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Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta WEIGHTED Mask: Which is the One for You?
Choosing a new sleep mask isn’t easy. Whether it's your first time or not, it can get confusing. There are so many out there.
But you’re here because you’re on the lookout for something premium and does its job well. And that's to block out light so you get better sleep.
This article aims to help you decide between Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta WEIGHTED Mask. We’re going to do so by listing their features. And also, the advantages of each mask over the other.
But first, we’ll take you through the basics of how a sleep mask works and what a weighted one can do for you.
What’s the deal with sleep masks?
As we mentioned before, eye masks work by letting us sleep in darkness. It’s not just the uncomfortable glare of light when you’re trying to wind down, too. It all boils down to a science. We need darkness to get good quality sleep.
You have an internal body clock, which handles many body functions. It has 24-hour cycles called circadian rhythms. And the one that’s most relevant (to this article at least) is the sleep-wake cycle.
What regulates your sleep-wake cycle is a hormone called melatonin. It’s responsible for getting your body ready to go to bed. And here’s the clincher: your body produces melatonin in response to darkness. Light suppresses it.
The body’s response to light is to be awake and alert. Exposure to light before you go to bed can lead to frequent awakenings. It can also lead to shorter sleep duration. Both are hallmarks of poor sleep quality.
Thus, the world’s obsession with eye masks. Great sleep isn’t easy to come by for many and more than a luxury, it's a need.
What are weighted sleep masks?
Weighted sleep masks use the same logic as their blanket counterparts. And that’s to give the wearer deep pressure stimulation.
The added weight increases serotonin (feel-good hormone) production. It lessens cortisol (stress hormone), which helps boost your mood. Weighted masks aren’t replacements for therapy. But they are often reported to help people who suffer from depression and anxiety sleep better.
The pressure of a weighted sleep mask also nudges your body to start making more melatonin. It’s also like a gentle massage to pressure points on your face. This induces relaxation and eases tension headaches.
Combine that with the light-blocking feature of a basic sleep mask and you’re on your way to Dreamland.
Manta SLEEP Mask Features
Manta SLEEP Mask’s adjustable head strap is made from soft and breathable fabric. There’s also generous space for your nose to peek through.
You can angle the mask, so it conforms to your eye area and wraps around your head securely yet comfortably. The fasteners won’t snag your hair, unlike other sleep masks.
It comes with a set of convex eye cups that are made from soft molded foam with a hook fastener backing. Position the cups in the interior of the head strap for a truly custom fit.
Features:
100% blackout
Zero pressure on your eyes and lashes
Infinitely adjustable head strap
Machine-washable
Eye cups with a barely-there feel
Made from comfy, breathable fabric
Comes with one set of Manta Ear Plugs
Triple-reinforced elastic head strap
Good for all sleep positions
Our classic sleep mask is all about comfortably blocking out all light, all night long.
Manta WEIGHTED Mask Features
The weight of the Manta WEIGHTED Mask comes from beads. These are evenly distributed and stitched firmly in place (see the mask’s contours). They’re strategically placed to deliver gentle pressure where it counts most.
The adjustable head strap is constructed from soft and stretchy material. It’s secured with micro hook and loop closures that won’t pull on your hair.
Most other weighted sleep masks don’t have eye cups. The point of having cups is to make sure that there’s no pressure directly on the eyes. This sometimes causes blurred vision temporarily. Also, the ones that come with the Manta WEIGHTED Mask are adjustable.
Features:
100% Blackout
Breathing room for eyes and lashes
Infinitely adjustable head strap
Comes with a pair of Manta Sleep ORIGINAL eye cups
Machine washable, adjustable tapered eye cups
Head strap is handwash cold only
Streamlined design
Evenly-distributed weight
Works for all sleep positions
Named Best Weighted Mask of 2022 by Sleep Foundation
Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta WEIGHTED Mask: Let’s Compare
By now, you should have a good idea of what each sleep mask offers. Just to note, both Manta SLEEP Mask and Manta WEIGHTED Mask promise 100% blackout.
But we all know that choosing is easier when you know what one thing does better than the other. And that’s what this section is for.
Advantages of Manta SLEEP Mask
Let’s start with the original, all-time favorite Manta SLEEP Mask.
#1: Better for newbies with its barely-there feel
Compared to the Manta WEIGHTED Mask, it's a simpler introduction to wearing an eye mask.
Wearing a sleep mask takes getting used to. Like with anything else, starting with the basics makes adapting less hard. And added weight will not make the transition easier.
The Manta SLEEP Mask is our original product. It’s anything but average though. It performs the core light-blocking function of any sleep mask exceptionally well. And the lightweight, slimmer construction gives it a barely-there feel. Ideal for first-timers, don't you agree?
#2: More suited to all-night wear
You can wear the Manta SLEEP Mask for longer compared to Manta WEIGHTED mask.
It was made to wear the whole night through. It's lighter and slimmer than our weighted mask. It's also easier to angle above the ears for those who sleep on their side.
Now here’s the thing. This depends on whether you can sleep with weight on your face or not. Manta WEIGHTED Mask was designed so as not to put direct pressure on the eyes. But it will put pressure on your eye area. This is more about personal preference. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor if it's okay to wear a weighted mask overnight.
#3: It’s easier to clean
Manta SLEEP Mask is machine-washable and comes with a mesh laundry case. (And a free pair of earplugs. Yay!) Its cleaning process requires less effort compared to Manta WEIGHTED Mask.
The head strap and eye cups of the Manta SLEEP Mask can be machine-washed cold, unlike our weighted mask. While its cups can be cleaned in the washing machine, the head strap is handwash cold or spot-clean only. Otherwise, the weights inside get damaged.
You might be wondering why this deserves a mention. Never underestimate the importance of cleaning your sleep mask. Do it as often as possible.
For one, it sits next to your skin and absorbs all its oils as you sleep. Second, dirty sheets accumulate lots of germs and old skin cells. Naturally, your sleep mask will attract these like a magnet. Goes without saying but we’ll say it anyway, “your eyes.”
Advantages of Manta WEIGHTED Mask
#1 Gives you gentle acupressure
This is the biggest advantage of Manta WEIGHTED Mask when compared to the original. It massages your pressure points for deep relaxation.
As mentioned earlier, this mask contains evenly distributed glass microbeads. We conducted careful research on its weight. The mask weighs about 0.82 lbs., eye cups included.
The whole point of this mask is to give you relief. Too much weight is uncomfortable.
#2 Better at soothing tension headaches and migraines
Manta WEIGHTED Mask eases more symptoms of migraines and tension headaches. Our original mask can only do so much in this aspect. It helps with light sensitivity associated with certain kinds of headaches.
Our weighted mask helps by gently massaging specific areas. This relieves tension and pressure from headaches.
Always consult your doctor before using a weighted mask for chronic headaches. Weighted masks are sometimes used in conjunction with an existing treatment plan. But they aren’t replacements.
#3 More effective at easing anxiety and lifting your mood
Manta WEIGHTED Mask is better at easing stress and anxiety compared to our original mask.
Manta WEIGHTED Mask provides a form of deep pressure therapy (DPT). The evenly distributed pressure is a form of stimulus to your parasympathetic nervous system(1). This may give you stress relief and lift your mood.
Manta SLEEP Mask helps block by giving sensory relief from light. This enables you to relax more at bedtime. It doesn’t have an acupressure therapy feature that our weighted one does.
Manta SLEEP Mask vs. Manta WEIGHTED Mask: What’s the Verdict?
Just in case you want to check out our other sleep masks before you make your final decision, read these:
If you’re still struggling to make up your mind, consider why you wanted a sleep mask in the first place. Was it simply to block out light? If so, then the Manta SLEEP Mask is your best bet, especially if you’ve never worn one before.
Think about your needs. For example, a weighted mask is a better option if you suffer from headaches or have a stressful lifestyle. If the gentle acupressure it offers will help you not just sleep better but feel better, go for it.
Sources:
(1) “A Psychologist’s Guide to Weighted Sleep Masks: Do They Work? And Why?” Parenting Pod, parentingpod.com/best-weighted-sleep-mask/, Last accessed August 9, 2022.
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.