with a slim head strap
      SLIM, ABOVE-THE-EAR STRAP
      100% BLACKOUT
      DURABLE, ANTI-STRETCH ELASTICS
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      calming & gentle pressure on your face
      EVENLY-DISTRIBUTED WEIGHT
      100% BLACKOUT
      STREAMLINED DESIGN
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      cold therapy for migraines & allergies
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      SOFT, GENTLE, MOLDABLE MATERIALS
      EVENLY-DISTRIBUTED COOLING
      steamy heat to soothe sinuses & dry eyes
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      RELIEF IN JUST 3-5 MINUTES
      POWERED BY 100% NATURAL STEAM
      the comfiest, 100% blackout sleep mask that’s easy to find in the dark
      EASY TO FIND TO FIND IN THE DARK
      100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      SOFT, DURABLE MATERIALS
      the world’s comfiest sleep mask for kids
      FOR KIDS AGED 6+
      100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      SOFT, DURABLE MATERIALS
      made for any Manta Mask
      100% BLACKOUT
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      SOFT, TAPERED FOAM
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      migraines & allergies & puffy eyes
      SOOTHES EYES AND SINUSES
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      SOFT, GENTLE, MOLDABLE MATERIALS
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      dry/irritated eyes & sinus pressure & eye strain
      ALLEVIATES STRESS AND DRY EYES
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      RELIEF IN JUST 3-5 MINUTES
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      fine lines/wrinkles & refreshing skin cells
      PREVENTS WRINKLES & FINE LINES
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      TRUE 100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      made for any Manta Mask
      ANTI-STRETCH ELASTICS
      COMFY & BREATHABLE
      SNAG-FREE MATERIALS
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      anxiety & insomnia & tension headaches
      IMPROVES SLEEP AND MOOD
      EVENLY-DISTRIBUTED WEIGHT
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      sensitive ears & side sleep & minimalists
      SLIM, ABOVE-THE-EAR STRAP
      SLEEK, BARELY-THERE FEEL
      DURABLE, ANTI-STRETCH ELASTICS
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      aging skin & coarse/breakable hair & sensitive skin
      PROTECTS SKIN AND HAIR
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      OPTIMAL COMFORT & DURABILITY
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      made for Manta AROMA
      100% PURE, AAA-GRADE LAVENDER
      NATURAL SCENT — NO ADDED OILS
      INDIVIDUALLY SEALED TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS
      INCLUDES 4 AROMA SACHETS (LASTS ~12 MONTHS)
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      HELPS RELAX & UNWIND
      MADE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
      3 RELAXING SCENTS
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      CALMS YOU & CLEARS YOUR AIRWAYS
      MADE WITH BERGAMOT ESSENTIAL OIL
      PROMOTES EVEN DEEPER SLEEP
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      CLEARS SINUSES & EASES BREATHING
      MADE WITH EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL
      PROMOTES EVEN DEEPER SLEEP
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      HELPS RELAX AND UNWIND
      MADE WITH LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
      PROMOTES EVEN DEEPER SLEEP
      4 RELAXING POSITIONS
      2-BREATH, FAST-INFLATE
      LUXURIOUS FEEL
      EASILY PORTABLE
      BLOCK HARMFUL BLUE LIGHT EMISSION FROM SCREENS
      COMFORTABLE, CUSTOMIZABLE FIT
      STYLISH DESIGN FOR ALL FACES
      ADJUSTABLE, SOFT NOSE PADS
      100% LIGHT BLOCKING
      REUSABLE APPLICATION
      NO INTERFERENCE
      100 PRE-CUT STICKERS
      ERGONOMIC DESIGN
      TOP-RATED NOISE BLOCKING
      SUPER SOFT FOAM
      MULTIPURPOSE EARPLUGS
      TWO CONVENIENT SIZES
      MEDICAL-GRADE MATERIALS
      REUSABLE
      TRAVEL-FRIENDLY
      1 MASK FOR SIDE-SLEEPING
      1 MASK TO SOOTHE EYES AND SINUSES
      1 MASK FOR GENTLE, THERAPEUTIC PRESSURE
      GUARANTEED BETTER SLUMBER
      SOOTHES EYE & SINUSES
      PREVENTS WRINKLES & FINE LINES
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      ALLEVIATES STRESS & DRY EYES
      100% BLACKOUT
      RAZOR-THIN HEADPHONES
      SOOTHES EYES AND SINUSES
      HELPS RELAX & UNWIND
    Shop All Products > Compare All Masks >
  • Reviews
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Get 10% Off
Search
  • Sleep masks
  • Bundles
  • Other sleep aids

Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta STEAM Mask: How They Compare

A girl deciding between a sleep mask and a heated eye mask from Manta Sleep.
A girl deciding between a sleep mask and a heated eye mask from Manta Sleep.

Not all sleep masks are created equal. Some do one thing alone: block out light most comfortably and effectively as possible. An example of this is the original Manta SLEEP Mask.


Meanwhile, other eye masks meet different needs while performing their basic light-blocking function. And one of these is Manta STEAM Mask, designed to give the wearer heat therapy.


The goal of this article is to help you stop pondering Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta STEAM Mask. And choose the one that’s right for you. We’ll compare their features and explain how and why sleep masks work in general. And of course, what a heated mask is for in the first place.

How do sleep masks work?

Hands holding a sleep mask from Manta Sleep.
Hands holding a sleep mask from Manta Sleep.

Okay, we’re going to keep this simple. You need darkness to get a “more than decent” night’s rest. And here’s why. Your internal body clock has 24-hour cycles, known as circadian rhythms. One of these is the sleep-wake cycle.


Darkness tells your body that it's time to get ready for bed. It also tells it to start making melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Melatonin helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.


Light, on the other hand, suppresses melatonin production. (And this includes blue light from your gadgets). It can also increase the number of times you wake up at night, which interrupts your sleep cycle. You need to stay long enough in the stages that give you deep and restful sleep. Otherwise, you’re in for poor-quality shuteye .


And that’s where a good eye mask comes in handy. It blocks out light so you sleep and nap better. Not to mention it’s a safer alternative to pills and a cheaper option for high-quality blackout curtains.

What are heated eye masks used for?

A male with dry, red eyes suffering from a migraine holding his hand to his head.
A male with dry, red eyes suffering from a migraine holding his hand to his head.

Heated masks are often used to relieve dry eyes. They unclog your tear ducts and seal in moisture. Dry eyes can happen for several reasons. Heck, you can get dry eyes from being sleep-deprived.


It could be the dry air in a plane, pollution, your contact lenses or certain medical conditions. Heated masks may help with styes, blepharitis and MGD, too. (Quick reminder to remove your contact lenses before using a heated mask.)


If you suffer from sinusitis, a heated mask can open sinus passages. It can also relieve pain from migraines when used alternately with a cold compress.


Finally, a heated mask is pure relaxation after a long, stressful day. It helps stimulate blood and oxygen flow. But it shouldn’t be too hot or left on for longer than 5 minutes. (Doctors recommend 3 to 5.)

Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta STEAM Mask

Now let’s get down to comparing these two sleep masks, according to these categories:


  • Blackout Function

  • Steam Function

  • Personal Fit

  • Eye Pressure

  • Comfort and Durability

Blackout Function: Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta STEAM Mask

A smiling male holding his cheeks wearing a sleep mask from Manta Sleep.

Manta SLEEP Mask was designed specifically to block out light. You get 100% blackout thanks to the convex eye cups. These are tapered to give more comfort if you happen to sleep on your side. They’re made from molded foam and conform to your face, so no light seeps in.

Meanwhile, Manta STEAM Mask has a near-blackout design. It primarily provides moist heat and warm compression. And it also offers sensory relief from light.

A girl napping on a chair with a heated eye mask from Manta Sleep.

Conclusion: Choose Manta SLEEP Mask if blocking out all light is your number one priority.


Choose Manta STEAM Mask if you suffer from dry eyes. Or if your doctor recommended a heated eye mask as part of your treatment.

Moist Heat Function: Manta STEAM Mask

You can't heat Manta SLEEP Mask. Therefore, there’s no comparison in this aspect. But we want to highlight how Manta STEAM Mask works. Especially when compared to other heated masks on the market.

A hand pressing on a circular orange eye cup for a sleep mask, showing the beads inside.

Manta STEAM Mask’s eye cups are made from soft and breathable fabric. Unlike other heated masks, they’re filled with warming beads instead of gel. They have a hook fastener backing, which attaches to the head strap.

Unlike most other heated masks, Manta STEAM’s beads are self-hydrating. This means they absorb moisture from the air. Once heated in a microwave (just the cups and not the head strap), they emit clean steam. They’re also insulated in foam so the warmth is targeted to your eye area.


They’re comfortably warmer than most other masks. And also stay that way for the doctor-recommended 3 to 5 minutes.

Three orange circular eye cups for a moist heat therapy mask with steam rising from them.

To use, put the eye cups on your microwave turntable and heat for 20 seconds. Oh, and don’t refrigerate them as they’re specifically for moist heat therapy.

A Custom Fit: Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta STEAM Mask

The head straps of the Manta SLEEP Mask and Manta STEAM Mask are similar in design. Head size varies from person to person. So, both head straps are infinitely adjustable and secured with snag-free fasteners.

Hands demonstrating how to adjust a sleep mask from Manta Sleep.
A sleep mask with orange eye cups with one cup positioned on the back side of the strap, demonstrating how it can be positioned anywhere on the strap.

As mentioned earlier, both masks have eye cups that attach to the straps with a micro hook and loop fastener. You can position them exactly where you want.


Conclusion: It’s a tie because you can customize both masks for a personal fit. And this means you can adjust the angle, head strap tightness and eye cups to your liking.

Eye Pressure: Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta STEAM Mask

A set of gray convey eye cups for a sleep that have a tapered shape.

Manta SLEEP Mask has tapered eye cups so you feel zero pressure on your eyes or lashes. They’re made from foam and covered in cozy fabric to comfortably conform to the unique shape of your eyes. Plus, they seal out light all night long.

Meanwhile, the eye cups of Manta STEAM Mask are round with an indentation in their centers. This is so they don’t put direct pressure on your eyes. And also evenly distribute the heat on the area around them. However, you will feel minimal pressure.

A pair of round orange eye cups for a heated sleep mask with an indentation in each center.

Conclusion: If you’re one of those who can’t have anything pressing on your eyes, then go for Manta SLEEP Mask.


With Manta STEAM, you will feel pressure however light. Again, this mask is for warm compression to soothe your dry, tired eyes.


Also, if you’re planning to wear a sleep mask the entire night, go for Manta SLEEP Mask. Manta STEAM is made for shorter steam therapy sessions. But it still blocks out most light as you relax or nap.

Durability and Comfort: Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta STEAM Mask

One of the great things about Manta Sleep masks is they were built to last. We put a lot of thought into the construction of the head straps. As you may know most eye masks have a single piece of flimsy elastic.

Two hands pulling a headstrap of a sleep mask to demonstrate its elasticity.

As we mentioned earlier, the head straps of both Manta STEAM and Manta SLEEP Mask have a similar design. Each has triple-reinforced elastic and is covered in cozy fabric. (You can forget bacon strap). And they keep their elasticity way longer than your average sleep mask..

Manta SLEEP Mask features eye cups that are made from soft molded foam. They’re covered in comfy, breathable fabric. You’ll barely know they’re there.


This mask is machine-washable cold for easy cleaning. Make sure to put it in its mesh laundry case before putting it into the washing machine. The case comes with the mask and as a bonus, one set of comfy Manta Ear Plugs.

A single convex eye cup for a sleep mask covered in dark gray breathable fabric.
One round orange eye cup for a heated eye mask.

As you might imagine, anything that’s heated should ideally be made from durable fabric. The material of Manta STEAM Mask’s eye cups is crafted to withstand constant heating. It’s extra soft and breathable, too.


Manta STEAM Mask’s head strap is machine-washable cold, too. Any mesh laundry bag will do. But its eye cups are handwash only. Putting them in a washing machine could damage the self-hydrating beads.


Clean them with cold water and mild soap and lay them flat to air dry. Spot cleaning them with a damp cloth dipped in cold water is another option.

Conclusion: When it comes to comfort and durability, you can’t go wrong with either mask. But it's worth noting that a little more effort goes into cleaning the Manta STEAM Mask. Its eye cups are handwash cold only.

Ready to choose?

A light gray sleep mask with removable eye cups from Manta Sleep.
CHOOSE THE CLASSIC
A heated eye mask with orange eye cups from Manta Sleep.
READY, SET, STEAM!

Let your needs guide you when you consider Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta STEAM Mask. Are you still having a tough time deciding? We recommend buying the Manta SLEEP Mask and getting a separate set of STEAM eye cups.


Want to know about our other eye masks and how they compare to the original Manta SLEEP Mask? Read these other articles:


  • Manta Sleep Mask vs. Manta Sleep Mask PRO

  • Manta Sleep Mask vs. Manta WEIGHTED Mask

  • Manta Sleep Mask vs. Manta COOL Mask


There’s no wrong decision here. Whichever mask you choose, you’re committing to better health through amazing sleep. And that’s the best choice of all.


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.

Main Menu

  • Home
  • SHOP
  • About
  • Faq
  • Reviews
  • Contact

Products

  • Sleep Masks
  • Eye Cups & Head Straps
  • Other Sleep Aids
  • Bundles

Other Info

  • Shipping
  • Return & Warranty
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Program

become a manta-holic & get 10% off your first order!

JOIN MANTA CLUB

© Manta Sleep . All Rights Reserved.

Close