An in-depth guide of the best sleep mask headphones to block out light and noise for the perfect nap.
| Name | Sleeping Position | Battery Life | Light-Blocking Nose Padding | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones Best Over-all | Any | 10 hours | Y | BUY |
| LC-dolida Sleeping Headphones Strong Runner-Up #1 | Any | 10 hours | Y | BUY |
| Voerou Sleep Headphones Strong Runner-Up #2 | Soldier | 8 hours | Y | BUY |
| TOPOINT Sleep Eye Mask Wireless Headphones Budget Pick #1 | Soldier | 9 hours | Y | BUY |
| Jaok Sleep Headphones Budget Pick #2 | Soldier | 10 hours | N | BUY |
| HIGHEVER Wireless Sleep Headphones Best Multi-purpose | Any | 10 hours | N | BUY |
How to Pick the Best Sleep Mask with Headphones
In today’s hectic and stressful world, good quality sleep has become quite a commodity. For most people, the obvious antagonists for quality sleep are noise and light.
It is no secret that noise can prevent or disturb your sleep. During sleep, our hearing naturally becomes sensitive to sound — especially high-pitched sounds. It’s good that this trait allows people to hear fire alarms or their babies crying at night. However, for someone who just wants to get a full sleep, this could be a problem.
On the other hand, light also interferes with our body’s ability to sleep. More specifically, light delays the release of melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone responsible for making us sleepy and our body naturally produces it at night. Thus, the more light you are seeing, the more active you feel.
Fortunately, both these disruptions can be countered by using sleep masks and earplugs or noise-isolation headphones. Combine those two, and you have ‘sleep mask headphones.’
Sleep mask headphones may sound like your all-in-one solution to your sleeping problems. However, picking the best one in the market is still not that easy because of the factors you have to consider.
Let’s get over these factors one by one.
Can it block the light well enough?
As mentioned, light interferes with the body’s natural clock called the Circadian Rhythm. It slows down the release and production of melatonin, which then prevents us from feeling sleepy. Any form of light from sunlight to even your phone screen’s light will have this effect.
Sleep masks are simple solutions to this problem. These wearable eye covers can easily block out light. A good mask shouldn’t let a single ray of light, thus, enabling your body and brain to process sleep.
Anything from bandanas to headband-type headphones can be used as a sleeping mask. However, for better comfort and results, headphones specifically designed to be sleep masks are recommended.
In general, sleep mask headphones have sleep-specific design considerations already. More specifically, they are contoured to seal the nose bridge to prevent light from getting inside through that area. Other light-blocking techniques that these products use include using cotton and thicker padding to prevent light penetration.
Eye protection
When it comes to eye masks, you can choose one that has an eye cavity or one that doesn’t. These two huge physical differences affect how much your eyelids would be able to move while wearing the mask.
To be more exact, the one with the eye cavity will allow your eyes to open and close freely. Without these cavities, your sleep mask will gently press onto your eyelids to prevent them from opening. Choosing between these two is mostly a matter of preference, but can also be for medical reasons.
Some people like their eyes to be forced shut to facilitate sleep. This is especially important to light sleepers and patients who sleep with their eyes open.
On the flip side, some people prefer their eyes opened to see total darkness. If you’re one of these people, be sure to get one that has an eye cavity to allow eyelid movement. Those who easily get eye irritations should also get this type of mask to avoid contact with your eyelids.
Is the fabric comfortable?
As with most sleep headphones, one of the biggest concerns with sleep mask headphones is comfortability.
Unlike other types of headphones, sleep mask headphones, in general, are made out of fabric. As mentioned earlier, the type of fabric plays a huge role in blocking light. But more than that, it is also a huge factor when it comes to comfort since it touches the sensitive eye and ear area.
Sleeping masks and sleep mask headphones can be made with different kinds of fabric. And each has its own pros and cons. Here are the most common materials for sleep mask headphones:
- Cotton: These are soft and can block light effectively. Moreover, their ability to absorb moisture well is good. But, this can also be a hygiene issue for those who sweat a lot. More sweat means more bacteria and odor for the material.
- Silk: It is lightweight and it can block light well. Perhaps the best trait of this material is the fact that it is hypoallergenic. However, silk is very delicate and is hard to wash.
- Polyester: This synthetic material was made to be the more durable, lightweight, and cheaper version of cotton. However, when it comes to moisture absorption, it is the total opposite. Polyester repels water so don’t be surprised to find sweat spots when using this.
- Satin: This is the lovechild of cotton and silk so you could expect the best of those two worlds for this material. Satin is a synthetic material that is lightweight like silks and breathable like cotton. This material is not very elastic, though, so it is prone to wear and tear.
Aside from the fabric cover, you should also consider the type of foam used in the sleep mask. Generally, memory foam is the most recommended, albeit one of the most expensive as well. Memory foam can easily take the shape of whatever object it is pressed up against.
For sleep masks, this is an important trait that seals the eye area and prevents light from entering. This material also absorbs and retains heat very well. Thus, it can cause sweating and discomfort due to heat.
Noise Isolation & Fit
A good and well-fitted sleep mask headphones should be able to stay in place despite twists and turns during sleep.
It is no secret that we unconsciously move around while sleeping. Some move more than others but, either way, a sleep mask should stay on. If not, light could leak in and potentially interrupt your nap.
However, although it is our priority to keep the mask on, it still shouldn’t be too tight. A mask that’s too tight can impede blood flow to the eyes and cause blurry vision. Also, you wouldn’t want to go outside with an obvious contour of the sleep mask on your face, right?
Apart from light leaks, a properly fitted sleep mask would effectively prevent noise from penetrating in as well.
Although, again, you wouldn’t want it to be too tight to cause pain and discomfort for your ears. The ear is composed of the smallest bones in the body so having them compressed tightly during an 8-hour nap will cause tension headaches.
What’s best for my sleeping position?
The sleeping position might be trivial in most cases but when it comes to picking out the best sleep mask headphones, it becomes crucial. Sleeping with headphones can be something users need to get used to. How to sleep with headphones, safely and efficiently, may be a challenge to some. So the best way to adjust is to not be forced to modify their sleeping habits.
Sleeping position influences which part of the headphones are squeezed or slept on and which ones are not.
For the sake of discussion, we’ll divide the sleeping positions into three different categories: Soldier, Side Sleeper, and Roller. Here’s a quick rundown of what characterizes these positions:
- Soldier: This position is characterized by a back laid flat on the bed with the hands on the side. As a result, the pressure is on the back part of the head of the user.
- Side Sleeper: As the name suggests, side sleepers sleep on either side of their body. With this, the side part or the ear area of the head receives the most pressure.
- Roller: Rollers are the ones who would often wake up in different positions. These people tend to move around more in bed. With that said, any part of the head could be squeezed at any time during sleep.
Different types of headphones are suited for different types of positions.
Soldiers have the most freedom when it comes to choosing headphones. The position allows any type of headphone to work properly without pressing onto any external object.
For Side Sleepers, it’s always a good idea to invest in sleep mask headphones with ultra-thin speakers and good padding. This ensures that there’ll be little to no pressure on the ear even when the weight of your head is pressed through it. Also, most sleep mask headphones have built-in Bluetooth modules for controls. For side-sleepers, it’s best to invest in those whose controls are located in the forehead and not on the side of the headphones.
Rollers are the trickiest but the typical sleep mask headphones that are good for side sleepers can also be good for rollers. However, these headphones should have a snug fit to maintain position throughout a whole night’s sleep with tosses and turns.
Battery life
Most wireless headphones for sleeping are wireless and are therefore powered by batteries. A pair of sleep mask headphones that have a good battery should be able to last throughout your whole sleep. With that said, you would want to look into around 8-10 hours of life.
Charging time is also something you need to think about when getting a pair of sleep mask headphones. The faster the device could charge, the sooner you would be able to sleep.
Additionally, you need to find a sleep mask headphone that does not have battery notifications or alert sounds when the battery is low. Alerts can be helpful for headphones but can be distracting and annoying, especially when it interrupts your sleep. Be sure to check the product for this feature.
Is it washable?
Sleep masks, whether 3D or not, come in contact with the delicate parts of the skin. As mentioned, the skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive area of the body. Safe to say that you wouldn’t want dirt or bacteria to reach that part of your face, so you need to constantly wash your sleep mask.
As a rule of thumb, you should wash it once you notice foul odor or discoloration on the fabric. Of course, for better hygiene, you wouldn’t want to wait for that to happen. Washing your mask daily is recommended, especially for those who sweat more than others. For those who do not sweat that much, washing it weekly should still be good.
Generally speaking, sleep masks with headphones are washable. You simply need to open up the headband, often sealed with velcro, and take off the headphones. This will leave you with a fabric body that you can wash regularly.
Some sleep mask headphones are waterproof, which makes things a lot easier. However, be sure to check the product’s IP rating to see how much water you can wash it with. Refer to this chart for reference.
6 Best Sleep Mask with Headphones in 2023
MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones
Key features:
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology that can pair with any device within 33 feet
- 10 hours of playing time with 1-2 hours quick charging
- Premium memory foam with ice silk lining
- Adjustable and suited for all sleeping positions
- Washable
The MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones have everything that you can ask from a pair of sleep mask headphones. With that, it deserves the title of best overall in this list.
For starters, these sleep mask headphones run with Bluetooth 5.0 technology. While connected, the headphones could run up to 10 hours and fully charge within 2 hours. Also, you wouldn’t have to worry about sleep interruptions because they won’t beep or alert you when the battery runs down.
It makes use of ultra-thin speakers that won’t interfere or cause discomfort for side sleepers. The speakers can also be easily removed when the mask needs to be washed. The face of the sleep mask is made out of cotton for maximum light blocking. It also has an eye cavity lined up with memory foam and ice silk for comfort.
These sleep headphones also have an adjustable close-fitting nose pad to properly contour the nose. It prevents any form of light from penetrating through the nasal area. The mask itself also features an elastic adjustable band at the back for a better fit.
Unfortunately, the product is not waterproof so you would need to remove the thin headphones before washing it. Other than that, the product is simply great and it really gets all things right.
LC-dolida Sleeping Headphones
Key features:
- 3D Design lessens the pressure on the eyes
- Bluetooth V5.0 Stereo Sound with Long Play Time
- 10 hours of playing time with 2-2.5 hours quick charging
- Made out of memory foam and soft hypoallergenic fabric
- Adjustable and washable
- For Rollers and all other sleeping positions
Challenging the MUSICOZY headphones for the top spot in this list is the LC-dolida Sleeping Headphones. The two basically have the same set of features but differ in three key areas: price, battery, and material.
For starters, it features Bluetooth 5.0 technology stereo sound. This wireless technology also allows long-distance pairing between the audio source and the headphones. To be more exact, it can also connect to any device within 33 feet.
They are made out of memory foam and soft hypoallergenic fabric. It has a 3D design that prevents pressure on the eyes and decently blocks light. It is great for side sleepers and can be adjusted to the users’ preferences.
The LC-dolida sleeping headphones can also be washed after removing the Bluetooth speakers. It is an adjustable device that can squeeze out 10 hours of playing time from 2-2.5 hours of charging time. Its battery is just slightly behind MUZICOZY’s 1-2 hour charging time.
In a head to head comparison, the LC-dolida headphones just came a little short of the top spot, but it still is exemplary. LC-dolida still got the factors right which is why it is the strongest runner-up here. It just so happens that MUSICOZY’s bet is a little over a dollar cheaper with slightly better material and battery.
Voerou Sleep Headphones
Key features:
- Made out of slow- rebound memory foam and lined with smooth fabric
- Has an elastic soft strap and invisible foam on the nose section to prevent light
- Ultra-thin speakers that can be removed before washing
- 8-9 hours of playing time for 2-2.5 hours of charging
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- For Soldier sleepers
Another strong runner-up for the top spot is the Voerou Sleep Headphones. But unlike the previous two front-runners in this list, Voerou’s bet does not have 3D design. This makes it the best choice for those who prefer to have their eyes forced shut during sleep.
As for this sleep mask’s features, it pretty much has everything covered — figuratively and literally. This is a Bluetooth 5.0 sleep mask with a pair of ultra-thin speakers that can be easily removed during washing. The same speakers can also be paired to any compatible device within 33 feet.
It is made out of slow-rebound memory foam that is lined with ultra-fine fiber fabric for maximum comfort. The fabric also has heat dissipation and absorbs sweat well. The nose area is also lined with an invisible foam to prevent any form of glare or light from penetrating. At the back of the product is an adjustable velcro strap.
The Voerou Sleep Headphones’ battery is also worthy of mentioning. You can get around 8-9 hours of playing time with 2-2.5 hours of charging. Its battery is just a tad better than the LC-dolida Sleeping Headphones.
All in all, the Voerou sleep headphones are cheaper alternatives to its LC-dolida counterpart. The position of the Bluetooth panel limits the product only to those who sleep in an upright position. However, if you do not mind this and the absence of an eye cavity, then these should still be good for you.
TOPOINT Sleep Eye Mask Wireless Headphones
Key features:
- Bending cartilage design blocks lights from the nose area
- 9 hours of playing time from 2-2.5 hours of charging
- True HD high fidelity Bluetooth 5.0 speakers
- Made out of velvet and elastic cotton
- For Soldier sleepers
At around $21, the TOPOINT Sleep Eye Mask Wireless Headphones is the third cheapest option on this list. Despite the relatively low price, it still packs a complete set of features. Let’s get to these one-by-one.
The TOPOINT Sleep Eye Mask Wireless Headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.0 technology. It has true HD high fidelity speakers that can be removed for easier washing. The speakers’ battery could also last the whole night with 9 hours for a 2-2.5 hour charge.
Perhaps the most unique feature of this product is the bending cartilage design. This simple yet effective design consideration perfectly contours the nose to prevent any light from seeping in.
TOPOINT used velvet and elastic cotton for this one. This fabric combination is great for blocking light out but it may not be the most breathable one. Despite that, these headphones perform exceedingly well for its price.
Jaok Sleep Headphones
Key features:
- 3 in 1 design allows it to be used as a headband
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology ultra-thin speakers
- 10 hours of playing time from 2 hours of charging
- Made out of soft elastic fabric
- For Soldier sleepers
TOPOINT may be the best budget option in this list but the JAOK Sleep Headphones rightfully deserve the silver medal in this category. At around $15, this pair of sleep headphones is the cheapest option here. Despite that, they are complete with features and are designed uniquely.
The Jaok Sleep Headphones are headband-type sleep masks. This design allows it to double as a sports headband that you can use to get your hair out of the way during activities. It is made out of soft elastic polyester that can easily fit your head and absorb sweat.
These headphones make use of Bluetooth 5.0 ultra-thin speakers much like the others on this list. However, it has a longer 10-hour long playing time that will last through your full night’s sleep or your typical workout routine.
The low price and the headband design make it attractive to those who are looking for the best-valued option here. Do remember that headband-type sleep masks are not the best when it comes to blocking light. The elastic nature of the material used won’t be able to totally block light particles and it does not have a nose contour to prevent glare as well.
HIGHEVER Wireless Sleep Headphones
Key features:
- IPX6 rating
- Ultra-thin speakers
- 10 hours of music of 12 hours of talk for 2 hours of charging time
- Made out of breathable fabric with a mesh lining for added sealing
- Suitable for all sleeping positions
Last, but not least, is the HIGHEVER Wireless sleep headphones. These are the best multipurpose sleep mask headphones on this list and rightfully so. It was designed to be used as a sports headband and can function well as a sleep mask also.
It has ultra-thin speakers powered by Bluetooth 5.0. However, what gives this the edge over the other options in this list is its IPX6 rating. This means that you can wash the product without having to remove the speakers. For more thorough washing, though, we recommend that the headphones be removed.
These sleep headphones are made out of breathable elastic fabric much like the one from JAOK above. However, HIGHEVER added a mesh lining on the edges of the headband to provide additional sealing. This prevents a little more glare from penetrating.
Again, headband-type sleep masks may not be the best option if you are looking for a product that will really block out light. But, if you’ll be using this as a headband the same amount of time you’ll be using it as a sleep mask, then we would recommend this.
I have tried a couple of sleep masks, my problem is the headphones they always make my ears sore. I think that the area around the ears needs more padding. Right now I am trying to figure out how I can add padding to the ones I have now.
Which mask is preferable in summer