Silk and cotton are the most popular fabrics for sleep masks, and both can help block light for better rest. They feel different on the skin, behave differently with heat and moisture, and require different care. This guide compares silk and cotton masks so you can choose the material that suits your face, your bedroom and your travel bag.
Light stays out with sleep masks that seal at the nose.
How Each Fabric Feels
Silk glides over skin with a cool, smooth touch. The low friction is kind to delicate eye areas and lashes. Cotton feels soft and familiar with a little more texture. It can be cosy in winter and is easy to wash. If you are sensitive to friction, silk’s slip can make a noticeable difference. If you prefer a natural, breathable feel and simple care, cotton is dependable.
Breathability and Heat
Both fabrics breathe, but silk often feels cooler at the first touch on the face. In warm rooms or for hot sleepers, silk helps reduce the sensation of warmth around the eyes. Cotton remains comfortable year round, especially in lighter weaves, and some people prefer its slightly drier feel when rooms are cool. Ventilated designs and thin foam inserts can improve airflow regardless of fabric.
Care and Durability
Silk should be hand washed in cool water with a mild detergent and laid flat to dry. Avoid twisting or wringing. With gentle care it lasts well and maintains its lustre. Cotton can usually be machine washed on low and dries quickly. If you know you will wash the mask frequently or in hotel sinks, cotton’s easy care may win. Replace masks when elastics stretch out or the fabric loses shape.
Design Matters More Than Fabric
A well designed mask in either fabric can outperform a poorly designed one in the other. Look for shaped nose bridges that block light at the nose, soft padded rims, and straps that adjust without digging in. For side sleepers, low profile masks with shallow cups keep the rim from pressing into the pillow. If you choose silk, ensure the face side is genuine mulberry silk rather than a synthetic satin that may trap heat.
When to Choose Each
Choose silk if you want the coolest, smoothest feel, have sensitive skin, or want the mask to glide under hair and over lashes. Choose cotton if you want easy washing, a slightly drier feel, and a mask you will not worry about during travel and quick rinses. Many people keep both and switch with the seasons: silk for summer and travel, cotton for winter at home.
Gentle fabrics that balance breathability and darkness feature in sleep masks for UK readers; quiet bedrooms often add comfortable earplugs.
FAQs
Do silk masks block more light? Not by fabric alone. Blackout performance depends on design: nose bridge, rim padding and fit around the eyes.
Will silk make me hot? Silk often feels cooler on contact. Breathability stays good if the mask uses a light layer and a ventilated design.
Can I machine wash silk? It is safer to hand wash. Some masks are labelled machine washable on delicate, but always follow the care tag to avoid damage.
