eye mask for plane travel

The 8 Best Eye Masks for Long Flights

Electronics , LUGGAGE

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Hoping to get some decent shut eye on a long flight? Then you need the right travel accessories! Find out what our readers say are the best eye masks for long flights so you can catch some ZZZs on your next trip!

Best Eye Masks

Table of contents.

Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:

Do you have any eye mask recommendations? I’m looking for an eye mask that can help me sleep better on a plane. Thanks!

Sleeping on a plane can be challenging, but a few travel accessories can make your flight more enjoyable. Plus, you might even catch some ZZZs!

Along with a good blanket, neck pillow , and Bose headphones , we love to top it off with an eye mask to help us sleep. Here, our readers are sharing their recommendations for the best eye masks for long flights.

Here’s our recommendation for the best neck pillow for travel!

Best Sleeping Eye Mask for Travel

Bucky 40 Blinks Sleep Mask

Bucky 40 Blinks Eye Mask

Several of our readers swear by the Bucky 40 Blinks eye mask , with one saying, “Got this one for Christmas. So nice! And it does not mash down your eyelashes,” while another adds, “My husband loves the Bucky.”

This fan-favorite eye mask features ultra-lightweight, latex-free molded foam that’s contoured for pressure-free eye comfort, allowing you to blink freely without smudging makeup or putting unwanted pressure on your head. Check out their whole color selection here !

Mack’s Dreamweaver Dual Strap Eye Mask

Mack’s Dreamweaver Contoured Sleep Mask

Rated as the most comfortable sleep mask, the Mack’s Dreamweaver eye mask is made for long flight sleeping. The contoured design prevents the eye mask from pressing against eyelids and eyelashes (meaning it won’t smudge makeup) while keeping you comfortable inside a curtain of darkness.

One reader says, “I love this one!” Along with being lightweight and slim for easy packing, it’s less than $10, making it the ultimate bargain.

Find out our readers’ top recommendations for how to block out snoring noise when sharing accommodation!

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

MZOO Sleep Mask

The MZOO sleep mask is high quality, with an ergonomic design that completely blocks out light and an adjustable strap for a secure fit. It’s lightweight, and the soft, memory foam eye covers won’t put any pressure on your eyes or touch your eyelashes. And when combined with the included ear plugs, you’ll have a complete solution to sleeping on a plane! 

One frequent traveler ays, “This mask is very comfortable and effectively shuts out light. And the padding around the eye keeps it off your eyelid for a more restful experience. This is so essential when traveling that I bought a second one to keep in my suitcase so I won’t forget it!”

Quince Beauty Sleep Mask

Quince Silk Sleep Mask

This brand not only sells comfortable clothing but also offers travel essentials ! Their silk sleep mask will ensure you’re rested, and reviewers all love its feel and say that the little storage bag makes it so easy to pack and store! Plus, the mulberry silk fiber is not only hypo-allergenic and naturally thermoregulating, but it also contains amino acids that nourish the skin! 

One wearer says, “What a game changer! It made a 14-hour international economy flight feel luxury. No wrinkles, felt less dry.”

Here is our list of airplane essentials that might make your flight bearable — even enjoyable!

Earth Therapeutics R.E.M. Sleep Mask

R.E.M Sleep Mask

This R.E.M. sleep mask features an innovative design that molds to the face and contours away from the eyes and eyelashes, allowing for relaxed eye movement. Plus, it’s ultra-lightweight and adjustable, so there’ll be no pressure, but excellent light-blocking. 

One reader shares, “I use this one and it’s made a world of difference! Nothing presses up against my eyes so that I’m able to get REM sleep.”

MUSICOZY Sleep Mask

Musicozy Bluetooth Sleep Mask

Musicozy’s sleep mask is such a cool travel item that many readers have recommended! Not only is it super effective at blocking out light, but it can pair with any smartphone or tablet to play music as you drift off to sleep! While not noise-blocking, readers have said it does a great job at keeping out extraneous noises, and they also rave about the comfy fit! 

One TFG says, “These were great on the plane. Perfect for blocking out people and other noises. I can’t hear anything around me. I slept seven hours!”

Take a look at the  best portable power bank  options to make sure your device stays charged as you travel and explore new places!

Kitsch Satin Sleep Eye Mask

Kitsch Satin Sleep Mask

When you need to get your beauty rest on a plane while looking adorable, look no further than this Kitsch satin sleep mask ! It’s made from luxuriously smooth and soft satin fabric that doesn’t absorb moisture so it won’t dry out your skin. The fit is comfortably snug, with an elastic strap that won’t cause any tangling or friction on your hair, either! 

A wearer says, “I love this for airplanes or road trips! It’s so silky and smooth and blocks out all light. It feels like you’re wearing a silk pillow on your eyes!”

Manta Light Blocking Eye Mask

Manta Blackout Sleep Mask

This Manta eye mask has such a lightweight and breathable feel on your eyes, yet comfortably molds to your face to block out 100% of light! The eye cups are extra deep, so they won’t irritate your eyelashes (you can even comfortably blink with it on!), plus they’re adjustable to achieve the absolute perfect fit. Not only that, but this mask comes with a handy case and earplugs! 

One reader highly recommends them, saying, “They are customizable, block out light, and are really comfortable! I have lash extensions and their deep eye cups are fantastic, they don’t touch my eyelashes at all but still block out the light. They don’t move around when sleeping (I’m a thrasher!) and they’re machine washable. I LOVE mine!”

Readers recommend the best airplane shoes for long haul flights!

Women’s Eye Mask Comparison Chart

Which do you think are the best eye masks for long flights? Share in the comments below!

For more airplane essentials, please read:

• What to Wear On A Plane
• What To Do on a Long Flight
• How to Alleviate Back Pain During Flights
• How to Survive Long Flights Over 20+ Hours

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The 11 Best Sleep Masks & Eye Masks for Travel [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

792 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3233 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Do i need a sleep mask, what to look for in a sleep mask, the 11 best sleep masks for travel, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

A sleep mask is a perfect accessory for travelers who appreciate a little peace and quiet, wherever they may be.

Inexpensive, easy to carry with you, and useful in a wide range of different circumstances, an eye or sleep mask can help shut the world out while you catch some z’s. Not just for sleeping, this travel accessory can help reduce stress levels or even ease away a headache.

Eye masks don’t just help you to nod off to sleep — they also improve the quality of your sleep. Here are some great reasons to keep your eye mask with you at all times:

• Fall Asleep Quickly — Scientists believe that complete darkness boosts your body’s melatonin level, which helps you to doze off faster.
• Drop Off Anywhere — Long car rides, airplanes, trains, buses, and even in a city center hotel room — you can beat fatigue by falling asleep virtually anywhere.
• Beat the Jet Lag —  Combat jet lag by being able to sleep in any time zone. Your sleep mask can help you to sleep at the right times to beat the dreaded jet lag.

Bottom Line: When you’re on the move, being able to rest your mind and your body can make your journey more enjoyable and help you feel fresher when you get there. A sleep mask will help you greatly in this endeavor. 

Shape and Fit

Eye masks are designed to contour perfectly to your face. When you’re looking for the right eye mask for you, seek out ones with molded eye pockets to keep the fabric from sitting directly on your eyelids, which can be uncomfortable.

You should also ensure that the mask itself is wide and long enough to cover your eyes completely. If the light still creeps in on the side, it will hit your peripheral vision and make it harder to go to sleep.

Other design touches, like contoured shaping around the bridge of the nose and Velcro straps that allow you to wear the mask without messing up your hair, all make a difference to how much you fall in love with your newest travel accessory.

Fabric and Material

Your eye mask needs to be thick enough to keep the light out, yet soft and light enough to not put any pressure on your eyelids.

A mask that offers a bit of padding on the sides and around the edges will provide superior comfort. Because your eye mask is likely to be heavily used on your travels, it would also be advantageous to grab one in a material that can stand up to regular washing.

Bottom Line: Silk, cotton, polyester, and even satin are all popular choices for sleep masks, but be sure to check the quality of the seams and washing instructions before you buy.

If a simple sleep mask doesn’t satisfy your needs, try something a little bit extra. Sleep masks can be found with plenty of additional features to help you sleep soundly, wherever you may be. Some come complete with matching earplugs, for complete sensory deprivation, while others offer collagen eye patches to help you awaken looking refreshed and free from puffy eyes and wrinkles.

Consider buying a travel neck pillow to complete your sleep-well-anywhere package.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to wear your mask for stress or pain relief, you can purchase masks with integrated lavender to keep you calm or cooling patches to help relieve aching heads. You can also find them in designer fabrics, with matching carry cases or even sleepwear, if the look is what you’re all about.

1. Designed To Gently Keep Your Eyelids Shut

• Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

Made from top-quality, 19-millimeter, natural mulberry silk on one side and soft cotton on the other, this little beauty will see you off to the land of nod in no time at all. Cool and breathable, the silky smooth fabric blacks out the light while gently pressing your eyelids close to avoid dry eyes in the morning.

The contoured nose cut-out is comfortable on your face, while still blocking out light to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

Combined with an adjustable head strap that’s designed for comfort no matter the sleeping position, this is an affordable and effective little eye mask.

What We Like

• Comes in a variety of colors and designs

What We Don’t Like

• The strap slips around a bit

2. Shut Out the Sights and Sounds of Travel

• Sleep Master Sleep Mask

Designed by someone who suffered from their own case of insomnia, the Sleep Master eliminates both light and sound to help you get some sleep on the move. Made from lightweight, washable satin fabric, this mask is extra wide to block out the light, while the ear area is also padded to help muffle unwanted noise .

If you want total silence, insert the ear muffs provided with the mask, and let the wrap-around design keep them firmly in place while you sleep. Incredibly soft and comfortable, this mask can be adjusted to fit you perfectly using the Velcro tabs, and the durable material can stand up to regular washing.

This is a neat idea for those who want relief from both the sights and sounds of traveling.

• Blocks light and muffles sound
• The Velcro strap is quite thick to lie on

3. The Perfect Eye Mask for Side Sleepers

• LitBear Sleep Eye Mask

Made from 6-layer low rebound soft memory foam and soft silk lining, this smart little mask is both breathable and lightweight. The contoured eye sockets allow you to blink freely in between naps and will ensure any make-up stays smudge-free.

Block out the dark completely with the broad design of this mask, which also fits most nose shapes with the hollow nose bridge. The adjustable strap has been designed with comfort in mind and is made to fit head circumferences of 20.5 to 26.5 inches. Well-designed and well-built, this is a great eye mask for those who want to sleep on the go.

• It stays securely in place and is comfortable sleeping on your side
• The headband stretches out over time

4. Give the Blue Light Theory a Go

• Sound Oasis Deluxe Glo to Sleep Natural Sleep Eye Mask

These quirky glasses promise to deliver a unique way to help ease your stress and help you sleep. The Glo to Sleep ideology works on the basis that you just have to raise your eyes and gaze on a focal point of blue lights to instantly achieve a deeply relaxed state that leads to sleep.

By slowing the frequency of the brain’s electrical activity, you can obtain a similar result to those achieved by meditation or hypnosis. An interesting concept, indeed!

With 3 auto-dim options, you can ramp down in 10, 20, or 30 minutes. As your body relaxes, you’ll gently fall into a deep, refreshing sleep, wherever you are. While the jury may still be out on the effectiveness of the blue light theory, this is a high-quality, easy-to-wear sleep mask that seems to make a difference.

• Great for getting to sleep or just relaxing
• Material is quite stiff

5. Eyelash Protecting Option for Those Who Like to Sleep in the Dark

Bucky 40 blinks comfortable, contoured, no pressure eye mask.

The 40 Blinks eye mask offers the perfect solution for anyone wanting to block out light while they travel. This ultra-lightweight, contoured eye mask is big enough to cover your eyes and peripheral vision. The lightweight design  allows you to blink freely into the contoured eye holes.

Made from latex-free molded foam, it won’t smudge your make-up or put unwanted pressure on your head while you sleep. An adjustable Velcro strap that connects in the back will keep the mask in place while you nap and the 100% polyurethane foam fabric can be washed in cold water to keep it clean and fresh for every journey.

• No eye pressure with molded eye pockets
• Fabric layers can come apart after washing

6. State of the Art Technology To Help You Snooze

Heated usb eye mask.

This sleep mask uses cutting-edge technology to help you nod off. Using a thermally-conductive material, the mask heats up quickly and can promote blood circulation to help with dry eyes and fatigue . It can also provide beauty and skincare therapy to smooth your wrinkles and eliminate dark circles while you sleep.

If you’re worried about having the heat so close to your eyes, the safe design comes with 2 heat modes and a contoured design that allows the mask to adapt to the shape of your face. The mask can be powered using any USB port and has an automatic shut-off. A unique solution to a timeless problem, this mask will help you sleep using infrared technology that’s similar to the wavelength of the body.

• The eye cover is removable and washable
• Battery only lasts 1 to 2 uses

7. Natural and Lightweight Cotton Sleep Mask

• 100% Handmade Cotton Sleep Mask Blackout

Made from high-quality, all-natural cotton, this super-wide sleep mask feels soft on your skin while keeping out unwanted light and sound to help you sleep. The “nose wing” design helps to effectively block light even from the nose area , meaning you can drift off in complete darkness.

It is so lightweight, you’ll barely notice it on your skin. It can be washed and rinsed on the go and can be folded to fit into its very own travel bag. This sleep mask can be adjusted in length to perfectly fit the size of your head without tangling your hair or feeling tight, and the natural material is breathable and won’t cause you to sweat.

• Lightweight and soft
• The Velcro strap can loosen over time

8. Affordable and Effective Silk Solution

Jersey slumber 100% silk sleep mask.

The Jersey Slumber 100% Silk Sleep Mask is an affordable and effective mask suitable for anyone who struggles to sleep with the light on. The ergonomic design nicely contours the shape of your face and eyelids, allowing you to get a great night’s sleep, wherever you may be.

Made of lightweight silk material, this eye mask is cool, comfortable, and easy to clean. The breathable, natural fibers of hypoallergenic silk are also soothing to the skin , making it a great solution for insomnia, migraine headaches, and even dry-eye conditions.

Block out the light, ease insomnia, and arrive feeling well-rested and refreshed every time you travel with this little beauty.

• No Velcro strap that can snag your hair
• Might be too large for those with smaller heads

9. Sleep Mask, Earplugs, and Carry Case — All in One Set

Sleep mask by bedtime bliss.

Designed to block out the light to help you fall asleep quickly and wake up refreshed, this is a super-effective mask that’s affordable and extremely portable . What’s more, this super-smart sleep set also comes with its very own set of Moldex earplugs to keep unwanted noise at bay while you snooze.

The contoured design allows for complete eye movement even underneath your mask, meaning your makeup won’t smudge and you won’t feel restricted, while the adjustable straps will fit all head sizes. As a well-designed set comprising earplugs, a sleep mask, and a carry bag, this is money well spent for those who like to switch off while traveling.

• Comes with a handy carry pouch and earplugs
• Can fall off with lots of movement when sleeping

10. Memory Foam Eye Mask for a Total Blackout

Mzoo contoured 3d eye mask eye.

Made from high-grade memory foam, this eye mask molds perfectly to your head, making it super easy to nod off wherever you may be. Offering total darkness, the innovative nose design with invisible foam helps to ensure that no cheeky bits of light sneak in and stop you from snoozing.

With a wider eye space and deeper design than many other masks on the market , there’s no pressure on your eyelids or uncomfortable feeling on your nose. The easy-to-adjust headband avoids the tight feeling associated with traditional straps and the anti-fade, anti-bacterial, anti-mite material is durable and easy to clean.

• No Velcro adjustable strap
• Can make your face a bit warm

11. Sleep Masks for 2

Prettycare 3d sleep mask – 2 pack.

With one for you and one for your other half, too, this is a great way to ensure that you both get a good night’s sleep while you travel. Made from opaque, high-density memory foam, these masks are super lightweight, incredibly thin, and designed to perfectly block out all of the unwanted light around you while you snooze.

With larger-than-usual eye cavities and a raised and thickened nasal bridge, these masks are designed with comfort in mind. The eye mask is also designed to fit any size head, and the new loop closure design prevents hair tugging and discomfort . With anti-fade, anti-bacterial, and anti-mite properties, these eye masks offer a practical solution that will last you the duration of your trip.

• Lightweight and slim material
• Can let in some light when lying on the strap

An eye mask can help you nod off to sleep anywhere in the world. The darker it is, the better you sleep, and these beauties can have you nodding off in no time.

Eye travel masks are affordable, lightweight, and extremely compact necessities that should be standard in everyone’s carry-on luggage .

Sleep tight!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do eye masks really work.

Eye masks are an affordable and simple solution to getting better sleep in situations where you can’t control light, such as on airplanes. Combine an eye mask with earplugs , and they really do help with sleeping in various situations.

Is it better to sleep with an eye mask?

Eye masks don’t just help you to nod off to sleep, they also improve the quality of your sleep. Scientists believe that complete darkness boosts your body’s melatonin level, which helps you to doze off faster.

What are the best eye masks for sleeping?

These are the best sleep masks that we recommend:

What to look for in a sleep mask?

Eye masks are designed to contour perfectly to your face. When you’re looking for the right eye mask, seek out ones with molded eye pockets to keep the fabric from sitting directly on your eyelids, which can be uncomfortable.

Are sleeping masks worth it?

Was this page helpful?

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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8 eye masks to help you sleep anywhere on the go

Block out the world and catch some zs..

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Sleeping on cramped planes, trains, and automobiles is hard enough, but when you factor in 25 different conversations happening at once, snack service going up and down the aisle, and sunlight in your eyes—it’s nearly impossible. That’s where eye masks come in handy. These unsung heroes are compact, reliable, and ideal for falling into a deep sleep.

They'll also save you from sleepless nights when you realize your Airbnb lacks blackout shades, and put the kibosh on any arguments over bedside lights when you're trying to drift off to sleep and your partner is poring over a guidebook to plot the next day's adventure.

Below, some of the best travel-friendly eye masks to consider, from your classic coverings to high-tech options that also offer noise reduction.

Kitsch Eyemask & Sleep Scrunchie Set

Simple as it is effective, this matching set from Kitsch will help rest your tired eyes and arrive at your destination refreshed. Its satin fabric is designed to be gentle on both hair and skin, preventing breakage and sleep wrinkles during your nap.

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask

Should anyone know how to catch some Zs, surely it's sleep experts at Brooklinen, the company known for its high-quality sheets. Made from naturally cool-to-the-touch mulberry silk, this eye mask is breathable, comfortable in all seasons, and gentle on hair and skin. Plus, it comes in multiple colors, like amethyst, mint, and a celestial star print.

Calpak Neck Pillow and Eye Mask

This set ’s hypoallergenic silk cover is removable and machine-washable, making it functional in more ways than one. Wear it around your head and neck to show fellow travelers you mean business, or employ the convenient clear traveling bag.

Up & Up Sleep Eye Mask

For last-minute trips or sleep emergencies (i.e. seven people sharing a hostel), look no further than this inexpensive, no-frills mask from Target. You’ll be on a nonstop flight to dreamland thanks to its cushioning and contoured foam eye cups. (Check out more of Target's travel must-haves here ).

Gravity Weighted Sleeping Mask

If pressure is your preference, this is the option for you. This adjustable mask functions just like a weighted blanket, distributing between .75 lb. and 1 lb. of pressure on your face for major relaxation. Its shape has been thoughtfully reimagined to block out light and avoid strain on the bridge of your nose. The micro-plush fabric? That’s just the cherry on top.

Away The Sleep Mask

Designed specifically for travel, this over-the-head eye mask cleverly folds into itself for easy packing. Not only is it antimicrobial and machine washable—a quality that’s more important to travelers than ever—Away’s thermoregulating fabric adjusts to your body temperature, keeping you cool or warming you up when needed.

Ostrichpillow Eye Mask

Touting itself as the first “truly 3D-ergonomic eye mask ,” this offering from Ostrichpillow fits all head shapes and sizes to ensure a quality sleep experience. Despite its six layers of material, the coverup is soft, breathable, and skin-friendly.

Manta Sleep Mask SOUND

Made from soft and breathable Modal fabric (an eco-friendly alternative to cotton), Manta sleep masks feature cups that block out light without adding weight or pressure to your lids and lashes. Additionally, the machine-washable mask boasts infinite adjustability to fit anyone and everyone. For those who like their eye masks with a side of white noise, this option includes razor-thin Bluetooth headphones to connect to your device, tabs for speaker adjustment, and a breathable mesh material so that you don’t overheat. Its 20-hour battery life can get you all the way from Houston to Dubai on a single charge.

The 14 best flight accessories for sleeping on a plane (even in economy!)

By: Author Monica

Categories Blog , Travel Tips

If you want to get some shut eye on your next flight then here are the best flight accessories for sleeping on a plane.

To sleep on a plane you need to be:

• Comfortable
• Warm (but not hot)
• Able to block out everything around you

Thankfully there are plenty of flight accessories to help you sleep.

Here we go, the best products for sleeping on a plane.

Let’s start with the comfort…

U-shaped memory foam flight pillow.

I’ve tried so many flight pillows, from weird and wonderful shapes to different fillings, textures and materials. All of them.

I’ve found the best pillow for a flight is a U-shaped memory foam pillow . They usually sell these in the airport but they’re much cheaper to buy online.

• No Longer Struggle with Uncomfortable Airline Seats: Made with premium memory foam, our neck pillow adapts to your shoulders and neck to cradle and support your upper body during long flights
• Stays Fresh in Between Flights: Making sure your plane pillow is always ready for travel is easy. Simply remove the cover and toss in the wash on the gentle cycle. Tumble dry with no heat
• Compact and Easy to Take With You: Lightweight, our memory foam neck pillow is the perfect travel partner. Convenient travel bag is easy to carry in your hand, on luggage, or in car trunk

Stay warm and cosy during your flight

The temperature on most flights is between 22-24 degrees Celsius, but it can often feel much chillier when you’re sat still for hours on end.

I recommend wearing:

• A cosy sweatshirt
• An oversized blanket scarf
• Or a travel blanket that packs into a small pouch
• Warm socks (if you won’t already be wearing some)

• THE PERFECT TRAVEL COMPANION: Forget thin airline blankets that never keep you warm, the EverSnug Travel Blanket is a lightweight and extra comfy all-season blanket that is the perfect travel...
• PREMIUM MICRO PLUSH FABRIC: Our carefully crafted Microplush Blanket is ultra soft and lush, you wont want ever take it off! Made with our exclusive premium microfleece yarns, creating a velvety and...
• USE IT AS A PILLOW OR A BLANKET: Not only does the travel blanket keep you warm when needed, the Microplush carrying case can also act as the perfect place to rest your head.

Read more: 7 stylish airplane outfits and inspiration for comfy travel outfits

Noise cancelling headphone too block out everything around you

To block out the noises and lights around you you’re going to need a good pair or noise cancelling headphones and an eye mask.

When it comes to noise cancelling headphones, you have two options:

• Over ear headphones

Personally, I prefer ear buds because they’re small and easy to travel with. I know they can get a little uncomfortable after hours of use and it can be difficult to lean on your ear if you have an earbud in. But I’ll still take earbuds due to the convenience of them being small.

Over ear headphones are bulkier but generally comfier on your ears, although they’re also awkward if you want to lean on one side of your head while you sleep.

I have the JBL Live Pro+ TWS earbuds and I love them.

I also have the Beats Studio 3 wireless over ear headphones and these are great.

• Live Pro+ TWS wireless headphones are small but powerful, with 11 mm dynamic drivers for incredible JBL Signature Sound all day, every day and are compatible with Hey Google, Alexa, iOS and Android
• Adaptive noise cancelling ensures zero distractions when you focus on your studies or get your groove on, while Smart Ambient allows you to hear the world around you without removing your earphones
• Live Pro+ TWS wireless earbuds feature 3-mics technology with a feedback mic for wind suppression and environmental noise reduction and dual beamforming mics to capture your voice with crystal clarity

• High-performance wireless noise cancelling headphones
• Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
• Pure adaptive noise canceling (pure ANC) actively blocks external noise

What’s the best eye mask to sleep on a plane?

You’ll also want an eye mask but don’t get any old eye mask. The best masks for planes are ones with slightly raised 3D pockets for your eyes . The 3D shape ensures things stay dark without the mask feeling tight, restrictive or weird when you try to blink.

• Blocking Light: Are you bothered by light when you sleep, this eye mask by onaEz can help you solve this problem, blocking light from entering in all directions and helping you get a high quality...
• 3D Sleep Eye Mask for sleeping: The 3D eye socket design can avoid pressure on your eyes. In addition, the deep eye socket design won't smudge your make-up and rub your eyelashes
• Comfortable to Wear: The sleep mask filled with soft and breathable memory foam, it is soft to touch and comfortable to wear without without stressing your face

The 6 things you need to help you sleep on a plane (even in economy!)

Realistically, there are just 6 things you need to help you sleep on a plane…

• U-shaped memory foam pillow
• Cosy sweatshirt
• Travel blanket
• Noise cancelling headphones
• 3D eye mask

But are there any other gadgets, gizmos or accessories that might help you sleep on a plane?

The best products for sleeping on a plane are…

A portable footrest

There are two types of portable footrests you can get for planes. 

One is a hammock footrest which loops onto the arms of your food tray. I think some airlines could moan about this (Ryanair, I’m talking to you) but the reviews are good and it would be easy to hide (especially if you have a window seat) as it sits under your tray. 

The other is an inflatable footrest . You can half fill this to whatever height you like, or fully inflate it so it’s as high as your plane seat and can make a little bed for babies and toddlers.

• 【Multi Occasions】Wherever you are,this Footrest will give a super comfort to your feet.The hanging footrest will relieve the stress on your back,knees,improves body circulation.Works great in...
• 【Lightweight and Compact】Weight:3.2oz (90g),folded size 8.66*2.36*1.97 inch.This space-saving designed easily fits into your carry-on luggage or favorite flight travel bag.Includes a handy...
• 【High Quality Travel Gadgets】This airplane footrest is crafted with high-quality soft premium foam material,greatly enhance your travel experience.It’s like sitting in a recliner with your feet...

• 【Easy to inflate & deflate】The foot rest pillow is easy for inflating and deflating.Just open the valve,and blow up with your mouth.Usally, 2 minutes,it can be fully inflated.And open the valve...
• 【Compact&Convenient to Carry】The blow up dimension is 26*48*38cm,and the deflate dimension is 18*24*10cm that is very compact and convenient for you to carry with any place.
• 【Comfortable&Healthy】Made of PVC material which makes the inflatable foot rest feels more comfortable.Putting your legs on the horizontal with your body will help promote blood circulation and...

Weighted blanket

A weighted anxiety travel blanket

Many people find weighted blankets to be comforting and therefore help reduce stress and anxiety and help you sleep. This weighted blanket comes with a small canvas bag which makes it easier to travel with.

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White noise apps

If the silence of your noise cancelling headphones isn’t working for you, but the noise of the plane is…well too noisy then try white noise apps.

Personally, I find them really irritating and can’t listen to them! But my husband loves them.

Download a couple of free ones to find the ones you like.

Lavender scented products

If certain scents help you relax then it might be worth getting something like a lavender pillow mist, essential oils, balms or moisturiser.

Personally, I wouldn’t say any of these products help me sleep but they are lovely and help me to relax. They make nice gifts for frequent travellers too!

Feather and Down Travel Essentials Gift Set

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream (travel size)

NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep Pillow Mist

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Phone or tablet holder

If you’re the kind of person who likes to fall asleep while watching a film or TV show then get yourself a phone or tablet holder so you can hang your device from the seat in front. You’ll then be hands free to fall asleep in peace.

It’s worth noting that most sleep experts agree that the light from phones and tablets actually makes it harder to sleep so it’s best to avoid this if possible.

• Version 2.0 of TabletHookz is the latest model designed to fit more modern airline cabins in addition to older cabins.
• TabletHookz allow you to create your own hands-free entertainment anywhere
• TabletHookz can be used on planes, trains, cars and at home

My top technique for sleeping on a plane – Fake it ‘till you make it!

If you looked at me on a plane you’d probably think I was a Pro Plane Sleeper! But the truth is that I’m usually faking it.

I’ll be sat there with my eye mask on, my noise cancelling headphones drowning out the noise, my blanket wrapped tightly around me and my neck pillow helping me sit comfortably. But I’m probably not asleep. Not yet anyway!

My trick is simply to pretend I’m asleep and – as if by magic – I’ll be there soon enough.

Is there any benefit to resting without sleeping?

One thing that keeps me in this restful state while I pretend to be asleep is the knowledge that resting is also beneficial. 

While resting is no substitute for sleeping, calmly relaxing helps to conserve energy so you will feel more refreshed when you come out of the quiet wakeful state.

I like to remind myself of this when I start getting stressed that I’m not falling asleep.

We’ve all been there. You’re anxiously wriggling in your seat, fretfully trying to fall asleep while feeling stressed that you’re not asleep and counting down the hours before your red-eye flight arrives back into London and you need to go straight to work. You REALLY need to get some sleep! But the harder you try, the more sleep pervades you. 

Flight accessories for when you wake up

When you wake up after sleeping on a plane you’re going to feel gross.

The three things you really need will be water, caffeine and to brush your teeth ASAP. Brushing your teeth instantly freshens you up and just makes the world a better place.

I always travel with a large insulated water bottle (don’t forget you’ll have to empty this to go through security), a travel toothbrush and toothpaste and I’ll grab myself a coffee at the earliest opportunity.

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The Very Best Masks to Wear on an Airplane

Doctors, infectious-disease experts, and parents on the best covid-19 protection for traveling..

In this article

• Best N95 for frequent fliers
• Best colorful KN95
• Best KN95 for kids
• Best KF94 for kids

Best mask for preschoolers

Though the government has officially lifted the COVID-19 National Emergency as of April 2023, it’s still important to remain mindful of your personal and public health, especially in crowded indoor spaces — including airports and planes. The CDC still recommends masks for all people in areas of the U.S. that are deemed high risk and for anyone who is immunocompromised or unvaccinated. And even with the end of most COVID restrictions nationwide, many health experts believe that masking remains an important tool in protecting yourself and others from XBB.1.5 and other subvariants that are still circulating throughout the U.S.

Currently, most airlines do not require masks for staff or travelers, except on flights into countries with mandates still in place. Regardless, airports remain a meeting point for travelers from all over the world, so wearing quality masks that offer high filtration — such as KN95, KF94, and N95 respirators — can be a critical step in reducing the spread.

If you’re not up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC recommends delaying travel until you are, but if you have to fly anyway, you should take extra precautions. That includes social distancing whenever possible, avoiding eating or drinking in poorly ventilated or crowded areas, and wearing a high-filtration mask. According to Dr. Aaron Glatt, the chair of medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau and a spokesman for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the ventilation in airplanes is actually pretty good despite the length of time you spend inside, and if everyone is wearing a mask, that lowers the risk even more. But, he says, “if the person sitting next to you happens to have an asymptomatic case of COVID and you’re at high risk, then that’s very dangerous.” That’s why Yi Cui , a professor of materials science and engineering at Stanford University who co-authored a  study on the efficiency of various mask materials , emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated and getting your booster shot. “Your risk is so much lower. If you look at who needs to be admitted into hospitals, more than 90 percent or maybe even 95 percent are people who haven’t been vaccinated,” he says.

To find out which masks are best to wear both on the plane and at the gate, we spoke with Cui, Glatt, and nine other experts. Dr. Waleed Javaid, the director of infection prevention and control at Mount Sinai Downtown, says he gets this question all the time. “Everybody asks me, ‘Should we really have an N95?’ ‘Should we have this and that?’” His answer: “You should have whichever mask you’re going to keep wearing.” And Dr. Purvi Parikh, an immunologist with NYU Langone Health, advises wearing a KN95 , KF94 , or an N95 when flying, whether you’re up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccine or not. “I know people personally who have gotten sick while traveling even after they were fully vaccinated,” she says, noting that if you are traveling to or from an area of the world where COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly, you should be extra careful. But if you can’t get your hands on a high-filtration mask before you leave, Aaron Collins , a mechanical engineer with a background in aerosol science who has  tested  hundreds of masks he purchased online, suggests double masking as an alternative. “It’s better than a cloth mask or surgical mask alone but not the ‘best’ solution,” he says.

What we’re looking for

Authenticity.

Some masks are more prone to counterfeiting than others, but a good way to know whether you are getting legitimate KF94s is by checking that they are indeed made in South Korea. And a good way to vet an N95 mask is to check for NIOSH approval and other labels that ensure they’ve been tested to meet specific standards. Those labels are  ASTM F3502, Workplace Performance, Workplace Performance Plus , and the code “TC-84A” followed by four more digits. Where things get sticky is with KN95 masks. Michael Chang, an M.D. and assistant professor of pediatrics with  McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston , says that at this point, he suspects most KN95s are fakes since “there is no regulatory agency that ensures a manufacturer actually meets the KN95 standard.” As a general rule of thumb, both Chang and Collins agree that the best way to avoid fakes is to buy exclusively from reputable sources. “Don’t buy random brands from Amazon or eBay,” Collins says. “My recommendation is  ProjectN95 ,  BeHealthyUSA ,  KollecteUSA , or, if using Amazon, verify that you are purchasing from the brand’s ‘official’ store.”

Otherwise, check for labeling that says the mask is made from at least two layers of nonwoven polypropylene plus a melt-blown inner-filter layer. The random arrangement of fibers in nonwoven materials does a better job at filtering tiny particles, like bacteria and viruses, than traditional woven fabrics like cotton. And ideally, they should be independently tested by a third party to ensure proper filtration. In addition, legitimate masks should come in tamper-evident packaging and should be marked with an expiration date. The same applies to surgical masks, though, Collins says he would skip them if you have access to N95s, KN95s, or KF94s because the standards for surgical masks “are much looser, and the quality of them is all over the place.”

Counterfeit masks aside, the best masks are the ones that fit your face the best, and features that improve the fit of a mask such as adjustable ear-loops and a flexible nose wire can also improve its filtration efficiency. This is particularly true for children who range in size, even across age groups. To ensure you are getting the most protection out of your mask, Ravina Kullar , an infectious-disease specialist, epidemiologist, and spokesperson for the  Infectious Diseases Society of America , says it should fit snugly, covering your nose and mouth, and should fit below your chin. Any gaps around the edges will allow potential viral droplets to enter or escape. You may have to try a few before finding your perfect fit, but if you end up buying a pack of masks that are too big, Dr. Stacy De-Lin, a family medicine specialist in New York City, says you can tie knots in the ear loops or twist them once before putting them on to ensure a tighter fit. (If you’re no good at knots, there are lots of  straps  and  accessories  you can buy online to adjust the fit.)

In addition to fitting well, Chang says masks need to be comfortable and easy to breathe through. You want a mask with some resistance to catch tiny airborne particles, but not so much resistance that it forces the air to find another way in or out — usually around the sides. Lastly, if you are buying masks for children, know that they will have strong opinions about which masks they want to wear. The factors that drive those opinions can involve colors, patterns, how the ear loops feel on the backs of their ears,   or how soft the interior is against their face. If there is a high-quality mask that they willingly put on for a plane ride or school trip, that mask is probably the best.  Dr. Sten Vermund , a pediatrician, infectious-disease epidemiologist, and dean of the Yale School of Public Health, says that making mask use fun and  gamelike  will increase the chances of  children  cooperating, especially younger children.

Availability

Although stock seems to have leveled out with the relaxing of mask mandates, oftentimes the highest-filtration masks with the most recommendations (from Collins and other experts) are the ones that sell out first. So to make sure you have one to wear when you need it, we’re prioritizing masks that are consistently in stock, since an out-of-stock mask can’t help protect you or your family.

Best N95 mask

Early on in the pandemic as hospitals were getting slammed with COVID patients, N95 masks were in tragically short supply. So public-health experts discouraged non-health-care workers from buying them. But now they are much more readily available to the general public, and many American companies have started making NIOSH-approved N95s in soft, foldable shapes that are much more comfortable than the stiff cup styles.

This one from Protective Health Gear is made in Paterson, New Jersey, which helps the company avoid most potential supply-chain disruptions and ensures that each mask undergoes the strictest quality checks. Each one comes individually wrapped and features the NIOSH label, the brand’s logo, the TC-84A label, and even the mask’s specific lot number. If you’re looking for a comfortable NIOSH-approved N95 to wear on a plane, this is the first one I would recommend. Because it’s a bifold-style mask, it fits and feels similar to a KN95. But in addition to a soft inner layer and nose wire, it features foam nose padding to further seal any gaps and prevent air from escaping or getting in. As for the head straps, they are soft and stretchy but don’t feel flimsy. It’s the mask I would reach for if I were a doctor or if I were going to an indoor concert at the height of a spike in infections.

Best KN95 mask

Powecom KN95 masks were on the FDA’s list of approved face masks for health-care professionals when that list was necessary. Like other KN95 masks, this one claims to filter out 95 percent of small particles. Indeed, Collins has tested the kid-size Powecom masks and found that they have a filtration efficiency of 97.3 percent. In September of 2020, I bought them for my fiancé, Jacob Cohen, to wear while teaching in person. He teaches fourth grade in Brooklyn and has tried a lot of KN95’s over the last two years. They are one of his favorite masks for work, and he says that, in addition to making him feel safe in the classroom before vaccines were available, they fit more snugly than most of the other KN95’s he has tried, and they don’t move when he is talking. De-Lin says the fit of KN95s is extremely important. “I think the biggest thing that I see with the KN95 masks is they’re often not fitted well. It’s supposed to collapse along your cheeks when you inhale so that no air can enter in through the sides.” I have worn these masks on the subway, to the office, at museums, on Metro-North, at the airport, and to countless doctor’s appointments, and find them to be soft on the inside and a good fit for my face shape. They meet De-Lin’s fit requirement, collapsing around the cheeks when you breathe. When worn with my glasses, they fog less than other masks I have tried.

Best KF94 mask

KF94 masks are a great option for people who have trouble finding a good KN95 fit. They open up a bit like an envelope and sit slightly off the face, giving you more room to talk and breathe. In addition to being manufactured in South Korea and approved by the KFDA, these BOTN KF94 masks are featured on Collins’s public Google doc containing filtration results for the masks he has tested. In his testing, he found them to have a filtration efficiency of 99.2 percent. Like the LG Airwasher masks favored by Strategist senior vice-president of e-commerce Camilla Cho, BOTN masks come with special adjustable ear loops. Simply pull on the little front loops to adjust the tightness around your ears and cheeks. Each mask is made with four layers of electrostatic nonwoven material, including a melt-blown filter layer. They come individually packaged in a sealed tamperproof sleeve and the brand’s logo is printed on the front of each mask. Upon testing them, I noticed how light the masks are, far lighter than a Powecom KN95 or even other KF94s I have tried. So while Powecom’s fit my face shape a little better, these will probably become my favorite spring and summer masks. The inner layer is comfortable against my skin, but I would describe it as smooth rather than soft, another reason why I think this would be a great warm-weather mask.

Best N95 mask for frequent fliers

These Kimberly-Clark N95 masks are also a lot softer than the traditional cup-shaped N95s, making them less likely to dig into your cheeks and easier to wear for long periods of time. They’re also a favorite of Intelligencer editor Chas Danner , who says that despite looking “totally ridiculous,” the mask is super-secure. Though he originally bought them for traveling, he now wears one anytime he goes somewhere particularly risky, including waiting in line for hours to get a PCR test during the Omicron wave. The beak-shaped style of mask has also become popular with restaurant workers because of how comfortable it is for long periods of time.

When he tested these masks, Collins found that they filter out 97 percent of airborne particles. “The head straps are really comfortable, and I’ve gotten such a good seal on them I’ve had condensation pool inside the mask. I felt like I was in  Dune, ” he says. While most other masks come in packs of five or ten, you have to buy 5o to get these. Still, at the current sale price that puts them at about a dollar a mask. So if you know you’ll eventually wear all 50, it’s a very good deal.

Best colorful KN95 mask

Despite fewer people wearing masks in New York City, I have continued to mask up indoors as much as possible. If I’m quickly popping into a café or restaurant to order food, I’ll wear an Evolve Together surgical-style mask . For trips on the subway, long shifts at the co-op , or doctor visits, I wear a tighter-fitting KN95 mask from Kaze. These colorful and adjustable masks have quickly become my favorite for higher-risk situations, because they make me feel cute while giving me peace of mind. The brand sells its KN95 masks in color-palette sets ranging from popping hues with contrasting ear loops to desert neutrals, plain black and white, and pretty pastels. The masks are beloved by a large swath of celebrities — including Justin and Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, and Offset. The wide range of colors makes it easy to match your mask to your outfit.

Looks aside, Kaze masks are made of five layers of nonwoven material — including a melt-blown filter layer. They have been tested by Nelson Labs and certified by the Swiss lab SGS. The masks have little silicone toggles on the ear loops that make adjusting the fit super easy and a foam nose pad that helps create a tight seal. They are comparable to Powecom masks in softness and breathability. While Kaze masks are more expensive than most KN95 masks, you can wear them more than once as long as you let your mask air out for 72 hours — and if you save them for special occasions like flying to Paris or Rome on vacation, they’re definitely worth the money.

Some more masks for traveling

Best KN95 mask for kids

Powecom KN95 masks were among the very first nonfabric face masks we recommended, and they have consistently held a top spot on our mask roundups since the summer of 2021. As we noted above, when Collins tested these kid-sized Powecoms, he found them to have a filtration efficiency of 97.3 percent. They are made of multiple layers of nonwoven polypropylene with a melt-blown fabric-filter layer, flexible nose wire, and latex-free ear loops. The material is soft on the skin and creates a tight seal all the way around the mask from the bridge of the nose to the underside of the chin. Collins recommends them for children ages 7 to 12, depending on face size.

Best KF94 mask for kids

These KF94 masks from Korean company BK Healthcare (sold by Vida) are made from four layers of nonwoven Polypropylene, including a melt-blown filter layer and a soft inner lining. They are labeled made in Korea and available in four colors and two kids’ sizes, plus, they come wrapped in tamper-evident single mask sleeves. Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio tested several different KF94 options on her daughters but gave a slight edge to these because they come in a few different colors, the nose piece fits the youngest daughter (who was 4 at the time of testing) well, and the tamperproof, individually wrapped packaging, while not especially eco-friendly, is really handy (and though we haven’t tried it, Vida does offer mask recycling if you take advantage of the included prepaid mailing label to return used masks back to the company).

Collins features these preschooler-appropriate KF94s on his  public Google spreadsheet , showing them to have a very high filtration efficiency of 99.3 percent. So when I found out that fellow Strategist writer Lauren Ro bought them for her older son when he was almost 3, I asked her for more details. She heard about them through a parent at her son’s preschool, who sourced a bunch of different KF94 masks directly from a Korean importer and tried them all on her 2.5-year-old. According to the friend, this mask was the clear winner and luckily was available on Amazon. “The XXS are perfectly suited for 2- to 3-year-olds, and they actually stayed on my son’s face. He didn’t seem to mind them as much as other masks and kept them on instead of constantly pulling them down under his nose and chin,” Ro says, noting that he’s worn them on cross-country flights, all day at school, even outside, without complaining.

Some more kids’ masks for traveling

Our experts

• Michael Chang, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at  McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston • Aaron Collins, mechanical engineer with a background in aerosol science; follow him on Twitter at  @masknerd •  Yi Cui , professor of materials science and engineering at Stanford University •  Dr. Purvi Parikh , immunologist with NYU Langone Health •  Dr. Sten Vermund , pediatrician, infectious-disease epidemiologist, and dean of the Yale School of Public Health • Dr. Waleed Javaid, director of infection prevention and control at Mount Sinai Downtown • Dr. Stacy De-Lin, family-medicine specialist in New York City • Dr. Aaron Glatt, chair of medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau • Ravina Kullar , infectious-disease specialist, epidemiologist, and spokesperson for the  Infectious Diseases Society of America •  Lauren Ro , Strategist writer and mom to an infant and a 4-year-old • Jen Trolio, Strategist senior editor and mom to a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old

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The Best Sleep Mask

By Caira Blackwell

24-hour light exposure is a fairly new concept in human evolution. Television screens, phones, laptops, street lamps, and blaring overhead lights around the clock can disrupt your circadian rhythm—the 24-hour cycle that’s governed by your body’s internal clock—and make it harder to fall and stay asleep. If your bedroom isn’t as dark as it should be, or you need to sleep during the day, a sleep mask can help.

We tested 14 masks by assessing their materials, sleeping with them for at least two nights each, and evaluating their fit on a variety of face shapes and head sizes. We found three options—a silky-smooth crowd-pleaser , a padded memory-foam mask , and a lightweight contoured mask —that are well made, comfortable all night, and excellent at blocking out light.

What we looked for

First and foremost, we focused on sleep masks that were adept at creating total darkness.

We asked several people with a variety of face and nose shapes to wear the masks we chose.

The mask lies directly on your face, so the softer it is, the better. We preferred masks made of soft, breathable material.

A good sleep mask blocks out most light, but a great sleep mask feels so good you forget you’re wearing it.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, a silky crowd-pleaser: alaska bear natural silk sleep mask, a padded, contoured mask: mzoo sleep mask, a structured, lightweight convex mask: nidra deep rest eye mask, how we picked and tested, other good sleep masks, the competition.

Wirecutter has been researching and testing sleep masks since 2017. For this guide, we did the following:

• We interviewed a sleep medicine specialist and representatives from sleep mask companies. We also read multiple sleep-mask-related scientific studies to learn more about the benefits of wearing sleep masks at night.
• We researched more than 50 sleep masks from a sea of similar models, evaluating customer reviews on Amazon and articles on sleep masks to determine which models to test.
• We tested 14 masks, assessing their ability to block out light, the feel of their materials, the quality of their construction, and their general adjustability for different head and face shapes.

If you need to block out light from your sleep environment, a sleep mask can help. If you already use one (whether a freebie from a long-haul flight or an old bandana), it might be time to upgrade to one of our picks. Airline masks or bedazzled models—think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (video) —are typically not well designed (allowing light to creep in at the edges), or they’re so uncomfortable you may toss it off in the middle of the night.

The overhead lights in our homes, the street lights, and the glow from laptops, phones, and televisions have skyrocketed our average daily exposure to light, said Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg , a sleep doctor and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Over a third of Americans (PDF) report that outdoor or indoor light disrupts their sleep. Light exposure at night can make it harder to initially fall asleep and can cause you to wake up during the night, disrupting your transitions between your sleep cycles and degrading your overall quality of sleep. Creating a pitch-dark sleep environment can be hard to do, especially if you’re a frequent traveler or night-shift worker. Sleep masks are an affordable way to tackle that problem, and new research has even shown that wearing one at night helps with memory consolidation, the ability to learn, and alertness the next day. Sleep masks don’t cure insomnia (for that, we recommend speaking with your physician), but they should help you get better sleep.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

Buying Options

Best for: This mask is suitable for side-, back-, and stomach-sleepers who want a mask that sits flush against their face.

How it feels: This mask is silky smooth and breathable, so it doesn’t get hot when pressed against your skin all night.

Why it’s great

It was popular among all testers, regardless of sleep style. The Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask is comfortable, soft, and lightweight. All of our testers (whether back-, side-, or stomach-sleepers) had something that they liked about this mask, and it performed better than average in every testing consideration, including fit, adjustability, and comfort. If you’ve worn a traditional sleep mask before, this silk-lined style will feel familiar but remarkably more comfortable and softer on your skin.

It’s especially great for stomach-sleepers. Our testers who sleep on their stomach found that the convex sleep masks crumpled when their face made contact with their pillow, impeding their sleep. The Alaska Bear sleep mask, on the other hand, stays flush, even when sandwiched between a pillow and your face. Both sides of the mask design are lined with mulberry silk, which remains breathable even when pressed against the skin.

It fits a range of faces and blocks light well. This silk mask is a good choice if convex sleep masks don’t suit your face or sleep style. The Alaska Bear sleep mask’s flat design fits nearly all face shapes and nose types. Even though this mask doesn’t seal around your face like our more structured picks, all of our testers reported that it did a decent job of blocking out light.

The adjustable strap is barely noticeable. Testers liked that you can adjust the strap with a small plastic buckle that didn’t bother back-sleepers and rarely got tangled in longer or curlier hair. One tester, who tried the Alaska Bear sleep mask in 2020 and again in 2024, said that “the mask stays on really well, as long as you tighten the strap every couple of nights.”

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• This mask may slip off during the night. Some of our testers who preferred a looser and less-snug fit found that the mask slipped around and fell off in the middle of the night. Those testers are likely better suited to a convex cup, anyway.
• The adjustable strap may be too thin for some. A couple of testers noted that the strap felt scratchy against the sensitive skin behind their ears. To fix this problem, they adjusted the strap higher on their head, which made the mask slip off in their sleep.
• It is hand-wash only. Like the Mzoo Sleep Mask and the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask, our pick from Alaska Bear is hand-wash only, so you can’t simply throw it in the washing machine to clean it.

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through.

Best for: This model suits side- and back-sleepers who need a little space between the mask and their eyes.

How it feels: This mask is soft against the skin and roomy around the eyes, and it drops the world into complete darkness the moment you put it on.

It stays in place all night. Even the side-sleepers on our testing panel, who noted that sleep masks don’t always work with their preferred sleep position, found that this mask stayed on throughout the night. One tester noted that the mask didn’t let light in around the nose bridge, even when they laid on their side.

It fully blocks light. One tester described this mask as “perfect for a nap in a sunny window.” It fully shuts out all light, whether you’re trying to sleep in broad sun or just need to stifle residual light at night.

Its padded, goggle-like design is especially comfortable. The Mzoo Sleep Mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Our testers found this sensation soothing. “They feel more like putting on goggles than a sleep mask, but they are sure to get the job done,” one tester said. Another liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

It’s adjustable. This mask is equipped with an adjustable plastic slider that ensures a snug fit for all head sizes and shapes. Only one tester thought that it was still slightly too big even after fastening it as tightly as the strap would allow.

• The compression of the memory foam is not for everyone. Of all our testers, only one didn’t like this mask—and they really didn’t like it. They found the contoured memory-foam design applied too much pressure to their orbital bone and eye socket.
• It’s expensive. The Mzoo mask costs about $30, which is a far cry from the free masks handed out on airplanes. However, it’s often on sale for around $20, which is about the same price as our other pick, the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask .
• It’s hand-wash only. Like our other picks, this mask is hand-wash only. Since it presses somewhat tightly against the face, you may need to clean it more often than our other picks.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

A lightweight, roomy option.

Lightweight and contoured, this mask fits comfortably and blocks light well for a wide variety of face shapes. Its deep eyecups allow your eyes to flutter during sleep.

Best for: This mask will appeal to side- and back-sleepers who don’t want any added pressure to their eyes.

How it feels: This model is lightweight and roomy, and it rests gently on your face.

It has a lightweight, barely there feel. The polyester-covered, elastic-band Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask has deep, wide cups that gently sit upon your eyes without applying any pressure (like our pick from Mzoo does). The Nidra sleep mask’s cavernous design leaves ample room for your eyes to move while you sleep , no matter how tightly you adjust its headband.

The design accommodates different face shapes. Spanning temple to temple on most faces, the Nidra mask covers more surface area than all the other sleep masks we tested, and it features a wider nose-bridge shape. This gap slopes gently without being too rigid, so it conforms to many more nose shapes, from narrow and arched noses with bridges to wider, flatter noses without bridges. The adjustable strap, which was redesigned in 2023 from a velcro closure to a plastic slider, secures a snug fit without snagging on hair.

It blocks light well. Because the mask is wide from temple to temple, testers reported that it did a great job keeping them in total darkness. One tester, who self-identified as having a small face and a big nose, found that all other masks let in a little light around the nose bridge, whereas the Nidra sleep mask did not.

• The material isn’t as soft as our other picks. A few testers noted that the mask had rougher edges around the eyecups that felt abrasive against their skin and made this mask too uncomfortable to wear all night.
• The mask design is polarizing. The extra-wide eyecups and sloped nose bridge worked for most testers, but not all. One tester noted that the mask didn’t sit flush against their face, and instead dug in at awkward spots and created little pressure points that were distracting throughout the night. Some testers preferred the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask for its silky material and more-universal fit.
• It’s not for stomach-sleepers (and some side-sleepers). If you sleep face-down, you likely won’t benefit from the Nidra mask’s raised eyecups because half of your face will be pressed against your pillow anyway. Some side-sleepers noticed that the mask tended to pucker out at the sides instead of lying flat.
• It’s hand-wash only. Like our other picks, this mask can’t go in the washing machine.

In evaluating sleep masks, we looked for:

Light-blocking abilities: A good sleep mask blocks out most light, even if the sun is shining directly in your face.

A comfortable feel for all-night wear: Because the mask lies directly on your face, the softer and less noticeable it is, the better. We looked out for breathable materials like silk, which feels gentle against your eyelids yet keeps your face from getting too hot on swampy nights. Masks should also be lightweight (ideally no more than 1.5 ounces) but sturdy enough to hold their shape.

An adjustable strap: The strap should be able to fit heads of all sizes and shapes. Most mask straps rely on Velcro or a plastic fastener to create a snug fit. Our testers typically preferred buckled straps, which were less likely to get tangled in one’s hair.

Convex eyecups: Sleep masks that offer some space between your eyelids and the mask give your eyes room to move or flutter . Most testers found this type of design more comfortable than flat-style masks that felt heavy on their eyelids and lashes. If you don’t like that sensation or tend to fall asleep with your makeup still on, a convex, cup-style sleep mask is the way to go.

Versatile design: Sleep masks should suit a variety of face and nose shapes. We disqualified any options that bunched up on more-pronounced noses or let in too much light on flatter ones.

Durable and washable: Nightly wear causes unsavory levels of skin oils and eye gunk to build up on the underside of the mask. We considered masks that could stand up to frequent machine- or hand-washing.

In our most recent round of testing in 2024, we considered six masks and assessed their quality and versatility before sending them to a group of eight panelists to try at home. Each tester slept with each mask for at least one night and evaluated their performance based on comfort, ability to block out light, and whether or not they stayed on all night.

If you know you want a sleep mask for traveling or sitting upright: Consider the Manta Sleep Mask , which features two removable doughnut-shaped eyecups that you can Velcro onto the mask for a more precise fit. We found its eyecups, however, pressed uncomfortably against the face while our testers were sleeping on their side or stomach. The soft fabric of the mask felt less breathable than the foam or silk of our picks, and the material was uncomfortable in warm weather.

If you have a larger head: The Bucky 40 Blinks Sleep Mask is almost indistinguishable from the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask, save for a slightly stiffer foam build and a wider Velcro strap. Its accommodating strap offers a marginally better fit for larger heads than that of our pick from Nidra, though this also means the Bucky sleep mask’s strap forms a more noticeable bump behind your head. The mask’s V-shaped cutout, which is meant to go around the nose, is a little stiff and less malleable than that of the Nidra sleep mask. But if you have a larger head and prefer a mask with eyecups, the Bucky sleep mask may be a better choice.

We tested two other masks from Alaska Bear. The Alaska Bear 2-Strap Natural Silk Sleep Mask is a flat design like the one we recommend, but with the addition of a second strap and a flap of silk that can cover your nose. The double strap was hard to adjust, especially while half-asleep in the middle of the night. The nose baffle, meanwhile, barely prevented light from leaking in.

The Alaska Bear Memory Foam Sleep Mask is made of plush memory foam with indentations around the eyes, which initially seemed like a good compromise between flat and contoured masks. Our testers found that the mask blocked all visible light and was very comfortable to wear while they were sitting up—but when they slept on their stomach or side, the plush sides of the mask compressed uncomfortably.

The BeeVines Silk Sleep Mask (pack of two) is a flat, silk sleep mask. Although the material itself was soft against the skin, most testers didn’t like this mask—it’s small, doesn’t block light very well, and the adjustable plastic slider strap was too thin and pinched the skin behind their ears.

No one found the Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask particularly comfortable during testing. Although it seems to be the spitting image of the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask , its smaller size and sharper nose contour make it less comfortable to wear.

The Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask was the softest mask we’ve tested, and it felt luxurious to the touch. But, many testers, even those with small faces, noted that it felt too tight, and it slipped off in the middle of the night.

The Freshme Cotton Sleep Mask wraps around your head and is made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex. Testers really liked the immersive experience of this mask, but the cotton can get hot. This mask would be a great option for sleeping on planes, trains, and buses, but wearing it all night might have you waking up in sweats.

Slip’s Sleep Mask is a fancy-looking mask that arrives in an even fancier case. The mask felt impressively smooth to the touch, but it has a scrunchie-like band instead of adjustable buckles or Velcro, and it felt much too small even for those with small heads.

The makers of the PrettyCare 3D Sleep Mask (pack of two) boast about the mask’s “large eye cavities” in its Amazon description, but we found that the mask had shallow cups. Our initial testers found the mask uncomfortable, and no one picked it as a favorite.

The Earth Therapeutics R.E.M Sleep Eye Mask is similar to the old, Velcro version of the Nidra sleep mask and has large convex eyecups and a gentle nose bridge. But the polyurethane foam and polyester material feels cheap and itchy against the skin.

Designed for travel, the Trtl Glimpse Sleep Mask has a fabric flap that you can pull up to “take a peek” without taking the mask off and letting in bright light. It’s a fun feature, but the entire mask was rather bulky, and it slipped easily.

Similar to the Trtl sleep mask, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Sleep Mask had heat and fit issues. A bouffant of velour-like memory foam, the mask felt heavy and needed to be tightened too much to prevent slipping. And the fabric made it too hot for comfort.

Sabrina Imbler wrote a previous version of this article, first published in 2017. This article was edited by Christina Colizza and Courtney Schley.

Meet your guide

Caira Blackwell

Caira Blackwell is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering sleep and mattresses. Her work has previously been published in Okayplayer, The Knockturnal, and Nylon magazine, and her book A Lullaby for the End of the World is available on Amazon.

Further reading

The Best Sleep Headphones (But We Hoped for Better)

by Lauren Dragan

All of the sleep headphones we tested fell short in some way, but we still have three recommendations for different uses and budgets.

Morning Light Kept Ruining My Sleep. Then I Discovered This Mask.

by Christina Colizza

This bra-shaped sleep mask is great for back-sleepers and people who don’t like fabric touching their eyes.

Ask Wirecutter: How Do I Shut Up My Humidifier So My Partner Can Sleep?

by Annemarie Conte

Even the quietest humidifier can keep some people up at night. Here’s how to get a good night’s rest if the whine causes you to lose sleep.

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Whether you’re stuck to your phone at night or having trouble silencing the day’s to-dos, here’s a handful of picks to help you get some rest.

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I Slept My Entire Red-eye Flight Thanks to this Comfy Blackout Eye Mask

It’s changed the way I travel.

Travel + Leisure / Nordstrom

While I like to think of myself as a pretty decent travel napper , I can honestly only claim that title because I create the ideal environment for sleep — no matter where I am. That equation, naturally, includes a good pillow, cozy loungewear, and the blackout eye mask that has changed the way I travel. 

Though I’ve tried eye masks for travel before, nothing compares to the cloud-like, blackout design from Ostrichpillow that I tested for the first time on a recent red-eye flight to Paris. The brand, whose claim to fame is its equally beloved on-the-go pillows, created an ergonomic 3D style that actually adapts to your face and blocks out light for a more restful, deeper sleep. I’m not surprised it was chosen as Travel + Leisure ’s best light-blocking eye mask .

Ostrichpillow Ergonomic Eye Mask

Though my sleep typically feels disrupted on flights (if I can even fall asleep at all), I slept like a baby on my six-hour overnight trip. The material is a viscose, elastane, polyurethane, and nylon blend, and it’s so soft and cushioned that it feels like a pillow for your eyes. The weight of the mask is just light enough to feel comforting rather than constricting. Its breathable design also includes space around the eyes so you can comfortably open them while you’re still wearing it. The eye mask comes in four different colors, all of which are different shades of soothing gray, and the intentional construction makes it machine washable for easy maintenance. 

I’m not the only one hailing the Ostrichpillow mask as a holy grail, though. One shopper said that their husband “loves” the design that lets him “sleep like a baby” with the TV on all night. They shared that it also “doesn’t leave any lines on your face” and “stays put all night.” Another customer added that it helps them get “plenty of sleep,” while a third person said they like how “there’s room to open [their] eyes while still wearing it for a slower wake cycle.” 

The Ostrichpillow eye mask is one of my favorite products in my travel arsenal, but the brand’s memory foam travel pillow is a close second. It features a similar 360-degree ergonomic design for full neck support that maintains your proper spinal posture and prevents neck and back pain. For another travel option, shoppers also love the light reversible travel pillow that one person said lets you “comfortably” lean your head “on the airplane seat in front” of you or “up against the window.” 

Head over to Nordstrom to check out the game-changing eye mask , or keep browsing the other Ostrichpillow favorites that have transformed my in-flight sleep.

Ostrichpillow Heatbag 

Ostrichpillow light reversible travel pillow , ostrichpillow go memory foam travel pillow , shop more t+l-approved picks.

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10 Best Sleep Masks for Travel

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Whether you’re trying to snooze in a bright plane cabin or a hotel room missing proper curtains, light can seriously mess with your sleep. Pack one of these sleep masks for instant darkness and stellar sleep.

Pack These Sleep Masks

Concerned about ruining your pristine makeup, or if your sleep mask will truly achieve total blackout? Try one of these sleep masks that could change your mind.

Baloo Living Sleep Stone Mask

Baloo Living’s Sleep Stone Mask pulls triple-duty. It’s light-blocking, noise-muffling, and calming thanks to an oversized design and hidden crystal pocket. This sleep mask comes with your choice of “sleep stone” crystal (amethyst for calming, purple fluorite, blue lace agate, or rose quartz) that tucks into a secret pocket over the third eye chakra. 

The mask features a wide-wrapped velcro closure that lets you adjust for the perfect fit without getting it caught in your hair, and it’s made from a satin/spandex blend that’s comfortable and good for your hair and skin.

Bedtime Bliss Sleep Masks

When you are in the deepest stage of sleep, called rapid-eye movement, or REM cycle, your eyes move around underneath your eyelids. You don’t want to have anything restricting that movement: A sleep mask like Bedtime Bliss that’s contoured around your eyes is good at preventing this. Rather than pressing down on your eyelids, it gives your eyes the space to move freely as you dream.

Yala Silk Sleep Masks

If you’re going to wear something on your delicate eye area all night, it might as well be silk. The material is purported to help prevent wrinkles and breakouts when used as a sleep mask. Yala’s silk sleep masks have a 100 percent silk exterior, which feels soothing on your skin. The black silk lining helps block out light, and the two ultra-thin straps won’t annoy you when you’re laying down.

GoSleep Travel Sleeping System

Fall asleep sitting up and on a brightly lit airplane with the GoSleep Travel Sleeping System , which uses adjustable elastic straps: Loop them around the wings of your headrest, rather than your seatback to avoid annoying the person behind you. When attached to the sleep mask, they’ll keep your head from bobbing forward.

Lavender Silk Eye Pillow

Research has found that the smell of lavender can help induce sleep—or at least block out bad smells in your airplane cabin or hotel room. This Premium Lavender eye mask is filled with the herb, and it’s customizable—you can add or remove lavender until you get a comfortable fit.

IMAK Compression Pain Relief Mask and Eye Pillow

If you suffer from migraines, sinus pain, or puffy eyes, you’ll want to try the IMAK eye pillow , which is filled with tiny ergoBeads that conform to your face and give a gentle massaging effect. Pop it in the freezer for cooling relief and to help with puffy or swollen skin.

NodPod Weighted Sleep Masks

Weighted blankets are thought to provide a calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and help with insomnia—and are very trendy right now. But for a more travel-friendly version, try a weighted sleep mask like the NodPod , which uses microbeads as a form of deep-pressure touch therapy to help you sleep better and to alleviate stress.

Alaska Bear Sleep Masks

The Alaska Bear sleep masks are a cult favorite on Amazon, with a 4.5-star rating and nearly 10,000 customer reviews—and certain colors are only $5.99 price at time of writing. The sleep masks have an adjustable headband that will fit any head size. A small flap by the nose can be flipped for extra light-blocking power.

Puroni Blackout Sleep Mask

If you can’t stand anything touching your eyelids while you sleep, the Puroni Blackout Sleep Mask is for you. This sleep mask has deep, 3D-contoured domes that surround your eyes (rather than resting on them) so you’ll feel like you aren’t wearing anything on your face.

Travel Halo Sleep Mask

The Travel Halo looks like a visor pulled down over your face, but it’s actually a plush eye mask with two small pillows attached to the side, which will cradle your head and prevent it from falling down when you sleep sitting up. When you’re not using it, it rolls up for easy storage.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Travel Gadgets to Help You Sleep Away from Home
• 10 Tiny Gadgets That Will Help You Sleep on the Plane
• 8 Neck Pillows That Won’t Embarrass You on the Plane

Caroline Morse Teel will shamelessly wear any of these sleep masks in public. Follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for style and travel photos.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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5 Travel Kits that Will Actually Help You Sleep on a Plane

By Mara Balagtas and Andrea Whittle

Blessed be the person who can fall asleep sitting upright while wrapped in a flimsy layer of polyester blanket that only covers approximately 1/3rd of the length of their legs. The rest of us generally need a little more help, usually in the form of prescription pharmaceuticals, 1-2 miniature bottles of cheap chardonnay, or a swath of thick cashmere and something lavender scented. For the first two, you're on your own, but we've rounded up some of the coziest combinations of eye masks, travel blankets, and all-natural sprays, teas and potions that make falling asleep on an airplane a little easier (and way more pleasant).

Sleeping Beauty

Tuck a few nighttime beauty essentials into this zip-up travel kit, which includes a crazy soft merino wool blanket and eye mask. Even if you don't manage to actually fall asleep, this rich night treatment will at least make it look like you did.

Madewell x Parachute travel kit ($130, madewell.com ); Herbivore Botanicals Moon Fruit Superfruit Night Treatment ($58, dermstore.com ).

100% Softness

A few spritzes of Deep Sleep's herbal spray will make the tiny pillow they give you feel practically spa-like (we like to bring our own mini pillowcases to makes things even comfier). And for the coziest possible airplane outfit, just throw your favorite sweater over Equipment's cashmere and cotton travel set, which comes with a matching eye mask.

Equipment Cosette Travel Set ($159, ochardmile.com ); This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray ($29, dermstore.com ).

First Class (Almost)

This pale pink all-cashmere set comes with its own pillow and a thick pair of socks. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to this mini portable diffuser (you can just perch it on your tray table, no plug-in required) and it's almost like you're in first class. Almost.

Morgan Lane Sleepy gift set ($528, farfetch.com ); ZAQ Travel Aromatherapy essential oil diffuser ($19.99, amazon.com ).

Easy Does It

We love this fuzzy mask-and-blanket set. It's machine washable, too, so you can throw it in the laundry with everything else as soon as you unpack. If an herbal tea helps you calm down better than a couple of drinks, bringing your own (this one is packed with soothing lemon balm and mango flower) is key. Just bring a travel thermos and ask the flight attendants for some hot water when they come around with the drink cart.

UGG Duffield travel set ($88, bloomingdales.com ); WelleCo Fortified Calming Tea ($42, amazon.com ).

Steph Koyfman

Jahnavi Bhatt

Matt Ortile

There is maybe nothing more over-the-top than an airplane pillow that costs about as much as a business class seat. But when you combine the softest possible cashmere neck support with an all-natural, sleep-inducing Melatonin/Vitamin B6/Calcium supplement, you're guaranteed at least a couple of hours of snoozing.

Loro Piana Plane Pillow ($1,025, loropiana.com ); HUM Nutrition Beauty zzZz melatonin supplement ($10, dermstore.com ).

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As a beauty editor, I’ve tried and tested lots of skincare routines, and when it comes to flying, my regimen has gone from an indulgent mix of serums, spritzes and face masks to a pared back collection of hydrating must-haves. 

It’s no secret that air travel can be harsh on the skin, with its dehydrating cabin air and increased UV exposure. But let’s face it, who has time or the inclination to start cleansing your face, applying masks and spritzing the cabin with rosewater? Especially if you’ve got kids in tow and haven’t got the luxury of turning left to business class. 

So what skincare do you really need to use during a flight? “I see very elaborate in-flight skincare routines on social media,” Dr Cristina Psomadakis , consultant dermatologist tells HELLO! “In part these can be for fun and to pass the time, in which case, great. But for people who want to make sure to get the basics right, there are just a few products required.”

I wear an SPF50 on my face everyday so this is a no-brainer for me, but even I was surprised to hear how important it is to wear sunscreen during air travel. “Flying for about one hour is the same as laying on a tanning bed for 20 min ” Cristina explains. “This is quite substantial, especially on long haul flights, so protecting yourself from UV radiation is imperative. I have many patients who were flight attendants and the UV exposure from flying, combined by many trips to sunny destinations, has led to many skin cancers down the line." My current favourite SPF is Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF50  as it melts gorgeously onto skin, leaves no white cast and is perfect pre-makeup. 

Face Moisturiser

I always carry a moisturiser that doubles up as a face and body cream in my flight bag as the dry cabin air sucks the life out of my skin, which makes it really dehydrated. But Cristina explains that not everyone is the same and some people’s skin goes the other way and turns really greasy. “Inconsistencies in our eating, drinking and sleeping patterns during travel can lead to skin changes. People tend to drink more alcohol on holiday (often starting from the moment they get to the airport), drink less water, and plane food can be quite salty. If you have a tendency towards dehydration, it is a great idea to carry a travel size moisturiser on the plane.” My favourite in-flight creams are Cerave Daily Moisturising Lotion  and Weleda Skin Food , which also doubles up as an intensive mask if you apply a thicker layer. 

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I can’t go anywhere without lip balm as my lips are usually the first to show signs of dehydration. And during a flight, Cristina recommends applying one regularly. “Top up throughout a flight before your skin starts feeling dry and tight,” she suggests. I recommend using a lip mask that’s extra nourishing like Dr Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask . This is really great at keeping lips hydrated without feeling tacky. 

Okay, this one is new for me. I have used face wipes during a flight in the past, but now I know the damage they do to the environment, I don’t buy them anymore. “Bring a mini face wash with you,” Cristina advises. “Wash your face once during a long haul flight; ideally mid way through and maybe before landing. It will make you so much more refreshed and help to decongest your skin.” I recommend dispensing some of your cleanser into a squeezy travel pot like these ones from Boots . “If you oily skin and have a fringe I would also recommend a head band or hair pins for long haul flight as hair that can contribute to oilier skin and lead to irritation and break outs.”

READ: 12 best eye creams to smooth, brighten and banish dark circles

“If you want to be extra, you can bring a facial mist, cuticle oil and hydrating sheet mask,” Cristina explains. “And for long haul flights consider an eye mask and ear plugs. Getting as much sleep as you can and following a normal sleep pattern can be very helpful for the skin as when our circadian rhythms are disrupted skin can become stressed and inflamed.” 

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Is it possible to visit Russia as a tourist right now? (Q&A)

Who can enter Russia as a tourist?

At present, people from 80 countries can enter Russia. There are two main conditions: first, one must be a citizen of that country or have a permanent residence permit; and second - one needs to enter Russia by plane. The primary document that regulates entry during the coronavirus pandemic is Order no. 635-r (March 16, 2020), which is regularly updated. 

Some of the countries on the list include the United States, Britain, Greece, Germany, Tunisia, Israel, Japan, Armenia, Qatar, Portugal, Mexico, Croatia, Belgium, China, France, Denmark, New Zealand, Iran, Peru, Norway and Argentina. Click here for the full list. 

In the meantime, any country with which Russia currently has a travel agreement can serve as the port of departure (however, the transit country must be on the above list).

What type of visa is required?

Those who already have a valid Russian visa - and citizens of the above countries - can enter Russia using that visa. Those who do require a visa can submit their documents at the Russian consulate in their home country.

What is still not possible at this point is obtaining a unified electronic visa (a type of visa that is valid for up to 16 days, takes only four days to process and does not require submitting any documents relating to the purpose of visit). Therefore, in order to receive a regular tourist visa (valid up to six months) it is necessary to have a confirmed accommodation booking or an agreement with a travel agency.

Is a COVID test required?

Yes, PCR tests must be performed no earlier than 48 hours before arriving in Russia. The results must be printed in Russian or English (this is required even if you received a Sputnik-V vaccine shot). If you’re flying with children, they, too, must obtain a test, irrespective of age. And a form for arrivals must be filled in before entering the country.

Who is not affected by the rules? 

These restrictions don’t apply to foreigners with a valid Russian residence permit or those with close relatives. They can enter Russia from any country using any means of transportation, including by land.

They also do not apply to partially recognized republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as citizens of Belarus (or those with Belarusian permanent residence permits), Kazakhstan and citizens of the Donetsk and Lugansk national republics. Entering by land is also possible when traveling from Mongolia or China. 

Furthermore, if Eurasian Economic Union citizens cross over by land, they don’t have to submit a coronavirus test or fill out the arrivals form. 

Is vaccination required? 

No. The QR codes required for visiting public gatherings before spring (including cafes, bars, hotels, etc.) are no longer required in the majority of regions. The same goes for various other COVID restrictions: regions have the final say, but almost all have been lifted.

What about masks?

Masks are also no longer a requirement. However, some regions still require people to wear masks in some places, including stores, pharmacies, shopping malls, movie theaters and so on. In Moscow, the rule on masks has been completely lifted, while, for example, in Kaliningrad, some places still enforce them. 

Are there any quarantine regulations in place?

No, you will not be required to quarantine on arrival to Russia. However, if you get sick in Russia, you will have to be quarantined for a period of seven days at your own expense. Those who have come in contact with infected people do not require quarantining (provided they did not contract the coronavirus). 

Important! In many countries, there are still restrictions on LEAVING for the purpose of tourism, so having a Russian visa does not guarantee you will get permission to leave your country. This must be clarified before making any trips.

The information listed here is valid as of June 1, 2022. 

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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