7 highly-effective sleeping masks that wrap you in a cocoon of darkness

Envelop yourself in complete and total darkness without putting even a whisper of pressure on your eyeballs. With convex molded cups, the highly-recommended Nidra Sleeping Mask looks like a bra for an American Girl doll and lets you nap without smudging eye make up or compressing the face. Since your eyes have room to flutter and the overall construction is flat and lightweight, it’s easy to relax into sleep and completely forget you’re even wearing it. A simple velcro closure at the back makes it easy to find the proper fit and keep it in place as you drift off to dreamland.

Recommended for: Side and back sleepers, travelers and mamas who want to snag a mid-day nap without messing up their perfect cat eye.

From relaxing during yoga or meditation to snagging a good night’s sleep, the Asutra Eye Pillow wins the award for versatility. The light-blocking design is made with two separate pieces–a skin-soothing silk exterior which can be used on its own and a removable zippered pouch containing flax seeds and lavender to add some gentle weight and aromatherapy. It also comes with extra to add or refresh your mask later on! And while you can pop it in the fridge for an extra dose of chill relaxation, they also throw in a gel eye mask when you really need to de-puff.

Recommended for: Anyone who needs the sleep-inducing combo of light blocking and lavender.

I admit, I was initially skeptical of this sausage-link style eye mask. Dubbed “the weighted blanket for your eyes,” I wondered how this unconventional design wouldn’t just slip slide right off the second I fell asleep. Well, it doesn’t and after the first night, I never want to sleep without it. Let me explain.

The 18 inch long design features four weighted pods that rest on your eyes and temples. The ends are hollow with a button hole on one side if you want to secure it. (For side sleepers like myself, you can just rest your head on one end and slide the first two over your eyes. The remaining length will keep it in place.) It’s not super heavy, but the gentle pressure definitely helps me relax into sleep quicker than I tend to without it. The weight also helps block light, even if you choose a lighter color. I also love that it has two different fabrics, one that’s soft and cozy and one that’s cooler. You can even toss it in the freezer for an extra dose of chill or to treat a migraine.

Recommended for: Those who want a little dose of weighted comfort with their darkness.

With over 25K five-star ratings, there’s no shortage of accolades for this affordable sleep mask. The simple, one-strap mulberry silk design is light and comfy and easy to adjust to a wide variety of head sizes. (Just cinch or expand it like a bra strap!) It’s large enough to keep the light blocked out, but still keeps your nose clear and unobstructed.

Recommended for: Sleeping mask newbies or budget-shoppers who only want the basics.

Every day can’t be a spa day, but the luxe sleep mask from Lunya can make you feel just as pampered. It’s made from the highest quality mulberry silk and can even double as the perfect headband for your skincare routine. (In fact, we like to think of it as loungewear for your face.) Where other masks can be too squeezy, crease skin or pull and kink your hair, this puffy mask keeps everything smooth and comfortable. (No one likes waking up looking like they spent eight hours face down in a pile of potato chips, right?) The wide band allows it to stay in place while completely blocking the light and offers the added bonus of blocking a bit of sound as well. The best part? It’s totally machine washable!

Recommended for: Anyone who wants a posh nighttime routine–but also has no time for fussiness.

Like a set of blackout curtains for your eyeballs, the uniquely designed Manta Sleep mask plunges you into darkness no matter where you are. Seriously, I think you could stand in the middle of a football stadium with every flood light in a 20 mile radius aimed at your head and think you were on the moon. The magic is in the soft foam eye cups which affix to the inside of the puffy band. Crafted to create space around each eye, they can be positioned to perfectly fit your face without exerting any pressure. I’m also a fan of the micro hook closure which manages to not snag my hair but still stay put when I toss and turn.

Recommended for: Folks who want a sleep environment so dark they could doze in Times Square.

Puffy eyes and ongoing eczema battles have led me to depend on what I like to call Ice Naps™ to keep me sane this winter. I pop this bad boy into the freezer for about 15 minutes (just long enough for it to get crispy cold but not frozen solid) set a timer for another 15 and strap it to my face for a refresh. The icy chill is surprisingly relaxing and helps keep my pufferfish vibe to a minimum. Personally, I always use it with the plush side against my face, but you can also opt to wear it gel bead side in for a deeper chill.

Recommended for: Fellow puffy eye sufferers, anyone who struggles with migraines or headaches.