Contoured vs. flat sleep masks

A flat sleep mask is a strip of fabric that lies across your closed eyes. A contoured (or "3D") mask is molded so the part in front of your eyes is hollowed out. Both block light; they feel different, fail differently and suit different sleepers.

The short version

Why the shape matters

Most people don't stop wearing a mask because it lets in light at lights-out. They stop because of how it feels at 3 a.m. Fabric resting on your lids can feel heavy, it smudges mascara, and it presses on lashes. A contoured mask moves the contact points to the brow bone, the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose, so nothing sits on the eyes themselves.

The trade-off is structure. A molded mask can't adapt to every face the way loose fabric drapes, so the fit at the nose and temples matters more. That's why it's worth checking the shape before you buy.

What to look for in a contoured mask

• Cup depth. With your eyes closed, your lashes shouldn't touch the inside of the cups. Shallow cups defeat the point.
• Cup position. The rims should rest around the eye socket, on the brow and cheek, not along the lash line.
• The nose bridge. Look for a soft, shaped bridge rather than a straight edge. The gap beside the nose is where most masks leak light.
• The sides. If you sleep on your side, thinner, tapered sides mean less bulk between your temple and the pillow. See our guide for side sleepers.
• The strap. It should adjust, and it should sit above your ears, snug but not tight. A tight strap pushes the cups into your face.
• Care. Check whether it can be washed. Foam masks are usually hand-wash and air-dry.

Sleep mask or blackout curtains?

Blackout curtains darken the whole room for everyone in it, but they don't help with the light from a partner's lamp, a phone screen or standby LEDs. They also stay home when you travel. A mask darkens only your eyes and comes with you. Many people use both: curtains for the window, a mask for everything else, and stickers such as Blackout Dots for glowing electronics.

Where the Contour Mask fits

The Contour Mask is a one-piece contoured mask: two deep molded cups hollowed away from the eyes, a soft foam nose bridge, slim tapered sides and an adjustable strap. The body is about 9.4 × 3.9 inches and weighs about 1.6 oz. The cups are molded low-rebound memory foam under a soft polyester knit, and it hand-washes in cool water. For fitting tips and answers about light, lashes and side sleeping, see the FAQ.