If you're craving some deep restful sleep and relaxation -- and who isn't these days -- a sleep mask or eye pillow can send you off to dreamland in style. The terms "sleep mask" and "eye pillow" are often used interchangeably, but in fact they are separate types of accessories that serve different (but equally important) purposes.

At Mulberry Park Silks, we're here to clear up any confusion. Our collection includes both of these essential bedtime accessories -- made, of course, from the highest grade mulberry silk -- because each offers unique benefits for a good nights sleep, stress reduction, and wellness. This guide will help you understand the specific advantages of sleep masks and eye pillows and explain why pure silk is the ideal material for helping you get a good night's sleep (or just a nap to rest your tired eyes!).

Sleep Masks vs. Eye Pillows

What is a sleep mask or eye mask?

A sleep mask, also called an "eye mask" is meant to be worn overnight -- or for the duration of rest -- with the purpose of blocking unwanted light to foster deeper sleep. Sleeping masks can be particularly helpful during travel to sleep in transit or to adjust circadian rhythm and establish a stable sleep cycle while adapting to new time zones. Much like blackout curtains, sleeping masks should offer an environment of total darkness to allow for restful sleep. Eye masks have straps or ties to keep them secure throughout the night so that you stay in complete darkness. A well-designed sleep mask will be adequately sized for full coverage and fitted without being uncomfortable with an elastic or adjustable strap.

Along with improving sleep quality, a silk sleep mask improves beauty sleep and minimizes fine lines by keeping the delicate skin around the eyes well-moisturized.

The Mulberry Park Silks sleep mask is made from 100 percent pure mulberry silk in a lustrous 22 momme weight charmeuse weave (the same fabric as our signature sheets). This silk mask is generously sized with a contoured shape to block light for deep sleep. The comfortable silk over elastic strap holds the mask securely in place without ripping or tugging at hair. It is easily washable and comes in eight colors to coordinate with our sheets. Read more about the benefits of our sleep mask here.

What is an eye pillow?

An eye pillow is a rectangular pillow, typically filled with flax seed or another grain for weight; herbs or flowers; and perhaps essential oil. While the pillow does block light (as long as you are lying still on your back) its purpose is to provide aromatherapy, gentle pressure, and frequently hot or cold relief. An eye pillow is ideal for resting tired eyes, minimizing eye strain, reducing stress, or relaxing after a yoga or massage. Some people also use an eye pillow to help relieve headaches.

The Mulberry Park Silks aromatherapy eye pillow redefines luxury and relaxation with the soothing comfort of pure mulberry silk and the calming scent of organic lavender. We crafted this eye pillow to exacting specifications, including an extra-long length to deliver relief to critical pressure points on your temples. The washable exterior pillowcase is a removable cover made from pure 6A mulberry silk fabric (the highest quality) in 22 momme weight (the same silk used in our luxury sheets and pillowcases). It can be used as a stress-relieving eye pillow; to block light while resting or meditating; or to provide hot or cold pain relief to eyes, face, head, neck, and other body parts (the pouch insert can be cooled in the freezer or heated in the microwave). Available in six beautiful colors.

Why You Should Choose a Pure Silk Eye Mask or Eye Pillow

Of all the fabrics on Earth, nothing else comes close to the soft, luxurious feel of pure silk charmeuse. But more than just looking and feeling beautiful, pure mulberry silk is has gentle, soothing properties that make it the perfect fabric to put next to your eyes and face:

• Hypoallergenic and non-irritating
• Soothes tired eyes and minimizes wrinkles
• Breathable silk fiber
• Helps prevent dry eyes and puffy eyes
• Helps delicate skin around eyes retain natural moisture
• Our silk is also OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified to be free from harmful chemicals.

A sleep mask or aromatherapy eye pillow made of silk is a far better choice than any other fabric, including satin, which is petroleum based polyester, and cotton, which can dry out sensitive skin.

Which is Right for You: An Eye Pillow or Eye Mask?

These silk sleep accessories are both wonderful and, as we said above, serve different purposes

1. If you're looking to block light to get into a deeper, better sleep, the silk sleep mask is your best bet.
2. If you're looking for aromatherapy, stress relief, and hot/cold therapy with gentle pressure, choose the lavender eye pillow.
3. That said, we recommend getting BOTH a sleep mask and an eye pillow for their health benefits!

The difference between a sleep mask and an eye pillow