Side sleepers have a particular problem with sleep masks. Thick masks press into the pillow and shift around, and anything that pushes on your eyes gets uncomfortable fast. The best masks for side sleeping are slim at the sides and keep pressure off your eyes.
Here are the four we'd pick.
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Quick picks
- Best overall: Manta Pro Sleep Mask: total blackout with a slimmer profile built for side sleeping.
- Best silk blackout mask: Manta Silk Sleep Mask: soft silk that still blocks light completely.
Sleep masks for side sleepers compared
| Mask | Type | Best for | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manta Pro Sleep Mask | Contoured blackout mask | Total darkness on your side | $55–$70 |
| Manta Silk Sleep Mask | Silk blackout mask | Soft fabric with full darkness | $45–$60 |
| Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask | Flat silk mask | Comfort over complete blackout | $45–$55 |
| MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones | Headband with speakers | Listening to audio on your side | $13–$20 |
Prices are typical ranges and change often. Check Amazon for today's price.
The 4 best sleep masks for side sleepers
Best overall
1. Manta Pro Sleep Mask
- Slim side profile
- Zero eye pressure
- Breathable
Manta's original mask is famous for blocking all light, but its deep eye cups can press into the pillow when you lie on your side. The Pro fixes that with a slimmer, more breathable design shaped for side sleepers.
You still get modular cups that sit around your eyes rather than on them, so lashes and eyelids stay untouched.
Buy it if
You sleep on your side and want complete darkness.
Skip it if
You find any structured mask too bulky. Try a silk mask instead.
Check price on AmazonUsually $55–$70
Best silk blackout mask
2. Manta Silk Sleep Mask
- Mulberry silk
- Full light blocking
- Machine washable
Most silk masks are soft but let light leak around the nose. Manta's silk version combines mulberry silk with a design built to block light, so you get both comfort and darkness.
It's flatter than the Pro, which many side sleepers prefer.
Buy it if
You want silk against your skin but don't want to give up blackout.
Skip it if
Your skin runs hot. Breathable fabrics may suit you better.
Check price on AmazonUsually $45–$60
Best thin silk mask
3. Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask
- 22 momme mulberry silk
- Silk filling and lining
- Adjustable band
Slip's mask is soft, light and nearly flat, so there's almost nothing to press into the pillow. It's made entirely of silk, including the filling, and feels lovely on the face.
It blocks most light rather than all of it, so it suits darker bedrooms or naps.
Buy it if
Comfort matters more to you than total darkness.
Skip it if
You need to block bright summer mornings completely.
Check price on AmazonUsually $45–$55
Best with built-in headphones
4. MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones
- Thin flat speakers
- Soft stretchy fabric
- Bluetooth
Pull this soft headband down over your eyes and it doubles as a sleep mask with thin speakers over your ears. It's a comfortable way to fall asleep to an audiobook or white noise while lying on your side.
It blocks light reasonably well but not completely.
Buy it if
You fall asleep to podcasts or sleep sounds.
Skip it if
You need total darkness.
Check price on AmazonUsually $13–$20
What to look for in a side sleeper mask
- Slim sides. The thinner the mask at the temples, the less it presses into the pillow.
- No eye pressure. Contoured cups or soft, flat silk both avoid pressing on your eyelids.
- A secure but gentle strap. Adjustable straps keep the mask in place without leaving marks.
- The right darkness. Full blackout matters for early sunrises and shift work. For dark bedrooms, a silk mask may be enough.
Blocking light can also help dream recall and lucid dreaming practice, since it makes it easier to fall back asleep after waking early. Our lucid dreaming guide explains why.
Have a dream of your own?
Write what you remember and get a clear reading.
How we picked
Every mask here is sold on Amazon US and comes from a brand with a large base of owner reviews. We looked for masks designed for side sleeping or slim enough to suit it, across blackout, silk and headphone styles. We chose from product details and owner feedback rather than lab testing.
FAQ
What is the best sleep mask for side sleepers?
The Manta Pro, because it blocks light fully while staying slim at the sides. If you prefer soft fabric, the Manta Silk mask.
Do sleep masks work for side sleepers?
Yes, if they're slim at the sides and don't press on your eyes. Bulky masks tend to shift and leak light when you lie on your side.
Are silk sleep masks better?
Silk feels soft and gentle on skin and lashes, but most silk masks block less light than contoured masks.