As a sensitive sleeper, I sometimes feel exhausted during the day because I didn’t catch enough zzz’s the previous night. Often — especially when I travel — I spend the night tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep because the room is too hot, too cold, too loud or too bright.
Even if you’re accustomed to a perfectly dark, quiet and climate-controlled environment at home, you’ll likely have less control over these variables when traveling. The Cleveland Clinic has found that people exposed to light while sleeping (even if it’s streetlight glare from outside a window) report greater sleeping trouble, so it’s worth considering how to eliminate this light.
While there is no single fix for all potential sleep-threatening culprits, the Matador Blackout Sleep Mask and Earplugs are a simple, affordable solution to the brightness issue. And I’m convinced it’s one of the best sleep masks on the market.
Let’s take a closer look at this essential piece of travel gear.
Experience ultimate comfort with this sleek sleep mask, designed to block out light without discomfort. Its adjustable hook-and-loop closure ensures a perfect fit for most, while the included earplugs and Velcro pocket add convenience to your sleep routine.
How I found the Matador Blackout Sleep Mask
For as long as I can remember, I have been a very sensitive sleeper. While I’ve been able to control my home environment pretty well (largely thanks to blackout curtains and well-insulated walls and windows), travel often poses numerous challenges to my sleep.
When I stay in a hotel, I always draw the shades and often have to shut the bathroom door to prevent the nightlight from shining into the room. I also find myself unplugging TVs, clocks and even air conditioners or stacking up books and draping clothes over them to block the tiny bright lights they emit all night.
I’ve been sleeping with an eye mask for years — both at home and while traveling — and I’ve tried countless brands, styles and materials. Some are too thick and hot, and others put too much pressure on my eyes. The worst don’t even provide enough coverage, allowing lots of light to seep in around the nose.
I’m always eager to try the latest and greatest sleep mask, so when I heard about the Matador Blackout Sleep Mask, I snatched it up and took it with me on a three-week trip to Sri Lanka. I used it to sleep on the 23-hour flight itinerary. I’ve been back in the US for over a month, and I’m still using it every night at home.
Why the Matador Blackout Sleep Mask is a score
While I’d happily pay more than $25 for a good night’s rest, the Matador Blackout Sleep Mask is the gift that keeps on giving, as my purchase keeps providing me countless nights of restful sleep.
The mask blocks out light more effectively than most other sleep masks I’ve tried, but that’s not even what makes it so special.
This sleep mask shines brightest (dimmest?) thanks to its other unique features. It’s made with breathable materials and a cooling bamboo liner, so it doesn’t feel hot and sticky on your face. The quilted design conforms to your face, blocking out most ambient light, even when sleeping on your side. And this smartly designed mask has its own storage pocket for easy transport.
My favorite feature, however, has to be the small built-in earplug pocket. As a sensitive sleeper, I always bring earplugs when traveling but often don’t know where to put them. When I leave them in the bed, they get lost in the sheets or fall behind the bed. They sometimes fall on the floor when I rest them on the nightstand. When I pack them up to move to the next hotel, I either pack a separate container or let them dust around in my toiletries bag, collecting dirt and hair.
With the Matador Blackout Sleep Mask, I simply tuck the earplugs inside the mask’s pocket, and I’ll know exactly where to find them next time I need them.