How to Find the Best Weighted Sleep Mask for You

With sleep being just a major part of staying healthy, isn’t it something you don’t want to struggle with? If, for whatever reason, you find it difficult to get some proper shuteye, consider a weighted mask as a potential solution to your problems. We’re going to show you what it is, what it does, and how to find the best weighted eye mask on the market. 

Do Weighted Eye Masks Really Work?

People who have trouble falling asleep when light is abundant will frequently find that sleep masks are an absolute need for them. They are an excellent thing to bring along with you when you travel because they are portable, lightweight, and frequently affordable. 

However, there is a new device that has recently been released into the market, and the manufacturer claims that it does more than merely hide the light. The age-old practice of wearing a sleep mask to bed has been given a modern upgrade in the form of weighted sleep masks.

The traditional sleep mask and the weighted variety both serve the same purpose, but what sets them apart? Put your comfort first. The sleeper who uses a weighted mask, much like the user of a weighted blanket, frequently reports that they experience an increased sense of comfort and general well-being.

There are differences between all the weighted masks available on the market, and some manufacturers go the extra mile by including elements such as aromatherapy in their products to cater to customers who are looking for an even more luxurious experience while sleeping.

Benefits of Using Weighted Eye Masks

— Blocking Light

Your body sends the message that it’s time to sleep when it’s dark outside. You improve your chances of remaining asleep throughout the night and having deeper sleep if you completely exclude all sources of light during the time that you are trying to get some rest.

— Pain Relief

If you combine blocking out light with applying pressure to key relaxation areas, you may find that your migraines are relieved. It’s been reported by a lot of people that applying pressure and stimulating it helps get rid of these typical ailments.

— Anxiety Reduction

A weighted mask, very similar to a weighted blanket, can give the wearer the feeling of being “grounded.” It’s possible that doing this will cause the production of hormones, which will help calm your nerves.

Other benefits of weighted eye masks include:

• Portable and great for travel.
• Are typically easy to clean.
• Are adjustable to fit your head.
• Can be an inexpensive solution for several sleep-related problems. 

What to Look for in Weighted Eye Masks

Weight

The weight is, without a doubt, the component that plays the most significant role in the weighted sleep mask. The typical weight of a weighted mask is from 10 to 16 ounces in total. This level of weight is sufficient to be noticed and assist with the alleviation of tension and anxiety without causing pain or exerting an excessive amount of pressure.

On the other hand, the weighted mask has an additional benefit: because of the compression it provides, it may also help reduce the severity of migraines.

Depending on the mask model, your might come with a zipper, which makes it possible to alter the amount of fill or even replace it entirely. 

Adjusting the weight of the mask to meet your requirements, as well as incorporating an aromatherapy component into the mask, works very well with this method.

Cover Material

The cover of a weighted mask can be made with a variety of different materials, each with its own set of properties:

• Cotton and cotton blend – natural, moisture-wicking, insulating, hypoallergenic.
• Satin – made by combining nylon, polyester, or silk, is naturally cool and very soft. 
• Jersey – knit fabric made from wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers, doesn’t crease or wrinkle and is quite breathable. 
• Silk – naturally cooling, hypoallergenic, and very breathable.
• Fleece – usually made with polyester fibers, lightweight, breathable, dries fast and is easy to clean. 

Fill

As for the fill of a weighted sleep mask, you usually have three options.

Microbeads

The chemical component known as silicon dioxide can be found in the crust of the Earth and is referred to as microbeads or silica beads. These beads disperse the weight equally, which assists in the mask’s ability to contour to your face. Additionally, the beads make it easier for the mask to cool down.

Lavender Buds

Buds of lavender come from a plant that is native to the Mediterranean region and is now cultivated in many nations across the world. The aromatherapy advantages are not taken into account in weight calculations. There are many other dried flowers and plants that can be used in place of lavender.

Flax Seeds

The seed of the flax plant is often known as linseed. A natural alternative that maintains its cold temperature, distributes weight evenly across the face, and is an environmentally-friendly choice.

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Cleaning

It is easy for a mask to become soiled with oils and skin particles from the wearer’s face if they sleep in masks for long periods every night. Before you buy a weighted sleep mask, take some time researching the best way to clean it, especially if you are particular about the way you clean things. The different types of materials require different cleaning processes.

For instance, a weighted mask that is made of silk on the outside will typically need to be hand-washed with a mild detergent after each use. You could wash a mask made from jersey or cotton in the washing machine as long as you use a cold-water setting. 

However, one must also take into account the interior fill. The purpose of a weighted face mask is to provide the wearer with additional mass, which may be realized through the utilization of silicone, polyester, or even flax seed beads. 

If the heat distorts the material, you could be required to spot clean these specific materials. Look for weighted masks with removable fill because they are easier to clean and safer for the machine. 

Aromatherapy

There are weighted sleep mask brands that also include aromatherapy in their designs. Be careful to check once more to see if the mask you’re ordering includes them before placing your order. 

A variety of aromatherapy techniques can be included in different masks, such as infusing the material with essential oils or stuffing the internal pouch with dried herbs and plants.

If you are hypersensitive to smells or suffer from allergies, an aromatherapy-infused mask is probably not the best choice for you. On the other hand, many individuals report that aromatherapy is beneficial to them and assists them in getting to sleep at night.

Some of the most common scents that you’ll find in aromatherapy weighted eye masks include:

• Lavender has been shown to relax the nervous system, reduce blood pressure and pulse rate, and bring the temperature of the skin down.
• Because of its sedative properties, sweet marjoram is a popular treatment for insomnia.
• It has been demonstrated that Roman Chamomile can potentially lessen the occurrence of nightmares, as well as ease anxiety and insomnia. 
• Valerian produces a sedative effect, making it a common ingredient in calming beverages and herbal teas.
• Clary Sage, which is famous for its ability to put people to sleep, has also been demonstrated to have an antidepressant impact on menopausal women.

Strap Type

The majority of weighted masks feature an elastic strap that may be adjusted to keep the mask in place while the user sleeps. A pull-through strap that may be fastened at the back is included on certain types of masks.

You might want to check this out: Best Cooling Eye Masks

The Verdict

Weighted masks could be something to try if you have constant headaches or need some help with anxiety. While more research is required, anecdotal evidence suggests that weighted sleep masks can be beneficial because of the pressure applies to your eyes. 

Frequently Asked Questions