My $20 vs. $79 sleep mask: Which worked better?

One's my daily driver, one's my splurge.

I have a confession: I'm obsessed with sleep masks. This little love affair I have with sleep masks started in the early pandemic days. Maybe it was doomscrolling, maybe it was online retail therapy, maybe it was both, but I landed myself smack dab in the middle of cyberspace shopping for luxury silk pajamas. While I ultimately wasn't willing to spend $200 on jammies, I decided that spending $50 on a silk sleep mask was fair pandemic self-care. And I've never regretted that purchase, not once. A trusty sleep mask is a pretty darn affordable way to control your sleep and, arguably, your health. After trying eight different sleep masks, two have earned permanent spots on my nightstand: MZOO Contoured Sleep Eye Mask ($19.99). This sleep mask is hard to beat for the price. Its molded eye cups help totally block out light while making it more comfortable to wear. Unlike other affordable options, the material is soft and feels cool. I've put mine in a bra bag on gentle cycle and air-dried it — no damage despite the hand-wash instructions. Drowsy Silk Sleep Eye Mask ($79). Now, for the true champion, which I confess is not cheap, Drowsy's sleep mask has really stolen my heart. It's like a luxurious little eye pillow that covers your ears (bonus!) and has adjustable straps so it actually stays put all night. I often fall asleep with the lights on when my husband is still awake. I reach for a sleep mask time and time again. It's like a hug on my face when I need it most. It gives me permission to relax. And the "why"? Improving your sleep may help keep you healthier as you grow older, while less than 5 hours of sleep per night may raise the risk of dementia and diabetes. All that aside, I think everyone can agree that sleep rules. A good sleep mask makes it even better READ MY FULL REPORT So, now I pass this wisdom on to you: sleep mask or bust. — — Catherine Conelly, Commerce Editor at Healthline Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. Until next time,

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