The Manta Sleep Mask looks weird — and improves my sleep
The Manta is great for side sleepers and keeps all the light out of my eyes without snagging my hair or squishing my eyelashes.
Lori Zaino
I started by using the mask for naps and definitely slept better. But would it help me get adequate rest for an entire night? Yes, it certainly helped.
I find the mask’s foam to be cooling, ensuring it doesn’t get my face sweaty or hot on humid summer nights (the brand actually makes a separate mask specifically for cooling, which is next on my list to try). I may not be sleeping eight hours straight, but I do notice a difference in my waking mood and energy after I forget to put the mask on — they’re significantly worse. And I’m apparently not the only one who feels this mask has improved my sleep: It has an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 8,000 reviews on Amazon.
Now I have two Manta Sleep Masks: one for home and one for travel so I can create a sleep-inducing environment whenever and wherever I need it.
If you don’t particularly need a mask for side sleepers or if you want something less expensive than the Manta, consider these highly rated sleep masks or read our guide to top-rated sleep masks.
This sleep mask has 3D-contoured cups that, according to the company, block out light without putting pressure on your eyes. The buckle strap is easily adjustable and won’t catch or pull hair, according to MZoo. It has an average 4.7 rating on Amazon from over 62,000 reviews.
The 40 Blinks Sleep Mask from Bucky’s keeps things dark using contoured, lightweight cups that don’t actually touch the tops of your eyes for zero pressure, according to Bucky’s. But the washable mask may be slightly more uncomfortable for side or stomach sleepers, as the cups are raised, and the polyester plus polyurethane foam combo may peel after extended use, according to some reviewers. Still, for insomniacs on a budget, the mask effectively blocks out light, according to the company. It has an average rating of 4.3 stars from over 2,600 reviews on Amazon.
Dr. Seema Khosla, medical director at the North Dakota Center for Sleep, recommended this face mask in our guide to sleep masks, citing the breathable memory foam ringing the eyes. It has an elastic strap that’s less likely to snag your hair than a Velcro one, according to experts, and comes three to a pack and has a 4.5-star average rating from more than 18,100 reviews on Amazon.
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