20 Best Sleep Masks for Side Sleepers That Stay Put

Jun 05, 2025Yume Arimasu
Woman with Sleep Mask - Best Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers

Duvet vs Comforter – if you're a side sleeper, you know that comfort is key to getting a good night's sleep. But all that shifting to find that blissful spot can disturb your sleep and force you to wake up and reset, even if you have created a cozy, dark environment to sleep in.  If you want to avoid situations like this, finding the best sleep mask for side sleepers can help. Unlike traditional sleep masks, which can be uncomfortable and put pressure on your face when sleeping on your side, these specially designed models are softer and have a unique shape that won't interfere with your slumber.  In this article, we'll explore the best sleep masks for side sleepers, including why side sleepers should use a sleep mask, and what features to look for in a sleep mask for side sleepers.

One way to optimize your sleep routine for side sleeping is to pair your new mask with Yume Rest's cloud-like, fluffy duvets that are specially designed for side sleepers. These soft and lofty comforters allow for a plush sleeping experience, so you can rest comfortably without waking up to pressure on your arms or hips.

Do Sleep Masks Work for Side Sleepers?

Woman With Sleep Mask - Best Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers

Sleep masks aren't just cute accessories to go with your favorite pair of cozy pajamas. Research has shown that the light-blocking effects of a quality sleep mask can help your body sleep better and longer.

So if you’re having trouble falling and staying asleep (be it because you’re a new parent, experiencing menopause, or just having a hard time getting the recommended 7-9 hours of shut-eye), it's a worthy purchase.

Benefits of Using Sleep Masks

Studies prove that sleep masks are an effective way of signaling to your body that it’s time to wind down and can help you disconnect from both bright indoor lights and the glow of your electronic devices such as TVs, computers, and phones, all things that keep your brain alert and can contribute to restlessness.

By blocking out the light, a sleep mask can help produce more REM sleep, the sound, deep, restorative slumber that allows you to wake feeling rested and refreshed.

Side Sleepers and Sleep Mask Challenges

While I appreciate that sleep masks can benefit just about anyone, I’m particularly fond of them as a side sleeper. Many of my fellow side sleepers don't realize that these nifty accessories can help improve our sleep. Sure, side sleepers face unique challenges when it comes to using a sleep mask.

For instance, sleeping on one’s side often causes the mask to shift out of place, which can cause light to seep in and disrupt your slumber. Additionally, the pressure of a pillow against the mask can cause discomfort or even pain around the temples as the sleep mask presses against this area. Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the market designed for side sleepers.

Features of the Best Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers

For side-sleeping, the single most crucial factor for comfort is thinner masks and straps. Thicker material presses against the ears and temples, particularly with firm pillows. Bulkier masks also tend to sleep hotter during the summer, so using less material is a win-win.

Another challenge unique to side-sleeping is mask deformation that occurs when it is pressed against a pillow. This causes masks made of stiff or structured material to fail to block light around the nose. An ideal mask has ample nose and side coverage to prevent gaps, and squishes without pulling nearby material out of position.

Comfort Features of Raised Eyecup Sleep Masks

Masks with raised eyecups are more comfortable because they leave air space around the eyes. Some even allow you to open your eyes completely and look around without resistance. Of course, most shaped masks crush and press on the side of your head against the pillow, but that eye was gonna be touching a pillowcase anyway.

With a few exceptions, most masks allow a tiny amount of light to pass through at the nose. This is usually not noticeable with eyes closed, but some masks cover the edges better than others.

Sleep Mask Strap Preferences

I’ve found masks with two straps to be more comfortable, because they can be made thinner and rest further from the ears and temples. Two-strap masks also tend to stay in place better.

Straps with sliding buckles are preferable to Velcro. The hook side of velcro straps has damaged several of my pillowcases over time, and the noise of opening the velcro to tighten or loosen it can disturb other sleepers. 

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20 Best Sleep Masks for Side Sleepers

Not all sleep masks are created equal, especially for side sleepers who need comfort without compromising support or light-blocking ability. Side sleepers require a sleep mask that provides comfort, support, and adequate light blocking without excessive material that can cause pressure points. Here are my top 20 picks for sleep masks for side sleepers.

1. Alaska Bear Silk Contoured Sleep Mask

Hybrid silk and molded foam, better than the sum of their parts! Lightweight and blocks light well when worn loosely, single, silent sliding strap.

My current favorite mask is the contoured version of Alaska Bear’s silk sleeping mask. This mask is extremely comfortable on its side, blocks light well, and does so with minimal pressure. The best of most worlds, save for the single strap.

Comfort Meets Function

This mask is a hybrid of two very popular designs. It’s a molded foam mask clad in silk. This makes the skin-touching material cool and comfortable, while keeping it from pressing directly against the eyes. Unlike some contoured masks, I find there’s not enough room to open my eyes without my eyelashes brushing the inside thoroughly, but it’s much more comfortable than a non-contoured mask.

This mask is less wide than most, resting more on the front of the face. This is nice for side sleeping because there’s less material pressed between the side of my head and the pillow. It’s not the thinnest mask (Alaska Bear makes a thinner silk one, which also wears cooler), but the silk helps this mask feel less bulky and hot than other foam masks.

Silk Surround Benefits and Strap Limitations

Another interesting side effect of the silk surround is that it provides an extra soft layer that conforms to the face better and fills gaps. This makes the mask handle deformation unusually well compared to other contoured masks. Only a tiny amount of light comes in under the nose, even when pressed from the side.

The only thing I miss from this mask is a dual-strap version. The single strap is quite good. Made of thin, soft elastic with a silent sliding buckle for easy adjustment. It doesn’t prevent the mask from riding up. When this mask is adjusted to a large size, the strap buckle can annoyingly press into my ear, limiting the usable adjustment range.

2. MZOO Luxury Sleep Mask

This is the #1 best-selling sleep mask on Amazon, and it's easy to see why. The ingenious contoured design isn’t like your traditional flat-eye mask. Instead, this one uses soft memory foam to hug your face with dimensional eye sockets that leave space for your eyes.

This padding around your eyes (instead of on top of them) alleviates any pressure on your face and does an incredible job of blocking out light from all angles. Thoughtfully, even in a bright, sunny bedroom, this sleep mask provided true darkness, a total win for us.

Comfort and Adjustability

Not to mention, it's excellent for those who wear false eyelashes. It features an adjustable head strap for a perfect fit and tightness. It's comfy, practical, and innovative, making this one of the best sleep masks on the market.

3. FRESHME Blackout Sleep Mask

This mask is a good alternative to the Drowsy mask and features a similar shape that is ideal for blocking out light in the brightest of environments. It's made from a cotton and spandex blend that's comfortable and cozy, and we appreciate that the shape doesn't put any unnecessary pressure on the bridge of your nose.

Additionally, this is the kind of eye mask that won't shift throughout, making it ideal for side and stomach sleepers.

4. LitBear Sleep Mask for Side Sleeper Women Men

LitBear is an exceptional brand offering a side-sleeping eye mask and an upgraded nose wing. The best feature of this sleeping mask is that it completely blocks the light for a good night’s sleep and is ideal for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

Ergonomic Fit and Breathable Comfort

It has a 15-degree tilt side that fits the face snugly and also avoids pressure on the temples. The mask features a soft and flexible adaptive nose part that helps fit all nose shapes and faces perfectly, ensuring no light leakage.

The 3-D contoured eye socket in this sleep mask ensures that there is no eye pressure and helps with free blinking. It is made of breathable and lightweight materials. Its premium ice silk fabric and super-light memory foam help you enjoy a cool and comfortable sleep all night long.

Durable Design for Eye Relief and Daytime Sleep

As it is made of high-quality materials, the mask is stylish and durable, helping to promote a deep and rejuvenating sleep. The eye mask not only helps block light for a comfortable sleep but also reduces pressure on the eyes. It helps to relax the eyes and the surrounding eye muscles, making it ideal for people who frequently use electronic gadgets.

As it blocks light completely, it allows people who prefer to sleep in the daytime. As it fits the contours of the face, it doesn’t move or fall off easily.

5. Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask

We are big fans of the price-conscious pick that utilizes innovative design to accommodate a variety of face and head shapes. For most sleep masks, the most complex area to block light is around the bridge of the nose. This one features a nose wire that you can bend into the perfect shape for you, effectively blocking out all light from this area.

It’s a Game-Changer.

Paired with the adjustable head strap, it makes for a personalized fit. We liked that the cotton material is supremely soft against your skin and makes it easy to wash with some gentle detergent, as long as you lay it flat to dry. Bonus points for the included travel pouch that makes it easy to take with you on the go.

6. Lewis N. Clark Comfort Eye Mask With Adjustable Straps

The Lewis N. Clark Comfort Eye Mask for sleep comes with a smooth pillow-like part, which is usually around the area where your eyes would be placed when you wear it. This sleep mask blocks light and helps relax your tired eyes.

It is designed to effectively block lights that come from the bottom, a deficiency that some sleep masks have. It allows your eyelashes to blink easily, and it does not exert pressure on the eyes as there is room for the eyes due to the pillow-like design, which is best used in the back position.

Breathable Cotton Mask Ideal for Puffy Eyes

This is the best choice if you have puffy eyes. It is made of cotton, a breathable material that makes it suitable for use in various weather conditions, whether hot or cold.

It doesn't cause a sweaty experience when used, thanks to its elastic straps in various sizes. It is durable and best cared for by hand washing with mild soap and water.

7. Cozy Earth Serenity Silk Sleep Mask

Cozy Earth products have been named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things for several years in a row, so we knew we had to try the sleep mask by the brand. This one may be the most comfortable pick we tried. Just like with the brand’s sheets and loungewear, the softness is unmatched, and it feels like a gentle pillow on your face.

In our testing, this one had an ideal amount of padding (neither too much nor too little) and did a solid job of blocking out the light.

Note that the stretchy back head strap is not adjustable, so that it can become slightly looser with continued wear or if you move a lot in your sleep.

8. ASUTRA Silk Eye Pillow for Sleep

This is not your average sleep mask. For starters, Venus Williams is the co-owner of the company that makes it, and it was named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2022 and 2023 (and when Oprah gives her stamp of approval, you know it's good).

This mask is crafted from 100% silk and filled with lavender and flax seeds, offering a spa-like aromatherapy experience that promotes relaxation.

Customizable Seed-Filled Mask with Cooling Gel

We like this mask because it is customizable. It comes with an extra filling of both flax and lavender seeds, allowing you to adjust the scent and weight to your liking. Just use the zipper on the silk outer portion to add or remove the filling.

It also features a fully adjustable head strap and comes with a complimentary soothing gel eye mask that can be placed in the freezer for a quick de-puffing effect before bedtime.

9. Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask

Goodbye, light! This is one of the best truly light-blocking sleep masks we tested. The innovative, wide-cushioned design is slightly oversized, covering more of your face than some other masks while also blocking out more light. Drowsy’s mask is crafted from luxurious mulberry silk, which is both cool to the touch and cozy against your face.

Soft, Padded Mask with Adjustable Velcro Strap

We love how padded this mask is without being bulky. "It’s so soft and lightweight that it puts me to sleep immediately," says Justine Anthony, associate market editor. It features an adjustable Velcro head strap to ensure a perfect fit, so it stays in place throughout tossing and turning at night.

Due to the high-quality materials, it’s a bit of a splurge, but if you’re struggling to get sleep, we can attest to the fact that it’s worth the money. Additionally, it comes in a variety of cool colors.

10. Therabody SleepMask

Here's a mask that will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, thanks to its three quiet and soothing vibration patterns, scientifically proven to aid sleep. Unlike the brand's SmartGoggles, which we're also big fans of for their ability to enhance sleep, it isn't bulky or uncomfortable. The soft knitted cotton fabric is comfortable, lightweight, and breathable.

It features an adjustable head strap and contoured padding around the eyes, ensuring it doesn't press against the face. "This mask's ability to create total blackout during any time of day is so impressive," says Genesis Rivas, beauty editor. "I love it when I get migraines and become ultra-sensitive to light and need to lay down."

11. Quince Mulberry Silk Beauty Sleep Mask

We're big fans of Quince, and this mask is no different. "I've been wearing my Quince silk eye mask every night for about a year, and it has revolutionized my sleep. This is not hyperbole," says Jennie Tung, Oprah Daily wellness director. "It feels satiny and pillowy (and not too tight, but stays put), and I feel enveloped in pitch-black calm as soon as I put it on."

The material is made of mulberry silk and is thermoregulating, meaning it helps maintain body temperature to prevent overheating. "It's especially amazing when traveling, no alarm clocks or mysterious beeping lights in hotel rooms to cover with towels!”

12. Eberjey Inez Washable Silk Eye Mask

"I thought all eye masks were the same until I put on the Eberjey washable silk mask," says fashion editor Sara Klausing. "It is the plushest and most comfortable I have ever tried. I tell everyone that it feels like a pillow for your eyes!"

It's also great for those with sensitive skin as the silky material is hypoallergenic and so lightweight that it feels like nothing is on your face. Shop it in a variety of colors, from blue to green.

13. Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask

Booklinen’s Mulberry silk eye mask is a chic addition to your nighttime routine. It's comfortable, and the silk feels luxurious, plus it’s very lightweight. If you’re a hot sleeper, this is a good pick for you because it’s breathable and stays cool.

It also features a thin, stretchy head strap that doesn’t cause friction in your hair, which is a nice touch. We will say this one isn’t light-blocking, so if your room gets a ton of sunlight in the morning, it might not be the best pick for you.

14. Slip Silk Sleepmask

For actual beauty sleep, this one is a luxury pick that does the job. It also makes a great gift because it comes in a beautiful box.

This one is lightweight and comfortable on your face and is especially good for those who worry about breakouts or other skin concerns due to the high-quality mulberry silk material that doesn’t absorb as much moisture as, say, cotton or other materials. We also like that, just like the brands' beloved silk hair ties, this mask won't crease your blowout while you rest.

15. Bucky Eye Mask

The Bucky is superficially similar to many other molded foam masks in this list, but it’s wider and has more bottomless eye cups. It also comes in a variety of nice-looking printed designs. The extra-large eye cups do an excellent job of keeping pressure off the eyelids. Even when I intentionally jam my head into a pillow, I can open my eyes fully without any eyelash contact. 

This comes with a tradeoff, though: due to its larger size, the Bucky is a bit more liable to shift on my head due to it making more contact with the pillow. The Bucky has a similar deformation problem to other molded form masks when sleeping on the side, with a moderate light gap opening up at the nose.

Velcro Noise & Price Comparison

This mask, unfortunately, has a loud velcro fastener, which may disturb anyone around you during late-night adjustments. Bucky sensibly puts their logo on a small fabric tag by the strap (looking at you, Bedtime Bliss). This mask is quite good, considering it's a molded mask, though the Bedtime Bliss offers similar performance at half the price.

16. KAMOSSA Sleep Mask Super Lightweight Memory Foam

The KOMASSA sleep mask is a unique, deep-contoured sleep mask with extra space around the eye region, thereby exerting no pressure on the eyes and allowing for eye movement and blinking.

This sleep mask is made of high-quality, unique memory foam, making it very comfortable and soft, and it fits firmly on the face. It features an elastic and adjustable strap, allowing you to adjust the level of tightness to your preference.

Komassa Sleep Mask with Case & Earplugs

This sleep mask is one of a few that come with a stylish carrying case for easy storage, ensuring you don't lose your Komassa sleep mask. This sleep is lightweight, which makes it easy to use and carry out. This is the perfect eye mask for a restful night's sleep.

The Komassa Sleep mask is designed to fit your head comfortably, making it ideal for travel, relaxation, and meditation, as it effectively blocks light to achieve your desired darkness. It also comes with earplugs that block noise.

17. PrettyCare Sleep Mask

This is a fantastic sleep mask featuring high-density memory foam. Unlike the masks that use silk, this sleep mask is made from high-quality memory foam. Such material has a high brightness-blocking ability. Memory foam is also remarkable because it can be molded easily. Memory foam also has a rebounding property. This means that they revert to their original shape after use.

Ultra-Thin Comfort & Raised Nasal Bridge

The mask is ultra-thin and super comfortable to wear. It blocks light efficiently to ensure that your night is not spoiled and you have a sound sleep full of beautiful dreams. The eyeshades are 3-dimensional and have large cavities to provide you with utmost comfort.

The feature that proves to be very helpful is its raised nasal bridge. The manufacturer has also paid extra attention to get the canthus thickened so that when you wear the sleep mask, it does not spoil your makeup.

Loop Design, Oeko-Tex Certified & Accessories Included

The loop design has been introduced recently, and it works great when you try to adjust the mask. It seals the mask well without causing any harm to your hairdo. This sleep mask is also a good choice, as it has been certified to maintain the Oeko-Tex standards. The smooth edges and the strong joints of the mask are a result of using CNC lathes.

I appreciate the fact that this sleep mask comes with a pair of premium-quality earplugs and a nice travel pouch made of silk.

18. Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask

The Bedtime Bliss is a simple, contoured foam mask with a single Velcro strap. This mask has the best geometry for me among the molded foam masks (of which there are many), perhaps due to the broad ridge around the eye cups, which makes good contact.

The deep contour allows me to open my eyes and blink without any resistance fully. The mask shape also does a decent job blocking light leaks around the nose, though I still get a tiny amount. More light can leak when this mask is deformed or pulled by a pillow.

Basic Strap & OEKO-TEX Claim

The strap is a basic single elastic band with loud velcro fastening. This was the first mask I wore consistently, and I have long-term experience with it. I still like this mask and would happily wear it, although I find the material less pleasant than silk.

Bedtime Bliss claims to be made of OEKO-TEX certified materials, though it misspells that several times on the Amazon page.

Logo Change & Wear Issues with Strap

The mask used to be sold with a blank black front, though now it’s emblazoned with a huge logo under the left eye. The fabric on the outside of this mask tends to come unglued over time, revealing the gray foam underneath, although the mask still blocks light fairly well.

The velcro strap has exposed hooks on the back of the mask, which have scratched my pillowcases and caused them to pill. A simple solution is to cut the end of an old mask strap and attach it to the hooks, thereby covering the gap.

19. Alaska Bear 2 Strap Sleep Mask

Not to be confused with the contoured silk mask covered earlier, this Alaska Bear mask is simple and old school: it’s a thin pouch made of silk containing a sparse fibrous filler, with two straps to wrap it around the head. Because this mask is so thin and compressible, it’s almost unnoticeable when pressed between the head and pillow. It’s not thick enough to get in the way.

Breathable Silk Mask with Perfect Straps

This was the first mask I tried, made of silk, and it’s noticeably more breathable and comfortable against skin than the synthetic ones. The material of this mask is so thin that a small amount of light can shine directly through the mask; this is the only mask I’ve tried that does this. FWIW, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time with this mask, and it has never been a problem in bedroom lighting.

The straps on this mask are effectively perfect. Every sleep mask should have these straps. They’re imperceptibly thin, elastic, and have silent adjustment buckles for a customizable fit. Due to the double straps, the lightweight of the mask, and the low-friction material, this mask stays in position well, even when worn pretty loosely.

Lacks Structure & Front-Side Confusion

The lack of shape and structure in this mask is the primary source of its drawbacks. When worn, silk directly touches my eyelids and lashes, making it uncomfortable for me to open my eyes. This posed less of a problem while sleeping than I anticipated.

Additionally, it’s challenging to determine which side of this mask is the front; the only discernible difference is the stitching bias of the strap and nose flap, which slightly inward when the tag is on the left side.

Nose Gasket Design with Light Leak Issues

This mask features a small amount of extra fabric under the nose bridge, designed to form a gasket that blocks light leaks around the nose. It only works so-so in practice, and makes donning the mask more cumbersome because it must be flipped up to work.

I still often had light leaking from below my nose due to the lack of a contoured shape. Even with its flaws, this mask was my favorite for a long time owing to its simplicity.

20. Alaska Bear 2 Strap Contoured Sleep Mask

A foam contoured mask with double slider straps? Sounds amazing. Unfortunately, the shallow nose bump and eyecup shape don’t fit me. It might suit you better, though. The straps on this mask are perfect, like the other two-strap mask made by Alaska Bear.

Overpriced Foam Mask with Poor Nose Fit

Most foam-molded masks are inexpensive enough that you can buy a few and pick the best, but this one is anomalously expensive. There doesn’t appear to be anything special about its construction: it’s another foam base with synthetic fabric glued on top. This mask is a good example of the issues with contoured masks and variations in face shape.

There is no combination of position or strap tightness that I can find that doesn’t leak a significant amount of light under the nose bridge. Same issue for my wife. Perhaps if you have a shallower nose bridge, this mask could work better for you.

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How To Choose the Best Sleep Masks

Woman Sleeping - Best Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers

When selecting the best sleep mask for side sleepers, consider the material. You want something soft on your face, easy to wash, and that won’t breed bacteria, especially since it will be sitting on your skin for multiple hours every night.

For this reason, silk is a popular choice. It absorbs less moisture than some other materials and tends to have natural anti-microbial properties. Cotton and microfiber can be good choices that are easier to wash.

Fit: Find a Secure Sleep Mask That Won’t Shift While You Snooze

Finding the perfect sleep mask is no easy feat. You want something that sits snugly on your head, so it doesn’t slip down throughout the night, but not something too tight that makes it uncomfortable or causes a headache. Look for a sleep mask that features an adjustable or stretchy headband, allowing you to customize it to suit your needs.

Comfortability: Look for a Plush Sleep Mask That Feels Good

Of course, when looking for something that you are going to sleep in, comfort is paramount. When testing these masks, we sought an optimal level of padding and plushness, a suitable amount of softness, and a shape and fit that contoured to the face without digging in. Essentially, we were looking for sleep masks that felt as though we weren’t wearing anything at all.

Light-Blocking Capabilities: The Most Important Feature of Any Sleep Mask

The whole point of wearing a sleep mask is to block out light, so you want to find something with a shape that covers enough of your eyes and nose so that no light gets in. The shape of the eye padding and the slope of the nose area have to be just right so that no light peaks through. Additionally, it must be snug enough on the sides.

Consider your face shape when looking at a mask and deciding on whether it has adequate light-blocking capabilities and if you can, look for something with a slightly oversized shape that covers all the crucial areas where light may get through. Below, find the best sleep masks for achieving a restful night’s sleep, according to our testing and reviews.

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Get Deep Sleep Every Night with Our Cloud-like Soft Fluffy Duvets

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Ethical Down & Expert Craftsmanship

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What Does the PureFlow Bundle Include?

The PureFlow bundle includes everything you need for a complete sleep sanctuary. In addition to the heavenly duvet itself, you’ll get an elegant duvet cover, calming sleep mist, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve made an environmentally friendly choice.

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Create your sleep sanctuary with Yumerest today. 

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