Enter the new wave of high-tech eye technology that promises to do just that. These ‘smart’ masks claim to help us distract ourselves by enlisting the support of other senses – touch, heat and sound – to create a relaxing sleep environment. With 60 percent of people reporting an increase in sleep problems after the pandemic, it’s no wonder we’re turning to futuristic options. Last year the global eye mask market grew by £8.2m to £1.7bn and, over the next three years, almost a third of the growth will come from the technology sector, according to market research by Technavio. Smart sleep masks claim to help us sleep by enlisting the support of other senses 60 percent of people reported an increase in sleep problems after the pandemic. The Musicozy mask plays tunes through speakers hidden in soft fleece Are gadgets really the answer to a good night out? “High-tech solutions can help improve your night’s sleep,” says Sammy Margo, author of The Good Sleep Guide. “Explore technology options, but don’t overlook other factors, such as bedtime routines, diet and screen time, that can affect sleep quality and quantity.” We put the latest to the snooze test… START SIMPLE Manta Sleep Mask (£30, mantasleep.uk) The Manta Sleep Mask uses breathable materials to provide the lightest and most silent fit without squeezing your hair or squeezing your eyeballs This may seem low-tech, but it uses breathable materials to provide the lightest sound-blocking fit without tugging on your hair or squeezing your eyeballs: adjustable eyecups keep longer lashes from pinching and allow even the most intense rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Earplugs are included, but cold and warm eye pads must be ordered separately. VERDICT: Beautifully comfortable and a perfect blackout with no eye strain, but too expensive to justify the lack of smart features. 2/5 I’M LUCKING A BABY Musicozy Sleep Headphones (£20.99, amazon.co.uk) Enjoy your sleep with cozy Bluetooth-connected hidden speakers to your playlist. Supersoft, washable fleece gently wraps the head instead of pressing on the eye sockets or ears. VERDICT: This makes up for in snuggle power what it lacks in massage features, and the ability to tune your listening to a relaxing tune or podcast really helps you fall asleep. One for the side sleepers because it’s so comfortable at any angle. Easy volume control on the forehead means you don’t have to fumble for your phone in the dark. 4/5 HOT COMPETITOR Renpho True View Eye Massager (£54.99, uk.renpho.com) Renpho’s new model brings a Bladerunner vibe to the mask game with its wraparound mirrored visor and newly introduced vision windows Renpho’s new model brings a Bladerunner vibe to the game with the wraparound mirror visor masks and newly introduced vision windows. The thermal massage option is supposed to get rid of under-eye bags with an acupressure massage. REVIEW: Simple controls on the side and calm voice prompts while you select your options display the Renpho mask. A selection of music tracks is built in — or you can Bluetooth your own. It also folds easily in half into a soft carrying case. But the vision window is a bit plasticky and too bulky for anything other than napping on your back. 4/5 AUGI PROPATHIS Sound Oasis Illumy (£129, relax-uk.com) Reflected in the price, this is the golden rule of circadianlight eye masks. It leverages NASA technology pioneered on the International Space Station and adjusts astronauts’ body clocks using the colors of light to mimic a day on Earth. Once you install the app and set your alarm, you’ll see a gradual low sunset that prompts your mind and body to rest. In the morning, the mask illuminates by itself, imitating the action of the sun. VERDICT: Cutting-edge technology aside, this is let down by a cheap feel and the need to fiddle with an app. But for travelers, it’s a winner: the gentle dawn of a jet-lag-free day is almost worth the money alone. 4/5 ILIA OF THE SPACE AGE BREO iDream5S Eye and Neck Massage Helmet (£199.99, amazon.co.uk) The BREO iDream5S Eye and Neck Massage Helmet applies deep kneading massage to the eyes, upper neck and scalp, incorporating heat compression and ‘smart air pressure’ They say this is the future — the ultimate multi-function and automatic massage mask: the iDream 5S’s 150 pressure points apply deep kneading massage to the eyes, upper neck and scalp, incorporating heat compression and ‘smart air pressure’ , setting you up for a more restful sleep. EDIT: Not for the faint-hearted: while the vise-like grip of the helmet starts to feel soothing, the head massage feels like witches’ claws scraping up to my hairline, and the neck massage never really gets there. What works is the eye socket and temple, which makes you feel like a million bucks, but the bulk and price make it overpriced and impractical. 1/5
