Whenever someone asks me my best tips for sleeping on an airplane, my top two answers are: get a comfy sleep mask (not one of those tight, cheap, scratchy ones the airlines give you in their amenity kits on long-haul flights) and earplugs. These are both key for sleeping on a plane, in a hotel or in a vacation rental, depending on the noise level and curtain situation. RELATED: The military sleep hack every traveler needs to know
I know firsthand because I’ve spent the last few nights at my mother-in-law’s in Toronto and her guest bedroom just has white blinds and this time of year, the sun rises crazy early and yes, my window is east-facing so the sun streams right in. I’m awakened every morning at 5:40am because the room lights up like a neon sign. When my mother-in-law found out, she was sweet enough to buy me an eye mask.
I told her I already have two sleep masks and after she felt them, she still insisted I try the one she’d bought me.
I recently wrote a post about the best sleep mask ever and included the Total Sleep Mask System by Dandelion Dreams. Last year, I wrote a similar post about the sleep mask that has, for years, been my go-to: The Lewis N. Clark sleep mask. Well, after I tried the one my mother-in-law gave me, I felt terrible for writing the last two posts because this one is so much better, there’s really no comparison. So if you bought the last one and you can return it, then do it and get the LitBear Sleep Mask instead. Or invest in this one as an alternative – I don’t think you’ll regret it.
The main reasons I love this sleep mask so much are that it’s super soft and there is absolutely no light leakage. It made things so completely dark that when I took it off my face this morning, the room felt so bright I couldn’t even open my eyes. I had my eyes closed when I took it off and it was insanely bright. In fact, I had to open my eyes one at a time and slowly because LitBear made the room so dark.
The LitBear Sleep Mask has 3D contoured cups so the mask doesn’t press up against your eyes – just like the Manta Sleep Mask. Their marketing materials state that the mask fully fits all nose shapes, helps improve sleep, and helps you get longer, deeper sleep. My wife and I can both attest to that being true and we will both be using it not just for travel but at home, too.
My wife likes the 3D contoured cup eye sockets because they leave a larger space (12mm) for free eye blinking and maintaining eye makeup without pressure on the eyes. The elastic buckle strap is easy to adjust and fits heads that are 20.5 to 26.5 inches. Amazon advises to hand wash with water below 40C /104F.
Speaking of Amazon, I looked at the reviews and they’re almost all positive. I know reviews can be totally fabricated but since this mask has also transformed my sleep and my wife’s, I don’t think these ones are fake and they’re recent:
5.0 out of 5 stars Just the thing!
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2024
Color: Coral Red Verified Purchase
This sleep mask is great! I washed it with gentle dish detergent and warm water then let it dry in the sun. It is sculpted so that there is a hollow area in front of the eyes to allow blinking. That leaves a soft surrounding that helps relax the eyes with warmth. The silky lining allows easy comfort against the skin, and the mask is designed so that there is total darkness for the user. It is completely effective for daytime naps as well as nighttime sleep. As an added bonus it fits with my CPAP mask so that sleep is extra comfortable. I bought the coral color, and my husband has the black version. We both recommend this sleep mask without reservation.
5.0 out of 5 stars It’s fabulous!
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2024
Color: Pink Verified Purchase
Not all sleep masks are created equal… I know this because I’ve used numerous ones. I LOVE this one.
It’s slightly oversized so your eye area is completely covered.
It’s nicely padded and has a raised ‘lip’ below the eye with extra padding that helps block light that might otherwise peek through.
The elastic strap is about an inch wide which holds better with less slipping and it’s easily adjustable.
Overall it is very soft and comfortable.
4.0 out of 5 stars Almost perfect
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
Color: Black Verified Purchase
Likely the best sleep mask I’ve ever used. The product fits almost perfectly on my face, the only issue I have is with the nose section. It just doesn’t seem to fit well if I want the eye section to fit also. However, this is still the most comfortable face mask I’ve ever used as a side sleeper.
KEEP READING
–Quality sleep on a plane? It’s possible with these 10 tips
–6 tips for improving your sleep habits
–4 hotel room hacks for getting a better night’s sleep
–How to make sure you never sleep through your alarm again
–The first thing I do when I check into a hotel room to ensure a good night’s sleep
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On your recommendation, bought this mask for my husband and myself. Wholeheartedly agree, best mask ever! We’ve also used Lewis&Clark, Manta, and others but this is more comfortable and totally seals out light. Just ordered 2 more for Dopp kit and living room for naps. Thanks for recommending.
Great to hear! Thank you for sharing