I’m a travel writer and American living in Japan. Every year, I spend entire days and nights on planes, followed by days and nights in unfamiliar hotel beds. Wearing compression socks and breathable layers helps me stay comfortable on travel days, but deep, restful sleep often eludes me.
Fellow frequent travelers swear by specific travel pillows and sleep masks, but I’ve never found something packable for my carry-on-only travel style. That’s one reason I was excited to try the

Blocks out light for restful sleep while protecting the delicate skin around the eyes
on a recent trip back to the US for the holidays.
Unsurprisingly, the silk eye mask was lightweight and comfortable. But this simple accessory also blocked out a surprising amount of light. Keep reading for my full silk eye mask review.
What is the Saatva Silk Eye Mask?
The

Blocks out light for restful sleep while protecting the delicate skin around the eyes
is a lightweight silk eye mask with a silk-covered elastic headband to hold it in place on your face gently.
The mask blocks excess light while gently cushioning the delicate skin around your eyes. The cover is made of long-fiber mulberry silk for a hypoallergenic, breathable, and temperature-regulating finish.
The silk eye mask has a luxurious, frictionless feel thanks to its smooth charmeuse weave and 22 momme silk thread weight. The mask is available in three colors: White, Sand, and Graphite.
Saatva Silk Eye Mask review
The first time I used the

Blocks out light for restful sleep while protecting the delicate skin around the eyes
, I was wedged in a middle economy seat on a 14-hour flight from New York City to Tokyo. Not exactly a sleep-friendly situation. And I have to be honest: I didn’t fall into a deep slumber as it was a daytime flight, so my body wasn’t primed for sleep.
That said, I did notice the calming effects of slipping the eye mask on between lunch and dinner services. The mask slid easily over my hair without causing the tangles or snags I’d get from putting on a cotton or wool pullover.
Once I adjusted the elastic band placement and settled the mask over my eyes, I was surprised at how light and cool it felt—like a gentle cushion on my eyes and nose.
It didn’t feel hot or claustrophobic, and it did block out most of the light from the nearby window and my fellow passengers’ seatback entertainment systems. Putting the eye mask on felt like a tiny moment of calming self-care in an otherwise cramped, crowded place.
Later, when testing the silk eye mask in my bed while fighting jet lag, I noticed the mask almost gave me the same sensation as a weighted blanket.
Once I adjusted the elastic band placement and settled the mask over my eyes, I was surprised at how light and cool it felt—like a gentle cushion on my eyes and nose.
The snug (but not tight) elastic band firmly held the silk against my face with gentle therapeutic pressure, like a reminder to lie back and rest. (The
Like a calming, sleep-enhancing weighted blanket for tired eyes
would be even better at soothing face tension and tired eyes.)
Bottom line: This silk eye mask’s simple but noticeable calming effects surprised me. Adding it to my backpack for upcoming travel—especially night flights—is a no-brainer.
Instead of being a hot or uncomfortable layer, the silk eye mask blocks light while hugging the top of my face with a slightly cool, soothing pressure. Here’s hoping it will help me get a few more hours of shuteye on my next red-eye.
FAQs
Are silk eye masks good for your eyes?
Silk eye masks don’t directly benefit eye health, but research suggests silk could improve the comfort and appearance of skin, including the delicate skin around your eyes. Compared to cotton and other fabrics, the long fibers of silk eye masks reduce friction.
How often should you wash a silk eye mask?
If you wear your silk eye mask every night, laundry experts recommend hand washing it at least once weekly. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to hand wash the silk eye mask with a mild detergent or spot clean with cold water whenever you notice signs of dirt or discoloration.
Do silk eye masks really work?
Yes! Silk eye masks block out light and visual distractions to promote uninterrupted sleep wherever you are. Slipping on your mask also improves sleep hygiene by signaling your brain that it’s time to rest.
Why trust Saatva
I’m a frequent flyer who makes a living writing about travel and health, and I personally tested the

Blocks out light for restful sleep while protecting the delicate skin around the eyes
. I received this eye mask for free in exchange for an honest review, then used it on a recent transpacific flight and while recovering from jet lag at home.
Get more tips for sleeping while traveling
- How to Sleep Better While Traveling
- Travel Sleep Tips for Parents of Babies and Toddlers
- How to Sleep on an Airplane
- How to Sleep on a Train
- How to Sleep on a Cruise Ship
- How to Sleep at the Airport