Most passengers find that sleeping on board an aircraft to be a bit of a nightmare.
The compact seats, the lack of legroom, the whirr of the jets and the Arctic temperatures are bad enough, but for me, it’s the sudden whipping up of the window blinds that’s most jarring.
Suddenly, light floods the cabin, jolting you into consciousness, as your circadian rhythm battles to catch up through time zones.
I’ve encountered the same problem even when turning left upon boarding. Red eye, it seemed once, was a universal affliction.
I say once, because I have since found a solution to my on-board sleeping woes, and I’m kicking myself for not discovering it sooner. It’s simple, you see: a contoured eye mask.
Because honestly, those tragic polyester elastic-banded charlatans that airlines pack into their passenger washbags, alongside a toothbrush and (admittedly) adorable tiny toothpaste, aren’t doing much, except creating unwelcome static, snagging in your hair, and smearing the last, stubborn traces of mascara around your peepers.
Contoured eye masks, also known as 3D eye masks, are so called because they feature a little ridge around the eye socket, raising the mask off your eyelids while creating a blackout seal through which no light has hope of penetrating. They’re incredibly comfortable, even if you’re not accustomed to wearing a mask, and will help to keep you asleep even if you happen to stir between sleep cycles and open your eyes briefly. Such light-blocking masks are also useful as we age and sleep becomes more fragmented. Love the look of eyelash extensions? This type of mask will protect your lashes while allowing you to bank those precious 40 winks.
When teamed with a neck pillow and a blanket, the situation becomes... Well, if not as comfortable as a flat bed, certainly a fair more bearable prospect when staring down the barrel of a long-haul trip.
They’re tiny and fold into hand luggage easily, but offer a world of difference in helping you nod off while you’re travelling. I’ve rounded up the best ones available right now to help you find your new favourite flight companion and leave the days of feeling plane tired far behind.
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Kuddly 3D Sleep Mask
Better known for its line of hoodie blankets, Kuddly has a hand in the 3D eye mask game too. Two padded rings cup your eye sockets, shutting light out until it’s time to get up. The simple piece features a wide band of Velcro to fit all head sizes, is machine washable, and comes with a drawstring travel bag so you can have it ready until you next need it.
Buy now £19.00, Kuddly
Drowsy Breakfast at Drowsy Eyelash Protecting Mask
Theatre at 35,000ft? That's exactly what sleep brand Drowsy is serving with its latest launch, modelled on the mask famously worn in the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany's.
The teal design is party at the front and business at the back with fringing and sequins creating an appealing look on the exterior and eyelash-protecting 3D technology on the skin-facing side.
If you want to make every flight feel like you're flying First, this is a great way to go about it.
Buy now £79.00, Drowsy
Slip Contour Sleep Mask
Maker of sumptuously silky pillowcases and hairbands, SLIP has glided into the heady world of eye masks, and for that, we are grateful.
Its contoured design is ideal for anyone with sensitive eyes or lash extensions, as the 3D border will keep the mask clear off your eyelids while ensuring total, blissful darkness. Beauty sleep never looked so good.
Buy now £66.00, Space NK
Blissy Sleep Mask Champagne
A champagne lifestyle on a cava budget, this light gold 3D mask is a pocket-friendly purchase, especially if you're someone who struggles to nod off, whether you're at home or away. It's crafted with 22-momme mulberry silk, which feels light yet airy, and crucially, won't drag the delicate under-eye skin area, helping to prevent dreaded 'pillow face' come the morning.
Buy now £36.00, Blissy
SMUG 100% Blackout Sleep & Eye Mask
Proving you need not dig too deep into your piggybank to enjoy the light-blocking, sleep-encouraging benefits of a 3D mask is Smug. Rather than a ridge, the eye mask is shaped a little like a bra, resting on the outer edges of the face and cupping the entire eye area, promising 100 per cent blackout so you can nap, meditate or snooze in peace. It fastens with Velcro and is adjustable, so should suit all sizes.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
