Sleep masks for side sleepers

Side sleeping is hard on sleep masks. Your pillow pushes on one edge all night, the strap rides up, and the mask ends up pressing on one eye or sliding off. Here's what makes a difference and how to fit a mask so it stays put.

Why masks shift when you sleep on your side

• The pillow pushes the edge. A thick side panel gets shoved toward your eye or up your forehead every time your cheek sinks into the pillow.
• Flat fabric has nothing to hold its place. When the pillow drags it, a flat mask slides with it.
• The strap sits too low or too loose. A strap over the ears gets pushed around by the pillow; a loose one lets the whole mask rotate.
• The seal opens at the nose. When one side of the mask lifts, the gap beside the nose is usually where light comes in first.

What helps

• A slim side profile. Sides that taper thinner than the eye cups leave less bulk between your temple and the pillow.
• Contoured cups. When the mask is pushed, molded cups keep their shape instead of folding onto your eyelid. Read more in contoured vs. flat sleep masks.
• A strap above the ears. Run it just above your ears, not over them, and make it snug but not tight.
• A shaped nose bridge. A bridge that follows your nose is less likely to open a gap when one side lifts.

Fitting a mask for side sleeping

1. Lie down on your usual side before you adjust anything. A mask that fits sitting up can feel different with your cheek on the pillow.
2. Center the cups over your eyes with the nose bridge resting lightly on your nose.
3. Set the strap just above your ears. Tighten until the mask doesn't move when you turn your head, and no further.
4. Look down. If you see light beside your nose, slide the mask a touch lower and re-tighten.

Your pillow matters too

A very soft pillow lets your face sink in and wraps around the mask; a very firm one pushes harder on the side panel. If a mask feels fine on your back but not on your side, the pillow is often part of it. Give a new mask a few nights before you judge it.

What about stomach sleepers?

Lying face-down puts the most pressure on any mask. Contoured cups still keep foam off your lids, but the rims and nose bridge will press on your face more than in any other position.

The Contour Mask for side sleepers

The Contour Mask has slim, tapered sides, deep molded eye cups, a soft foam nose bridge and an adjustable strap. It's one size and fits most adult faces; nose shapes vary, so a small adjustment is the most common fix for light at the nose. More answers are in the FAQ.