Introducing the NEW Manta SOUND Mask: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

What Is Manta SOUND Mask?

Manta SOUND Mask Previous Gen is a sleep mask with built-in headphones. You can pair it with any Bluetooth^®-compatible device. Its speakers, eye cups, and head strap are fully adjustable. We designed it for use with any sleep position, including side sleeping.

Unlike over-ear headphones or earbuds, it comfortably allows you to listen to music, ASMR or different noise colors (such as white, pink or brown noise) while providing superior light-blocking for better sleep.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Bluetooth^® Sleep Mask?

You may be wondering why you should use a Bluetooth^® sleep mask in the first place. After all, there are over-ear headphones and earbuds as options. Well, apart from serving a dual purpose, they have other benefits, especially our versions.

Here are a couple:

• Unlike over-ear headphones, Bluetooth^® sleep masks have ultra-thin speakers, which provide comfort even if you’re a side sleeper. Over-ear headphones can be too bulky for comfort, and earbuds can press painfully into your ears when you use a pillow.

• Unlike most Bluetooth^® sleep masks on the market, both of our models allow you to adjust the position of the speakers. They’ll stay in place all night long without compromising sound delivery. Meanwhile, earbuds will fall out, and over-ear headphones will either fall off or shift out of position completely.

• They’re safer than some over-ear headphones because most Bluetooth^® sleep masks don’t come with cords (ours don’t). You can forget about loose cords wrapping around your neck.

• Sleep masks with headphones eliminate those annoying LED lights that can botch your sleep quality. Earbud cases and most over-ear headphones have charging indicators. ASMR fans will love this feature because they won’t have to deal with the glare of their phone screens.

• Unlike over-ear headphones or earbuds, sleep masks with headphones provide a truly immersive experience, where darkness and sound work together to help you relax and achieve quality sleep.

How Does the NEW Manta SOUND Mask Compare With the Previous Gen SOUND Mask?

Compared to other Bluetooth^® sleep masks on the market, Manta SOUND Sleep Mask Previous Gen offered unique features, which included:

• Engineered for side sleeping (works for other sleep positions, too)

• A breathable head strap that’s fully adjustable

• Detachable C-shaped eye cups that help block 100% of light and keep pressure off the eyes and lashes

• Adjustable speakers with a good sound quality and long battery life

• Intuitive design

• Washable inner layer

• Zero notifications that disrupt sleep

Manta SOUND Sleep Mask NEW Gen offers all these features, only better, with its longer battery life and more streamlined design. However, it's not to say that the original is chopped liver in comparison.

In the following sections, we’ll explore their similarities and what changed in more detail, because what can we say? Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference. We’re confident in whichever version you choose.

What Are the Technical Specs of the NEW Manta SOUND Mask and Previous Gen SOUND Mask?

The technical specifications of the NEW Manta SOUND Mask and the previous gen SOUND Mask are similar, with some key differences. The chart below highlights these:

The key differences are the battery life and the charging time. While it’s true that Manta SOUND Sleep Mask NEW Gen requires 10 more minutes to reach a full charge, it has a battery life that’s 20% longer than that of its predecessor.

How Do the Speakers of the NEW Manta SOUND Mask Compare With the Previous Gen SOUND Mask?

SOUND Mask NEW Gen

SOUND Mask Previous Gen

What’s New:

• The NEW Manta SOUND Mask features built-in circular Bluetooth^® speakers, unlike the original mask, which had rounded square speakers.

• The speakers are ultra-thin at 4 mm. Unlike the previous gen Manta SOUND Mask speakers, they’re padded with a perforated foam layer for extra cushioning.

• The speakers of the NEW Manta SOUND Mask sit closer to the ears due to the head strap’s thinner, more elastic design for better sound delivery.

• Unlike the previous gen SOUND Mask, the NEW Manta SOUND Mask has removable speakers. Simply pull them out from the openings located at the top of the mask.

What’s the Same:

• Speakers offer superior sound quality compared to other masks

• Speakers that are easily adjusted by sliding the tabs on the outer part of the masks

• Speakers that don’t provide active noise cancellation to ensure that you hear emergency alerts, such as safety alarms, at night

• Offer 30 adjustable volume levels

What Are the Design Differences of the NEW Manta SOUND Mask Compared to the Previous Gen Manta SOUND Mask?

We mentioned earlier that the NEW Manta SOUND Mask has a more streamlined design than the original. We listened to customer feedback to understand what we needed to improve.

Head Strap

SOUND Mask NEW Gen

SOUND Mask Previous Gen

What’s New:

• The NEW Manta SOUND Mask features a stretchier, more comfortable head strap than the original. The strap has a single layer, making it thinner and less stiff than the original, which has two layers.

• The outer part of the head strap is made with a breathable nylon blend 3D knitted mesh. Meanwhile, the head strap of its predecessor is made from perforated foam and mesh.

• The head strap of the NEW Manta SOUND Mask has anti-slip silicone gel for an even more secure fit.

• Both our Bluetooth^® sleep masks come with an optional top strap to keep the mask in place throughout the night. Unlike the previous gen Manta SOUND Mask, the NEW Manta SOUND Mask top strap clips onto loops on the head strap, but it uses three loops on either side versus one.

• The NEW Manta SOUND Mask also curves downward to sit under the base of the skull, preventing it from sliding upward or downward.

What’s the Same:

• The head strap is still fully adjustable and secures with a micro hook-and-loop closure.

• The interior is made from moisture-wicking modal fabric.

Eye Cups

There is no difference between the eye cups of both versions of our Bluetooth^® sleep masks.

Care and Maintenance

SOUND Mask NEW Gen

SOUND Mask Previous Gen

What’s New:

• As we mentioned earlier, the NEW Manta SOUND Mask has removable electronics, unlike the original, for easy cleaning.

• The head strap of the NEW Manta SOUND Sleep Mask is fully washable, whereas with the previous gen Manta SOUND Mask, only the inner strap is washable.

What’s the Same:

• Machine-washable head straps and eye cups

• Comes with a USB-C cable and an optional top strap

What Can I Expect From the NEW Manta SOUND Mask?

Let’s explore what else Manta SOUND Mask Sleep Mask NEW Gen has to offer you.

Comfort and Breathability

Manta SOUND Sleep Mask NEW Gen is more breathable than the original due to its single-layer 3D-knit mesh design, making it the obvious choice for hot sleepers.  

Manta SOUND Sleep Mask NEW Gen’s speakers and their foam casing combined are as thin as a yoga mat. You won’t feel them at all, even when you lie on your side.  

The C-shaped eye cups provide 100% blackout and zero pressure on your eyes and lashes. They taper near your temples and have a smart air bubble that expands as you switch sides.

Fit

When it comes to fit, both our Bluetooth^® sleep masks have fully adjustable head straps and eye cups. They’re designed to fit head sizes with a circumference between 52 cm and 62 cm (which covers 97% of adults in the U.S.).

Manta SOUND Sleep Mask NEW Gen is designed to cover the ears and fit under the base of the skull. Plus, its optional top strap is more adjustable than the original’s single loop design.

UI and Sound Quality

Our Bluetooth^® sleep masks have the same UI, with the power and volume settings located at the front of the mask. Both offer zero sound notifications, with a single LED light that only turns on when charging or pairing, not during use.

Both masks offer the same above-average audio quality and immersive sound experience when compared to other Bluetooth^® sleep mask brands in the market.

Care and Maintenance

Manta SOUND Sleep Mask NEW Gen is easy to clean. Cleaning it involves removing the electronics beforehand by pulling them out through a convenient opening located at the top of the mask, which features a magnetic closure.

Cleaning the SOUND Mask Previous Gen involved removing the top layer of the strap that contained the speakers and washing the inner layer and eye cups.

Conclusion

Manta SOUND Sleep Mask NEW Gen is an exceptional solution for those who want the perfect combination of 100% blackout and soothing audio for better sleep. We’re confident that owners of the SOUND Mask Previous Gen won’t be disappointed if they decide to upgrade to the latest version.

While the original is no longer available, the NEW Manta SOUND Mask is definitely worth the upgrade. It offers notable improvements, including longer battery life, a more streamlined design and enhanced fit.