Traveling on long-haul flights can be exhausting, especially when trying to get some rest in a crowded and noisy cabin. A good eye mask can make all the difference by blocking out light and helping you relax. Here’s a guide to choosing the right eye mask for your journey!

Benefits

Aside from my own personal love of eye masks for sleep (not just on planes!), what real benefits do they offer? Studies have shown several benefits of using eye masks for sleep:

1. Enhanced Melatonin Production: Research indicates that blocking light with an eye mask increases melatonin levels, improving sleep quality and duration.
  
2. Improved Sleep Quality: A study published in *Critical Care* found that patients using eye masks experienced deeper, more restful sleep compared to those who didn’t.

3. Reduction in Sleep Disturbances: Research in *Sleep Medicine Reviews* highlighted that eye masks help reduce sleep disturbances caused by environmental light.

4. Increased REM Sleep: Studies in sleep labs have shown that participants using eye masks had longer REM sleep periods, essential for cognitive function and emotional health.

These studies collectively underscore the efficacy of eye masks in promoting better sleep and overall health.

What to look for in a sleep mask

What to look for in a great eye mask for sleeping on long-haul flights will depend on how you like to sleep.

Here’s what I think is important to consider when choosing the right eye mask for you:

• Price – how much are you willing and able to spend?
• Blinkability – do you want to open your eyes inside your mask without squishing your lashes?
• Aesthetics – does the look matter to you? Some people like to look and feel luxe when traveling and that’s valid – feeling like you look good, even in a sleep mask, can seriously add to overall comfort!
• Softness – should it be gentle on the skin? Ideally, you want a mask that’s both soft to the touch (our skin goes through enough already), yet firm enough that it cups your facial contours and stays in place.

Ultimately, it may be a case of trial and error – maybe you need two masks. A trusty, sturdy, more affordable one, and a softer, skin-friendly, luxe version.

All the below recommendations are from Amazon (affiliate links). What I love about Amazon is that if you buy something and just know it’s not what you’re looking for, you can easily send it right back (thank you generous returns policy). With that being said… here is what you came for:

Top Five Eye Masks For Long-Haul Flights

I love trying out new eye masks, and sometimes different moods call for different masks! Sometimes, I want to be cozy and warm. Other times, I look for something more lightweight and breathable.

In terms of my personal favorite, or should I say, the mask that comes with me without fail… it would have to be No.4 on the list.

I throw my masks around like nobody’s business. I whip them off quickly, drop them, chuck them in my bag without a travel case (I should probably not do this) – so I like to know that if it gets snagged, it’s no big deal. I also like to open my eyes in my mask and see darkness (BRB while I call my therapist). On top of that, it’s always good, in my opinion, to at least have a budget-friendly eye mask like this, as a backup for a more luxurious one.

You can never have too many eye masks.

Let me know in the comments which are your favorites!