the Sleep Mask

Some people cannot sleep without wearing a silk or satin sleep mask. Sleep masks were originally created as a piece of fabric to cover the eyes to block excess light. Although not everyone requires a sleep mask for sleeping, a handful number of people in the population cannot sleep without one or feel that they can sleep better, longer and more peacefully if they have a sleep mask on.

There is now a huge market that caters to the needs of sleep mask users whether it’s for every night’s use or for travel, there are plenty of styles to choose from whether it’s a standard sleep mask or a contoured one. You can also choose from a variety of sleep mask materials from a silk sleep mask, satin sleep mask or a polyester-made sleep mask to a hypoallergenic sleep mask. Sleep masks that have added benefits such as magnet sleep masks and aromatherapy masks are also available in the market. Personalized sleep masks and statement masks can also be found in specialty stores.

People have different penchants for types of sleep mask. How to find the perfect one for you? Here are some useful tips.

• Choose a mask that fits your needs. Are your getting a sleep mask for your sleeping comfort at home, for your long travel or for relaxation? Sleep mask are no longer created for just blocking light when you sleep, different sleep masks for multiple functions such as sleep, relaxation and for relief of pain and aches are now available. If you want a plain and simple mask that can block almost 100% of light, then get the basic satin sleep mask which is practical and affordable for nightly use. If you are more of the stylish type, you can get silk sleep masks or novelty masks that have embroidered designs or patch designs on the fabric. If it’s for travel, sleep masks that have ear pads are good while some products come with complimentary ear plugs. Magnet sleep masks and gel sleep masks help your relax and promote a well-rested sleep.
• Good light-blocking design. A sleep mask should serve this function well or it defeats the whole purpose of using one. Make sure the fabric is designed to prevent any leaking of light on the sides and especially at the nose area.
• Choose a comfortable sleep mask. Comfort inf a sleep mask depends on the design, material and the straps. If you don’t like the sleep mask to exert pressure on the eyes, contoured sleep masks have concave eye pockets to allow normal blinking and eye opening even with a sleep mask on. Straps can be the main cause of discomfort in most sleep masks, go for the adjustable type or choose Velcro straps for versatility and less hair tangles with hook and eye fasteners.

 Other considerations include price and aesthetics. Sleeping masks are generally affordable especially the basic ones such as your regular satin sleep mask or cotton sleep masks that are comfortable and have good light blocking power. Appearance and color may be the last consideration but sleep mask manufacturers have created so many appealing designs that aesthetics is usually the deciding factor next to comfort. It if gives you the best sleep and makes you feel good about wearing it at the same time then that sleeping mask must be made for you.