How To Choose The Best Eye Mask For You
Written by Anya, Founder of The Silk Collection · Updated August 2026
Choosing an eye mask comes down to three things: the material against your skin, how completely it blocks light, and how the band fits. Our Pure Silk Eye Mask at £35 suits most sleepers, while The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask at £49 adds an adjustable strap for a fully custom fit.
In this guide
The comparison · Does it work · How to choose · The Ultimate mask · Which to choose · The unboxing · FAQs
The journey to better quality sleep
In the business of day-to-day life, we all know that sleep can be treated as more of a 'luxury' than a necessity. Whilst many of us strive to achieve the golden 8 hours of sleep each night, in reality many of us can struggle to get to sleep and consistently achieve deep, quality sleep.
However, as increasing research is showing, sleep is a core component of our overall health and wellness, and the importance of sleep extends far beyond merely feeling rested. A wealth of research underscores how lack of sleep can profoundly impact our cognitive functions, emotional well-being, physical health, and overall performance in daily activities.
Despite the immense importance of sleep, even when we do settle down for the night, many of us struggle to sleep and it is estimated that around one third of the population suffer from symptoms of insomnia, with the average amount of sleep for UK adults being only 6 hours each night, despite the recommended 7-9 hours.
The two masks, side by side
We make two silk eye masks, and they share the same 22 momme mulberry silk. The honest difference is not the fabric but the fit and the light control, so here is the side by side before we go any deeper. For the full case for silk itself, our silk eye mask benefits guide covers it in detail.
| The Pure Silk Eye Mask | The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask | |
|---|---|---|
| Silk | 22 momme mulberry silk | 22 momme mulberry silk |
| Fit and strap | Soft covered elastic band, one size | Adjustable velcro strap you set to your own fit |
| Light block | Padded silk with a hidden inner lining for a double light barrier | Designed to block out light completely, with soft silk cushioning over the eyes |
| Best for | Most sleepers, travel and gifting, our best seller | Light sleepers, frequent travellers and anyone who wants a custom fit |
| Colours | Eleven colourways, from Oyster to Eclipse Black | Four colourways: Eclipse Black, French Navy, Champagne and Blush Pink |
| Price | £35 | £49 |
| Where to find it | Shop The Pure Silk Eye Mask | Shop The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask |
Here is what the fit and the light block feel like in practice, word for word from a verified review.
★★★★★
“This is a brilliant eye mask! Very comfortable on the face with loads of filling and a good quality knot free band. It’s deeper over the eye than other eye masks I’ve owned and has a larger nose cutout which means it blocks out way more light for a pitch black experience the vast majority of the time: my previous ones would have a slither of light coming in each side of my nose most of the time.
This might be my best purchase this year, it’s definitely improved my sleep. The hand signed note from Anya that came with it was a really lovely touch too.”
Introducing an Eye Mask For Sleep
Our aim at The Silk Collection is to improve your sleep routine by adding daily nighttime rituals, such as using an eye mask for sleeping, to help create consistent daily habits within your sleep routine and allow you to enjoy a deeper, more peaceful sleep each night.
Using an eye mask for sleep is a really simple and effective daily habit that can be quickly incorporated into your bedtime routine. Using an eye mask for sleep has been proven to improve the quality of sleep, with studies showing that participants who sleep with eye masks experience deeper rest and improved cognitive abilities as a result.
★★★★★
“Wow it helps me sleep so much better and also is so soft on my face”
How does an eye mask improve sleep?
Using an eye mask for sleeping has been proven to improve your daily sleep routine by
Enhanced REM Sleep: A study published in the American Journal of Critical Care found that participants who used eye masks experienced longer REM sleep periods, which is crucial for cognitive functions such as memory and learning.
Improved Sleep Onset Latency: Research indicates that using sleep masks can help individuals fall asleep faster by blocking out light and thus, reducing the time it takes to transition from full wakefulness to sleep (Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders).
Increased Melatonin Production: By blocking out light, sleep masks contribute to a darker sleeping environment, which can enhance the natural production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles (Sleep Foundation).
Reduction in Sleep Disturbances: Eye masks can minimize the chance of being awakened by ambient light, leading to fewer sleep disturbances and a higher quality of sleep overall (National Sleep Foundation).
★★★★★
“I bought for my husband for his Birthday as a massive upgrade from the sports sock he was previously using to cover his eyes at night - he absolutely loves it and won't go to bed without it on now! It also arrived incredibly fast and in a lovely box ready for wrapping.”
So, how do you choose the right eye mask for you?
As you have seen, an eye mask can truly transform your sleep routine. However, there are so many different types of eye masks out there made from different materials, with different benefits and varying price points.
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best eye mask for you. In this guide, we share our top tips and factors to consider if you are looking to invest in an eye mask for sleeping.
1. Material quality
One of the most important factors to consider when looking for the best eye mask for you is to look at the material the eye mask is made from. We spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping, which means that if you use an eye mask for sleeping, you will have this material against your skin for a considerable amount of time!
Given this, we highly recommend using a high quality, natural material, such as 100% mulberry silk fabric, which is known for its softness and durability. Our 100% mulberry silk sleep mask is gentle and soft on the skin and the natural fabric also prevents any irritation. Using silk eye masks for sleeping is therefore a perfect option for anyone with sensitive skin as it is is hypoallergenic.
At The Silk Collection, we use the highest-grade mulberry silk fabric available in the market to create our best-selling eye masks for sleep. With a luxury thickness of 22 momme, the silk we use will provide ultimate comfort as you go to sleep.
2. Beauty benefits
Using an eye mask for sleep clearly comes with many benefits for your sleep and overall health, but why not enjoy a number of beauty benefits at the same time? Using an eye mask made from 100% mulberry silk offers a range of benefits for your skin and hair, for example:
- Hydrated skin - mulberry silk fabric is significantly less absorbent than other materials like cotton or synthetic fabrics, which means that it absorbs less moisture from your skin overnight as your sleep. This helps to keep your skin hydrated overnight.
- Anti-wrinkle - using a silk eye mask for sleeping provides an ultra-soft cushion against your face. Silk creates significantly less friction against skin compared to other materials like cotton, which means it helps to prevent creases forming around your eyes during the night.
- Overnight haircare - using an eye mask for sleeping with a silk exterior band will also be soft and gentle on your hair as you sleep to prevent hair tangling and breakage. If you are someone who tends to toss and turn during the night, this will be a big benefit for your haircare routine!
3. Breathability and Maintenance
A breathable eye mask enhances comfort as you sleep and helps to prevent overheating, creating a more comfortable sleep experience to promote better sleep. Using a 100% Silk Eye Mask naturally offers this advantage as the natural properties of mulberry silk make it an extremely breathable fabric.
4. Eye Mask Filling
It is really important to also check the filling inside the eye mask when deciding the best eye mask for you. Some eye masks do not have any filling at all, which makes the mask flat against your face. Instead, we recommend looking for eye masks that have a light padding as this will provide ultimate comfort as you drift to sleep.
TOP TIP: Remember to check if an eye mask has filling, what material this is made from. The highest quality eye masks will use only natural filling for the inside of the mask, rather than an artificial or synthetic filling. At The Silk Collection, our Silk Eye Mask has a 100% silk filling inside.
5. Light-blocking capability
A crucial benefit to using an eye mask for sleeping is reduce light exposure throughout the night. This means that you will want the eye mask to sufficiently block out the light overnight as you sleep. Many decide to opt for darker colours for this purpose.
TOP TIP: At The Silk Collection, our eye masks have a hidden inner lining which helps to block out the light in addition to the eye mask outer lining material. This double barrier makes it even more effective than standard eye masks at reducing light exposure.
★★★★★
“This eye mask really is luxurious, it lightweight but thick and feels so soft. It blocks out more light than a previous eye mask I owned as it covers the bridge of the nose better. It also doesn’t leave an indent in my hair.”
6. Aesthetic Appeal
Never underestimate the power of a beautifully designed sleep mask. Select a material, style and colour that will make the perfect addition to your bedtime routine, and make it part of your daily bedtime rituals to prepare you for sleep. Here at The Silk Collection, we love the look and feel of a luxury sleep mask made from 100% mulberry silk to help elevate your bedroom routine.
Meet The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask
The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask is the newer of our two masks, and it exists for one reason: fit. It is made from the same 22 momme mulberry silk as The Pure Silk Eye Mask, so what rests against your skin is the same on either. What changes is the strap. In place of a covered elastic band set at one length, it has an adjustable velcro strap that you set to your own head, and then leave set.
The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask | £49 | with an adjustable strap for a custom fit
That difference is mechanical rather than cosmetic. An elastic band holds a mask in place with tension, so the only way to stop one riding up is to pull it tighter, and tension across the temples is what you feel by morning. An adjustable strap holds the mask by length instead. You set it once so the mask sits flat against your face without pressure, and it keeps that setting when you turn over rather than working loose across the night.
Light follows fit. The gaps that let light in are usually fit gaps rather than fabric gaps, at the sides of the nose and along the top edge, which is why two masks cut from the same silk can behave differently on the same face. The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask is designed to block out light, with soft silk cushioning over the eyes, and being able to close the fit at the sides is what keeps that darkness steady. No mask blocks every trace of light, and we would not claim one does.
It comes in four colourways, Eclipse Black, French Navy, Champagne and Blush Pink, and like every mask we make it arrives hand-packaged in our signature gift box. It suits light sleepers, anyone who travels often and sleeps in unfamiliar rooms, and anyone who has tried masks before and found each one either too loose to stay put or too tight to forget about.
Who does not need it? Most people, and we would rather say so. If a standard band has never bothered you, The Pure Silk Eye Mask at £35 is the one to choose, and it is the mask we send out most. It gives you the same 22 momme mulberry silk, a 100% silk filling and the hidden inner lining that adds a second light barrier, in eleven colourways rather than four, for £14 less. The adjustable strap earns its £14 when fit is the thing standing between you and a full night of dark, and not really before that.
Here is one of our customers on the fit, and on what arrives in the box, word for word.
★★★★★
“The eye mask is really soft and fits perfectly! I choose a pink one and love the colour!. The product came in a lovely handy box, which I use to store it in. I’d also like to mention that when I ordered it I selected the wrong shipping address, I quickly messaged, anya responded and sorted for me within 2 hours on Sunday, Excellent customer service! Can’t recommended this company and product enough!”
Which silk eye mask should you choose?
If you are choosing your first silk eye mask, choose The Pure Silk Eye Mask at £35: one size, a soft covered elastic band, a 100% silk filling and a hidden double light barrier make it the mask most of our customers sleep in every night. Choose The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask at £49 if you are a light sleeper or you have found other masks too loose or too tight, because its adjustable strap lets you set the fit exactly.
Here at The Silk Collection, we have been crafting pure mulberry silk sleep accessories for years, with thousands of you making an eye mask part of your nightly routine. Our focus is on creating better basics, made from the highest quality silk, to elevate the steps in your routine you are already doing. No extra steps or complications. Just better quality materials.
TOP TIP: one thing we learned the hard way is that if you need to pull the band tight to keep a mask in place, it is the wrong fit, and you will feel it around your eyes by morning. The band should feel barely there when you first put the mask on. If that balance is hard for you to find, the adjustable strap on The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask exists for exactly this reason.
Here is what the adjustable fit feels like in practice, word for word from a verified review.
★★★★★
“The new , adjustable, mask is super soft and comfortable. The adjustment is easy to use and makes it more flexible the original .”
Enhancing Your Sleep: Nighttime Rituals
Just the physical action of putting on a silk eye mask each night before you go to sleep can make you feel relaxed and luxurious, turning your sleep routine into a special ritual.
Pairing your silk eye mask for sleep with additional nighttime rituals can further improve your sleep quality. Here are some of our favourite nighttime rituals to accompany using an eye mask:
- Screen Time Limitation - reduce exposure to blue light by avoiding screens at least an hour before bed. Instead, try reading a few pages of your book, writing in a gratitude journal, or bedtime meditation to wind down.
- Aromatherapy - incorporate relaxing scents such as lavender into your bedtime routine through essential oils or naturally-scented candles to promote calmness and sleep readiness.
- Regular Sleep Schedule - maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up time helps regulate your body's clock, improving sleep quality over time.
The unboxing, before you gift it
So many of our eye masks are chosen as gifts, as Hannah's review above shows, that it is worth seeing exactly what arrives. Each mask comes hand-packaged in our signature gift box, so there is nothing to wrap. And if you are shopping for an anniversary, silk is the traditional 12th wedding anniversary gift, and our 12th anniversary gift guide has ideas for him and her.
The Pure Silk Eye Mask in pink, unboxed
The signature gift box, opened
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you to choose the right eye mask for your needs! By integrating an eye mask into your daily nighttime routine, and supplementing this with other daily bedtime habits, you can significantly enhance your sleep quality and discover the transformative power of a good night's sleep.
With over 150 5 star reviews, our best-selling eye mask for sleeping is an absolute game-changer for your sleep. Trust us - you won't regret it! Shop our Silk Eye Mask Collection below.
SHOP THE SILK COLLECTION EYE MASK FOR SLEEP
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between The Pure Silk Eye Mask and The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask?
Both are made from 22 momme mulberry silk, so the fabric against your skin is the same. The Pure Silk Eye Mask, £35, is one size with a soft covered elastic band and a hidden inner lining that adds a second light barrier. The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask, £49, adds an adjustable velcro strap so you can set the fit yourself.
Is The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask worth the extra £14?
It is if fit is the thing that has been letting you down. Both masks are made from the same 22 momme mulberry silk, so the £14 between £35 and £49 buys the adjustable velcro strap rather than better fabric. If a standard elastic band has always sat comfortably on you, The Pure Silk Eye Mask does the same job for less.
Which eye mask is best for side sleepers?
Both work for side sleepers because the padding is soft rather than rigid, so the mask cushions against the pillow instead of pressing into your face. If you find that most masks shift when you change position during the night, the adjustable strap on The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask lets you find a setting that stays put without feeling tight.
Which silk eye mask is better for travel?
Both are light enough to keep in a handbag and both arrive in our signature gift box. The Pure Silk Eye Mask is the one most people travel with, at £35 and in eleven colourways, while The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask suits frequent travellers who sleep in unfamiliar rooms and would rather set the fit than trust one length of elastic.
Will a silk eye mask block out all light?
The Pure Silk Eye Mask pairs its outer silk with a hidden inner lining to create a double light barrier, and The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask is designed to block out light completely. Fit matters as much as fabric here: a mask that sits gently over the bridge of your nose will always block more light than one that gapes, which is why the shape and the strap are worth checking before you buy.
Is a silk eye mask suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. Mulberry silk is naturally hypoallergenic and smooth, so it is gentle on the delicate skin around your eyes. Some of our customers came to silk after synthetic masks left their skin irritated, and it is one of the reasons we only use 100% mulberry silk, including the filling.
How do I wash a silk eye mask?
Gently, and not often. Hand wash in cool water with a gentle silk-friendly detergent, press the water out without wringing, and dry flat away from direct heat and sunlight. From our own experience with 22 momme silk, cared for this way a mask keeps its softness for years.
What size is the eye mask and will it fit me?
The Pure Silk Eye Mask is one size, measuring 21cm x 9cm, with a soft elasticated band that suits most head sizes. If you know elastic bands tend to sit too loose or too snug on you, or you simply prefer to set your own fit, choose The Ultimate Silk Sleep Mask with its adjustable strap.
Is a silk eye mask a good gift?
It is one of our most gifted pieces. Every mask arrives hand-packaged in our signature gift box, and we can add a handwritten note, so there is nothing to wrap. For anniversaries, silk is the traditional 12th wedding anniversary gift, and our 12th anniversary guide is a good place to start.
Sources and further reading
- Sleep journal study: wearing an eye mask, deeper rest and next-day cognition (PubMed)
- How sleep deprivation affects cognitive function (NCBI)
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: the textile safety certification our silk carries
- Silk eye mask benefits: 5 reasons why you should use a silk sleep mask
- Are silk pillowcases worth it? An honest answer
Still deciding between the two? Email us at info@thesilkcollection.co.uk and we will happily help you choose.
