Cabin lights, screens, and sunrise through the window are the enemy of sleep on long-haul flights. A good sleep mask blocks all of it. The difference between a contoured mask that sits away from your eyes and a flat one that presses against your eyelids is significant — the contoured version lets you blink naturally and doesn't smear eye makeup or irritate sensitive skin.
Travel Gear stocks sleep masks for flights, camping, and everyday use, with options across contoured, flat, and cooling gel constructions. All orders ship from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.
Types of Sleep Masks
Contoured Sleep Masks
Moulded cups sit away from the eyes, creating a dark space without pressing on eyelids. The most comfortable option for long-haul flights and anyone who finds flat masks claustrophobic. Look for a nose bridge that seals out light from below without being uncomfortable.
Flat Sleep Masks
The classic design — a padded fabric panel with an elastic strap. Lighter and more packable than contoured masks. Best for travellers who sleep on their side and don't mind light contact with the eyelids. Silk and satin options are gentler on skin and hair.
Cooling Gel Masks
Contain a gel insert that can be chilled to reduce puffiness and eye strain. Useful for long-haul arrivals when you need to look presentable quickly. Can also be warmed for sinus relief. Less practical for in-flight use as the gel warms to body temperature within an hour.
What to Look for in a Travel Sleep Mask
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Light seal: Check the nose bridge and side edges — gaps let in light and defeat the purpose
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Strap adjustment: Elastic or velcro adjustment to fit different head sizes without slipping
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Material: Soft, breathable fabric against the skin; silk and satin are gentler on sensitive skin
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Weight: Under 50g for travel use — you'll barely notice it in your bag
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Pouch: A small travel pouch keeps the mask clean and prevents it getting crushed in your bag
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sleep masks actually help you sleep on planes?
Yes — light is one of the primary signals that tells your brain to stay awake. Blocking cabin lights, screens, and window light removes that signal and makes it significantly easier to fall and stay asleep. Combined with earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, a sleep mask is one of the most effective tools for sleeping on long-haul flights.
Are contoured sleep masks better than flat ones?
For most people, yes. Contoured masks don't press on your eyelids, which means you can blink naturally and they're more comfortable for extended wear. Flat masks are more packable but less comfortable for flights over 6 hours.
Can I use a sleep mask for camping?
Yes — sleep masks are particularly useful for camping in summer when it stays light late and gets bright early. A mask with a good nose bridge seal is important for camping use, as tent fabric lets in more ambient light than aircraft window shades. For a full long-haul comfort kit, see our long-haul flight essentials guide.
