Depending on where we park, we RVers can face some sleep challenges. Anyone who has ever parked in a rest area or truck stop has invariably experienced bright streetlights flooding their RV with light regardless of the hour of the day. If you are light-sensitive when trying to sleep, you may not get any sleep in these places. However, the Manta Sleep Mask might provide some relief.
I say might because some people are going to instantly fall in love with this upgraded, high-tech sleep mask. And others won’t. Let me explain.
I admit wearing any kind of mask to sleep bothers me. Likewise, I will also readily admit to not being the right person to give a product like this a fair shake, as I don’t like any masks when trying to sleep. I had hoped the Manta mask might change that, but it didn’t. In fact, I was more aware of the Manta sleep mask on my face than I was with simple cloth masks.
But, it is NOT all about me.
So I gave the mask to a couple of friends who do regularly use sleep masks, asking them to give me their honest feedback. I reasoned they would be better equipped to evaluate if this sleep mask upgrade was actually worth it, as they already regularly used sleep masks.
Is the Manta Sleep Mask worth it?
One of my friends was an enthusiastic “Yes!” She LOVED the Manta Sleep Mask. The other landed somewhere in the middle. She liked some things about it, but not others.
Before I get into their pros and cons, know that the Manta Sleep company was not content to merely create a better sleep mask. You can also get accessories for their mask.
We have not tried any of these upgrades but in addition to the basic Manta Sleep Mask you can improve its functionality with these options:
- Cool eye cups that sooth eyes and sinuses
- Steam eye cups that moisturize eyes and help clear sinuses
- Frictionless silk head strap that’s gentle on hair and skin
- Aroma dots that add aromatherapy to the sleep mask experience
- Bluetooth sound—adds sound such as white noise or music, to the sleep mask experience
What my friends especially liked about the basic Manta Sleep Mask
- The eyecup design of the mask that cradles your eyes in softness provides total blackout conditions.
- The eyecups and wide strap design results in a fit that takes all the pressure off your face. My friend who loved the mask says that with traditional fabric masks, she always feels pressure across her nose and eyes. That does not exist with the Manta Sleep Mask.
- The wide adjustable strap is quite comfortable.
- The mask fabric is soft and breathable.
- The best thing both my friends liked was the fact that you are able to comfortably open your eyes with the mask on. They also thought this characteristic would be especially helpful for anyone who wears false eyelashes, as I am sure most RVers do. (That’s a joke.)
What can be improved?
While one of my friends loved everything about the mask, the other was a bit more reticent. That’s because, as a side sleeper, she found that the eyecup pressed into her cheekbone. This might have to do with individual face contours and anatomy, or preferred sleeping positions, but this is a problem I, too, had with the mask. Although my friend who loved it had no such issues.
Learn more about the Manta Sleep Mask on Amazon.
##RVT1131
I haven’t tried the Manta Sleep Mask. Those eye cups do look like they could be uncomfortable for a side sleeper, such as my wife.
Of the many less expensive eye masks she has bought and tried, this one is easily her favorite: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B3HNZ4C3
“Hautton Sleep Eye Mask for Women Men, Upgraded 3D Light Blocking Contoured Cup Sleeping Mask with Adjustable Strap, Blindfold Soft Memory Foam Molded Eye Shade Cove for Travel Yoga Nap -Black”
That is the only one we have found that combines different materials for forming a comfortable seal around the nose. Others let in light or put pressure on the nose/cheeks/eyes. Hope this helps anyone looking for an eye mask.
Like you Cheri, I do NOT like anything on my face while trying to sleep. Working nights for many years, I tried several different kinds of face masks to help things get dark. Hated them all. At home, we have room darkening shades in our bedroom, but at motels (where I spent tons of days trying to sleep), nothing worked. The solution? Just got by with five or so hours of sleep and learned to live with it.
That’s what I do too Tommy.
Thank you, Cheri! This is an interesting idea but I wonder how it would go for one such as me, who rises one or more times each night to visit the “little boys room?” However, this might be just the thing to aid DW in falling asleep. I’ll mention it to her and gauge her reaction.
Neal. I’m up at least 3 times a night with my hamster sized bladder. I use a sleep mask and just slide it up my forehead. Works for me!
Thank you, Alpenliter! 🙂