Yes, a sleep mask can indeed provide benefits for people suffering from dry eyes. Dry eyes can occur when you don't produce enough tears or if the tears evaporate too quickly. This condition can be aggravated at night if you sleep with your eyes partially open, a condition known as nocturnal lagophthalmos. A sleep mask can help in this situation by creating a physical barrier that helps keep the eyes closed and retains moisture.

• Sleep masks create a physical barrier that helps keep eyes closed
• They can retain moisture and reduce tear evaporation
• Sleep masks are particularly helpful for people with nocturnal lagophthalmos

There are even specialised sleep masks, often known as dry eye masks, that are designed to provide added benefits. These masks contain elements that can be heated up to provide warm compression, stimulating the glands in the eyelids to produce more oil. This oil forms a layer over the tear film on the eye, slowing the rate of evaporation and helping to alleviate dry eye symptoms. So, while a sleep mask isn't a cure for dry eyes, it can be a useful addition to a comprehensive dry eye treatment plan.

Regular use of a sleep mask is deemed acceptable, provided it meets certain conditions. Sleep masks, which filter out light and contribute to a favourable sleeping environment, are especially beneficial for those living in highly illuminated urban areas, individuals working night shifts, and frequent travellers.

Notwithstanding, the following considerations are critical for nightly usage of sleep masks:

• Comfort: A sleep mask should not be overly tight, as this can exert unnecessary pressure on the face and eyes, potentially leading to headaches or skin discomfort.
• Cleanliness: Routine cleaning of the sleep mask prevents the accumulation of oil, dirt, and bacteria that might result in skin irritation or infections.
• Material: Opting for soft, breathable fabrics such as silk or cotton is recommended, as certain synthetic materials can trap heat, causing perspiration and possible skin irritation.

Sleep masks, also known as eye masks, are great to help you get a good night's sleep. Their main job is to block out light, which is super helpful if you live in a bright city, have to sleep during the day because you work at night, or if you're travelling a lot.

But sleep masks are good for more than just blocking out light:

• Better Sleep: By keeping things dark, sleep masks can help your body make more melatonin. This is a hormone that helps control when you sleep and when you wake up, leading to better sleep overall.
• Easy to Bring With You: Sleep masks are light and small, so they're easy to pack in a bag if you're going somewhere.
• Save Money: Compared to other things that can help you sleep like special curtains or eye shades, sleep masks usually cost less.
• Protect Your Eyes: Sleep masks can keep your eyes safe from dry air, like in an air-conditioned room or on an airplane. This can help your eyes feel less dry and uncomfortable.

If you're worried about your sleep mask ruining your eyelashes, you can rest easy. Generally, a high-quality, well-fitted sleep mask won't damage your lashes. You can browse our full range of eyelash extension friendly sleep masks

But here are some tips to keep your eyelashes safe while using a sleep mask:

• Get a mask with contoured cups: Contoured cups allow you to open your eyes without your lashes touching the mask
• Watch the Fit: Make sure your sleep mask isn't too tight. A mask that's too snug can press too hard on your lashes, which might hurt them or affect how they grow.
• Go for Soft Materials: A sleep mask made from rough material could rub against your lashes and cause damage. So, try to choose a mask made from soft materials like silk or satin.
• Remove Your Makeup: If you wear eye makeup to bed and then put on a sleep mask, your makeup could stick to the mask and pull on your lashes. It's best to always take off your makeup before you go to sleep.

Contoured sleep masks like the Manta Sleep Mask provide the best blackout. Their adjustable eye cups sit away from your eyelids, creating a complete seal around each eye without any pressure. Flat masks like silk options work well for lighter sleepers.

Yes. A well-fitted sleep mask worn nightly is safe and can improve sleep quality by blocking disruptive light. Choose a mask made from breathable materials like silk or bamboo, ensure it's not too tight, and wash it regularly.

A flat mask can press on extensions, bending and shortening their life. To protect them, use a contoured mask with deep eye cups that create space between the mask and your lashes. Bucky 40 Blinks and Bucky Ultralight are popular choices. See our full eyelash extension mask guide

This is the most common fit issue with sleep masks — and it comes down to face shape. Everyone's nose bridge is different, so no single mask design will seal perfectly for every person. Masks with adjustable eye cups let you position each cup to close the gap. Wraparound masks (like the Sleep Master) also tend to reduce nose-area leakage through wider coverage.

Side sleeping pushes the mask into the pillow, which can shift it or create gaps. The best options are slim-profile contoured masks that sit close to the face without bulky protruding cups. A wraparound mask can also work well since it hugs the head. See our blackout and side-sleeper friendly masks.

Silk (especially mulberry silk) is naturally smooth, breathable, and hypoallergenic. It doesn't absorb moisture like cotton, so it won't dry your skin. The smooth surface reduces friction — meaning fewer sleep lines, less tugging on delicate skin, and gentler treatment of lashes. Silk is also naturally temperature-regulating: cool in summer, warm in winter.

Night shift workers need maximum blackout during daylight hours. The best options are adjustable contoured masks that seal around your face shape, or the Sleep Master wraparound which also helps muffle sound. Browse our blackout & night shift collection

Sleep therapy masks — like the Glo to Sleep range and the illumy Smart Sleep Mask — combine light blocking with guided relaxation. They use soft glowing or pulsing light inside the mask as a focal point, combined with breathing techniques based on meditation. The light gradually fades, calming your mind and guiding you toward sleep. They're designed for people whose main sleep problem is an overactive mind rather than external light.