Great review, thank you. I've ordered the new version of the Alaska Bear. I've never worn a sleep mask before but I sleep on my side and stomach and the Alaska Bear seems like a more minimal mask in terms of padding around the face that would tend to keep me awake. Thank you for your time in putting this review together.🙂
You're welcome - I'm glad you liked the review! The Alaska Bear is definitely a good one to try if you sleep on your side and front. Let me know if you like it when you've tried it.
@peggy7064 how did you feel after using the Alaska bear as a front sleeper? Was it comfortable to use and easy to fall asleep with when you're sleeping on your belly?
If you have a firm pillow, it could be. I found it okay with a soft pillow though. It also depends on how sensitive you are to the feeling of these strap. There is always going to be some material behind your head by nature of their design. The question is where is each person's own line between it being tolerable and uncomfortable?
Good to know! I was thinking of trying the Pro, but decided to stick with the original for this video. I would like to compare the two at some point though.
I have the pro and it's a fantastic mask but I constantly wake up and have taken it off in my sleep and notice as a side sleeper you can still feel slight pressure on from the eye pockets
Thanks for sharing your experience Kathlaenn. It's definitely one of the softest ones I've tried too. It's good to hear the light blocking is so effective for you.
this one is the comfiest ive used yet, but ive had two now and both straps got outstretched by my big head, and you cant replace it as its sewn in. so huge head ppl might want to avoid this one.
I am surprised why I didn't discover sleep masks before. I bought cheap one for first try and I slept more than usual. Now ready to invest more premium sleep mask
@@nosleeplessnights1 I did not have much time to research, I will come back to this video. But I sleep with on a side and face down, and I am active through the night. For me, meter mask to stay in place.
I hope the video is helpful then! If you sleep face down, you will probably find a flat mask more comfortable than a large contoured one. Take a look at the sections for the Alaska Bear and Mavogel to start with.
I have the Manta sleep mask and love it. I'm a side sleeper and don't have any issues. I noticed your eye "cups" are further apart than I need; that may have caused the light and lumpy issues you experienced. Great video thx!
Thanks! Glad you liked the video. I don't know - I gave it to my partner to try and she thought the same. She is much smaller than me, and had the cups further in to suit her face. Maybe it's your pillow that makes it work for you, or you have more tolerance for the material. Good to know it can work that well for some side sleepers though!
Thank you for this. I'm looking to get a my very first sleep mask and found this video extremely helpful. I'm a side and front sleeper so I will try the Alaska Bear and see how it goes. Cheers.
Thanks so much for this review, looking at the masks in different sleeping positions really helped me narrow down the right one. I've gone with the Alaska Bear, it feels so amazingly soft I can't believe it, and allows me to sleep on my stomach while wearing the mask.
You're welcome! Thanks for the feedback too - I wasn't sure how much people would appreciate seeing me wearing them in different positions, so it's good to know at least one person found it helpful! I'm glad you like the Alaska Bear mask, and hope it lasts the test of time for you.
Excelentes recomendaciones, tienes un video donde recomiendes almohadas? Tengo dificultad para encontrar una almohada q me ayude a tener buen descanso. Gracias por compartir. Saludos
Hola Angela! Gracias por sus palabras amables. No he hecho ninguna revisión reciente de almohadas, así que no puedo darte una buena recomendación en este momento. también depende del país en el que te encuentres, ya que los productos de dormitorio varían de un país a otro. Lo siento, no puedo ayudar más, pero gracias por recordarme las almohadas, porque realmente debería volver a probarlas. Un saludo tambien:-)
Any of them are fine for back sleepers I think. One thing to keep in mind is how bulky the strap is at the back, and if you think that might press into your head. As for the cold concept, I think it's more a case of just feeling relaxing before you fall asleep. They don't stay cool all night anyway because your body heat and room temperature warm them up. My partner sleeps on her back and absolutely loves the Imak. She says the material itself feels cooler than the Barmy, even when it hasn't been cooled. The strap is much thinner too, so does't press into her head as much.
Probably one of the thin silk sleep masks as they create less bulk on the side of your face. I haven't tried the Manta slim, so can't comment on that one.
2:59 im pretty sure that you placed the foam wrong. It should be the other way around. Maybe if you had placed them properly it wouldnt bother you as much at your nose and sides of your face, while sleeping on your shoulder
I may have done for that part of the video as I was messing around with all the parts that day, but I filmed it at a completely different time to using them in bed anyway. I also tried them both ways round in bed, and in different positions to see what it was like. And in all cases, you still feel the lump on the side of your face.
How have you found the bedtime bliss after prolonged usage? I got a similar designed contoured mask from a lesser brand and the outer fabric peeled away from the foam after a few weeks. I hope the bedtime bliss has higher quality manufacturing.
Thank you! Really appreciate the thought that went into your reviews like sensitive noses (my nose being overly annoying come bed time). So again, thank you very much for sharing! 😊
I know, they seem to regularly change the styles and add or remove new ones! I just took a look, and I believe the one in my video is currently called the black original, because the black looks like the contoured version. If they send you the wrong one, you'll be able to exchange it though.
@@nosleeplessnights1 That’s no problem! Thank you for a response nonetheless! Though if I may also ask, do you recommend any sleeping mask that is best with both comfort and helps light sleepers when it comes to noise (for example others talking in the same room)?
The Manta is not a 100% light blokking. It just doesn’t. It shouldn’t be light grey, but black to block out all the light. It is supremely comfortable though.
Unfortunately, not all sleep masks will work equally for everyone as the face shape and sleeping position play a role too. It works very well for me though!
Not in terms of effectiveness, no. I think you can just pick the one you think is most likely to suit you. I'd avoid the weighted ones though as they need you to be horizontal otherwise they'll slide down your face and put too much pressure on your nose. And perhaps choose one with a thinner strap so you don't feel the lump in the back of your head.
Good question, but none of them are good for noise blocking really. For that, you're better off with separate earplugs, headphones, a white noise machine, or some other form of sound insulation in the room. For light, as I said in the review it depends what style suits you best.
Thank you so much. Honestly I still haven;t found one that doesn't bother me: I can't stand the lump behind my head (the two velcro parts put together are always too thick, ot thet little plastic piece some of them have to adjust the lenght) Those as my main problem, plus the light coming under the nose, either you adjust it tight, with a nice headache after wearing it for a few hours, or you leave it loose and it will move letting the light in... Still on the search, using atm the "SMUG" model, found in TKMAXX for £4, in case it helps to anyone. Thank you again 😊
You're welcome! I agree that the two issues you mentioned are common ones, and difficult to get around. I was thinking the other day that if you just want a daytime nap and are happy to lie on you back, you could probably get a good result from just buying a length of opaque silk, or other material you like, and simply draping it over your eyes. No lump on the back of your head, and you can shape the material over your eyes and the bridge of your nose how you like. Then you just have to lie completely still for the duration of your nap! But for longer sleeps, or other positions, it's back to trying to find the most comfortable sleep mask for the job...
You're right, there are a few versions and they make changes periodically, which makes it tricky to keep up. Sometimes it's the same mask, but they tweak the name, description or photos slightly. Currently, they still sell the one I reviewed in this video and I still recommend it. If you prefer a contoured design, you could give one of those ones a go too. I haven't tried the latest ones I can see on their store now, but I imagine they are pretty good quality. The issue, as always, is not being able to predict in advance whether they will suit your facial features.
i tried a sleep mask (high ratings on amazon) but I didn't like it. It blocked out light which is great, but it warmed up, specially on my forehead and I end up removing it cause it is uncomfortable. I am guessing it is because that brand Mzoo is made of memory foam. Does the masks that you reviewed remain cool? thank you
The silk and cotton ones feel cooler than the memory foam ones in general. The two you can cool in the fridge or freezer feel cool for quite a while too, until your body heat and room temperature warm them up.
I don't think any of these would fit a 27 inch circumference head without being extremely tight (if they even stretch enough) I'm afraid. You might need to get one adjusted with a custom strap, which should be a relatively simple job for a tailor or anyone handy with a needle and thread.
I'd say any of the flatter masks, made from silk or cotton. You might be ok with one or two contoured masks, but it's very much a case of trial and error with those if you lie on your side or front.
Not sure if youve tried it but i bought the mantra pro but found i struggle to relax my eyes with it on . Not sure if the cups need to be adjusted for my eye structure or if you have any suggested masks that are easy on the eye pressure?
I haven't tried that one, but have thought about giving it a go. What is it exactly that feels uncomfortable? Does it feel too tight and put pressure around your eyes?
The Alaska Bear or Mavogel maybe. The Alaska Bear, being flat and silk, will be right over your eyes. The Mavogel has some light contouring, but still sits quite close. The trick is to balance how tight you tie the strap with the style you like so as not to create too much pressure. That might also be an issue you had with the Manta?
Can you paste a link in a reply? I'll delete it afterwards, but would like to take a look and tell you what I think as far as I can tell from the photos.
Hi, have you tested any sleep mask with earmuffs? I'm desperately looking for a mask that will block/reduce noise. Earplugs are too uncomfortable for me. Thanks for the review.
The thinner sleep masks tend to have the most lightweight straps, as you can see in the video. But some people might find those end up digging into the crease on the top of the ear, so it's hard to say which one will or won't put pressure on your ear.
Great review, thank you. I've ordered the new version of the Alaska Bear. I've never worn a sleep mask before but I sleep on my side and stomach and the Alaska Bear seems like a more minimal mask in terms of padding around the face that would tend to keep me awake. Thank you for your time in putting this review together.🙂
You're welcome - I'm glad you liked the review! The Alaska Bear is definitely a good one to try if you sleep on your side and front. Let me know if you like it when you've tried it.
@peggy7064 how did you feel after using the Alaska bear as a front sleeper? Was it comfortable to use and easy to fall asleep with when you're sleeping on your belly?
Isn't the Manta mask strap hook too lumpy when sleeping on the back?
If you have a firm pillow, it could be. I found it okay with a soft pillow though. It also depends on how sensitive you are to the feeling of these strap. There is always going to be some material behind your head by nature of their design. The question is where is each person's own line between it being tolerable and uncomfortable?
@nosleeplessnights1 Thank you!
No problem
I love the pro manta sleep mask! Been using it for the last 6 month.
Good to know! I was thinking of trying the Pro, but decided to stick with the original for this video. I would like to compare the two at some point though.
@@nosleeplessnights1 pro version improves on all the flaws you mentioned for the basic manta. you should definitely try it
I have the pro and it's a fantastic mask but I constantly wake up and have taken it off in my sleep and notice as a side sleeper you can still feel slight pressure on from the eye pockets
I love the Mavogel cotton sleep mask！It is quite soft and can block out light perfectly.
Thanks for sharing your experience Kathlaenn. It's definitely one of the softest ones I've tried too. It's good to hear the light blocking is so effective for you.
this one is the comfiest ive used yet, but ive had two now and both straps got outstretched by my big head, and you cant replace it as its sewn in. so huge head ppl might want to avoid this one.
I am surprised why I didn't discover sleep masks before.
I bought cheap one for first try and I slept more than usual.
Now ready to invest more premium sleep mask
Do you know which one you're going to try next?
@@nosleeplessnights1 I did not have much time to research, I will come back to this video. But I sleep with on a side and face down, and I am active through the night. For me, meter mask to stay in place.
I hope the video is helpful then! If you sleep face down, you will probably find a flat mask more comfortable than a large contoured one. Take a look at the sections for the Alaska Bear and Mavogel to start with.
@@nosleeplessnights1 thank you,
I have the Manta sleep mask and love it. I'm a side sleeper and don't have any issues. I noticed your eye "cups" are further apart than I need; that may have caused the light and lumpy issues you experienced. Great video thx!
Thanks! Glad you liked the video. I don't know - I gave it to my partner to try and she thought the same. She is much smaller than me, and had the cups further in to suit her face. Maybe it's your pillow that makes it work for you, or you have more tolerance for the material. Good to know it can work that well for some side sleepers though!
@@nosleeplessnights1 Who knows. As long as we are happy with the one we have.
Thank you for this. I'm looking to get a my very first sleep mask and found this video extremely helpful. I'm a side and front sleeper so I will try the Alaska Bear and see how it goes. Cheers.
You're welcome Mike - glad it was helpful. I hope you like the Alaska Bear - let me know!
Thanks so much for this review, looking at the masks in different sleeping positions really helped me narrow down the right one. I've gone with the Alaska Bear, it feels so amazingly soft I can't believe it, and allows me to sleep on my stomach while wearing the mask.
You're welcome! Thanks for the feedback too - I wasn't sure how much people would appreciate seeing me wearing them in different positions, so it's good to know at least one person found it helpful! I'm glad you like the Alaska Bear mask, and hope it lasts the test of time for you.
Thank you! gonna buy the alaska bear with two straps, im also a stomach sleeper and i think it will help me@@nosleeplessnights1
Let me know if you like the mask!
It's great! Can barely feel it on my face as a tummy sleeper. Solid recommendation👍
I wish all reviews were as thorough as yours! Bravo 👏
That's very kind of you to say - thank you!
Thank you very much for this detailed presentation! It was great!
You're welcome - I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for the kind feedback too.
Excelentes recomendaciones, tienes un video donde recomiendes almohadas? Tengo dificultad para encontrar una almohada q me ayude a tener buen descanso. Gracias por compartir. Saludos
Hola Angela! Gracias por sus palabras amables. No he hecho ninguna revisión reciente de almohadas, así que no puedo darte una buena recomendación en este momento. también depende del país en el que te encuentres, ya que los productos de dormitorio varían de un país a otro. Lo siento, no puedo ayudar más, pero gracias por recordarme las almohadas, porque realmente debería volver a probarlas. Un saludo tambien:-)
Thanks, after watching your review, I decided on the medigrade mask and I love it
You're welcome - I'm glad you liked the one you chose in the end!
Thank you! This video is excactly what i needed!
That's great to hear:-)
Hi there! I sleep on my back, so i was wondering which sleep mask is the best for back sleepers?
and also, does the cold thing actually make sleeping more relaxing? if so, whats the best mask for back sleepers thats cold
Any of them are fine for back sleepers I think. One thing to keep in mind is how bulky the strap is at the back, and if you think that might press into your head.
As for the cold concept, I think it's more a case of just feeling relaxing before you fall asleep. They don't stay cool all night anyway because your body heat and room temperature warm them up. My partner sleeps on her back and absolutely loves the Imak. She says the material itself feels cooler than the Barmy, even when it hasn't been cooled. The strap is much thinner too, so does't press into her head as much.
@@nosleeplessnights1 ok
hello, what would you recommend for side sleepers who want the best eye blockage? I was thinking of a manta slim sleeping mask
Probably one of the thin silk sleep masks as they create less bulk on the side of your face. I haven't tried the Manta slim, so can't comment on that one.
Get the tempur side sleeper mask.it’s affordable, made in Germany and super effective and made for side sleepers (and front sleepers)
Thanks for the reviews I was looking at the Manta Pro but stupidly expensive so I've ordered the Alaska Bear 👍
You're welcome - I hope you like it!
2:59 im pretty sure that you placed the foam wrong. It should be the other way around. Maybe if you had placed them properly it wouldnt bother you as much at your nose and sides of your face, while sleeping on your shoulder
I may have done for that part of the video as I was messing around with all the parts that day, but I filmed it at a completely different time to using them in bed anyway.
I also tried them both ways round in bed, and in different positions to see what it was like. And in all cases, you still feel the lump on the side of your face.
How have you found the bedtime bliss after prolonged usage? I got a similar designed contoured mask from a lesser brand and the outer fabric peeled away from the foam after a few weeks. I hope the bedtime bliss has higher quality manufacturing.
If you use it regularly, I would not anticipate it lasting indefinitely, put it that way!
Thank you! Really appreciate the thought that went into your reviews like sensitive noses (my nose being overly annoying come bed time).
So again, thank you very much for sharing! 😊
You're welcome! I'm happy to hear that point about sensitivity was helpful:-)
Very helpful review, thank you!
You're welcome! I'm happy to hear you liked the review.
Because of the way the cartilage lies against your skin? 5:28
On your nose/skin. It can put pressure on the nose area, which I imagine some people might find uncomfortable.
There are multiple alaska bear should I get the black or original black please
I know, they seem to regularly change the styles and add or remove new ones! I just took a look, and I believe the one in my video is currently called the black original, because the black looks like the contoured version. If they send you the wrong one, you'll be able to exchange it though.
Question, for sleeping masks (side sleeping specifically), what mask would you recommend that has noise canceling Bluetooth?
I haven't reviewed that type, so can't recommend any at this point. Sorry!
@@nosleeplessnights1 That’s no problem! Thank you for a response nonetheless! Though if I may also ask, do you recommend any sleeping mask that is best with both comfort and helps light sleepers when it comes to noise (for example others talking in the same room)?
You're welcome. At this time, there isn't a sleep mask I've tried that would help with noise in any meaningful way.
The Manta is not a 100% light blokking. It just doesn’t. It shouldn’t be light grey, but black to block out all the light. It is supremely comfortable though.
Unfortunately, not all sleep masks will work equally for everyone as the face shape and sleeping position play a role too. It works very well for me though!
manta pro is 100% light blocking, especially for side sleepers (been using it for 3 months now)
Any particular one you would recommend for planes only? Or does it not make a difference
Not in terms of effectiveness, no. I think you can just pick the one you think is most likely to suit you. I'd avoid the weighted ones though as they need you to be horizontal otherwise they'll slide down your face and put too much pressure on your nose.
And perhaps choose one with a thinner strap so you don't feel the lump in the back of your head.
Can you try Marino wool eye mask?
I will keep that in mind as an idea for next time!
Thank you for sharing this information!
You're very welcome. I hope it was useful:-)
Hi what would you recommend for light and noise blocking? Is the new mantra sound any good u reckon??
Good question, but none of them are good for noise blocking really. For that, you're better off with separate earplugs, headphones, a white noise machine, or some other form of sound insulation in the room. For light, as I said in the review it depends what style suits you best.
Thank you so much.
Honestly I still haven;t found one that doesn't bother me: I can't stand the lump behind my head (the two velcro parts put together are always too thick, ot thet little plastic piece some of them have to adjust the lenght)
Those as my main problem, plus the light coming under the nose, either you adjust it tight, with a nice headache after wearing it for a few hours, or you leave it loose and it will move letting the light in...
Still on the search, using atm the "SMUG" model, found in TKMAXX for £4, in case it helps to anyone.
Thank you again 😊
You're welcome! I agree that the two issues you mentioned are common ones, and difficult to get around.
I was thinking the other day that if you just want a daytime nap and are happy to lie on you back, you could probably get a good result from just buying a length of opaque silk, or other material you like, and simply draping it over your eyes. No lump on the back of your head, and you can shape the material over your eyes and the bridge of your nose how you like.
Then you just have to lie completely still for the duration of your nap!
But for longer sleeps, or other positions, it's back to trying to find the most comfortable sleep mask for the job...
I move in my sleep what is a good sleep mask for me
You're better off with one of the flat silk ones in that case, like the Alaska Bear, or any other flat one you like the look of.
What Alaska bear is the one you recommend? Because there is a few versions thanks
You're right, there are a few versions and they make changes periodically, which makes it tricky to keep up. Sometimes it's the same mask, but they tweak the name, description or photos slightly.
Currently, they still sell the one I reviewed in this video and I still recommend it.
If you prefer a contoured design, you could give one of those ones a go too. I haven't tried the latest ones I can see on their store now, but I imagine they are pretty good quality. The issue, as always, is not being able to predict in advance whether they will suit your facial features.
Does the Alaska bear keep all light out on your sides?
Yes, if you adjust it carefully and it's a good match for your particular facial features. But I don't think it's guaranteed to.
Thank you for this video!
You're welcome - I hope it was helpful:-)
i tried a sleep mask (high ratings on amazon) but I didn't like it. It blocked out light which is great, but it warmed up, specially on my forehead and I end up removing it cause it is uncomfortable. I am guessing it is because that brand Mzoo is made of memory foam. Does the masks that you reviewed remain cool? thank you
The silk and cotton ones feel cooler than the memory foam ones in general. The two you can cool in the fridge or freezer feel cool for quite a while too, until your body heat and room temperature warm them up.
Any recommendations for people with big heads? My head is around 27 inches in circumference.
I don't think any of these would fit a 27 inch circumference head without being extremely tight (if they even stretch enough) I'm afraid. You might need to get one adjusted with a custom strap, which should be a relatively simple job for a tailor or anyone handy with a needle and thread.
The first one was mentioned to fit up to 27.6 inches: 1:45
Thanks for the helpful video 🙏🏼
You're welcome - I'm glad you liked it:-)
Hi I sleep in all sleeping positions which one is the best for me?
I'd say any of the flatter masks, made from silk or cotton. You might be ok with one or two contoured masks, but it's very much a case of trial and error with those if you lie on your side or front.
Not sure if youve tried it but i bought the mantra pro but found i struggle to relax my eyes with it on . Not sure if the cups need to be adjusted for my eye structure or if you have any suggested masks that are easy on the eye pressure?
I haven't tried that one, but have thought about giving it a go. What is it exactly that feels uncomfortable? Does it feel too tight and put pressure around your eyes?
@@nosleeplessnights1 yeh I just find my eyes can't relax and close when I have it on
Have you tried other styles of sleep masks in the past that have been more comfortable, like a flat silk mask?
@@nosleeplessnights1 no I haven't...any comfortable ones you'd recommend?
The Alaska Bear or Mavogel maybe. The Alaska Bear, being flat and silk, will be right over your eyes. The Mavogel has some light contouring, but still sits quite close. The trick is to balance how tight you tie the strap with the style you like so as not to create too much pressure. That might also be an issue you had with the Manta?
Hey, thanks for the video. What do you think about trilancer from Amazon?
You're welcome! I haven't tried that one. It looks like a standard contoured mask, judging from the photos and product description.
Theres a manta knockoff on ebay at £12 wonder if its rubbish
Can you paste a link in a reply? I'll delete it afterwards, but would like to take a look and tell you what I think as far as I can tell from the photos.
Hi, have you tested any sleep mask with earmuffs? I'm desperately looking for a mask that will block/reduce noise. Earplugs are too uncomfortable for me.
Thanks for the review.
I haven't, no. The closest thing I've tried would be the wraparound thick fabric sleep masks, which I don't like because they feel too warm and bulky.
Thank you!!
You're very welcome:-)
Thanks very useful
You're welcome, it's good to know it was a useful vid!
I'd like some that block out sound real well but then have wireless sound so my phone can still wake me up on time.
You'd need to consider the standard headphones then, as none of the sleep specific ones have good noise cancellation.
Get a vibrating wrist watch, you also wake up with it and it makes no noise! I love it.
I was also wearing a sleep mask on my head while watching :D
Thanks for joining in Nico - that makes me oddly happy to hear:-))
subscribed! very detailed review. i wish i found your channel sooner.
Thanks Erika - I'm happy to hear you like the channel:-)
Which one that has a good strap that doesn’t put pressure on the ear
The thinner sleep masks tend to have the most lightweight straps, as you can see in the video. But some people might find those end up digging into the crease on the top of the ear, so it's hard to say which one will or won't put pressure on your ear.
Cheers, got the Alaska Bear based on your review 👍
Let me know if you like it!
Thank you for addressing stomach sleepers! first review I've found for this in over an hour of internetting
Glad it was helpful! Was there one that looked like you could use it?