I've tested a dozen sleep masks. This is the clear winner.

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If you told me a few years ago l’d spend $85 on a sleep mask and it would be one of the best travel purchases I've ever made, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are in 2026, and I absolutely can’t fall asleep anywhere — planes, trains, even in my own bed, without the Manta Pro Sleep Mask.

I fell in love with the mask while testing and comparing sleep masks for an article. This means not only do I really adore this sleep mask, but I also tested about a dozen others that didn’t measure up. Here’s why the Manta Pro Sleep Mask is one of the best investments you can make as a traveler (or just a tired human).

Even when I brought my noise-canceling headphones and neck pillow and wore my coziest travel outfit, I still struggled to catch some shuteye on planes, even when the cabin lights were dimmed.

A few years ago, I interviewed the founder of the Timeshifter app, which can help you reduce jet lag by adjusting your circadian rhythms (which are largely regulated by light exposure). I learned that the way airlines use lighting is not at all conducive to you adjusting to a new time zone, and even the light from my seatmates' IFE screens and reading lights could mess with my circadian rhythms.

After learning this, I decided a proper sleep mask was a must when flying, even if I wasn’t crossing multiple time zones. I wanted to block out all the light fully, but I had never found a mask that could do it while being comfortable at the same time.

When I finally found the Manta Pro Sleep Mask, I was thrilled to discover it blocked out every single ray of light. Its C-shaped, memory foam eye cups created 100% blackout, helping lure me into slumber during long flights. I’ve never looked back.

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Besides fully blocking out the light, the Manta Pro Sleep Mask is extremely comfortable. Its soft, premium materials are adjustable and don’t snag my hair, press on my eyes, or cause irritation. I’m a side sleeper, and the memory foam C-shaped cups simply melt into my pillow, keeping me comfortable in any position. I’m also a hot sleeper, and the mask's materials are breathable and cooling.

I‘ve tried about a dozen sleep masks, including popular ones like the Mavogel and the contoured Mzoo, a few silk masks, a weighted mask, one with headphones, and many others. I’ve also tested numerous sleep masks that come in airplane amenity kits.

The Manta Pro is the most expensive, but it’s also the best, thanks to the full blackout, immense comfort, and general ergonomic design that fits my eyes and face without being annoying.

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It’s true that this mask is $85. However, the mask is washable, and I've had it for six years — and it’s still going strong. The eye cups haven’t warped or stretched out, and the velcro strap is still securely attached without fail. It comes with earplugs and a useful mesh travel case that makes it easy to stick into my carry-on bag wherever I go.

The only downside: I probably look a little silly on planes with this fluffy, purple sleep mask on my face.

And you know what? I don’t care, because I’m probably asleep.

Get the Manta Pro Sleep Mask at Amazon

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