A good sleep mask is a great accessory to keep on your nightstand -- it can help block out external light that may otherwise keep you awake, promoting a better night's sleep. The Baloo Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask, my pick for the best sleep mask overall, is gently weighted and wide, yet soft enough to fit comfortably and securely, whether I'm on my back, side or stomach. Below, I reveal my full take on this highly recommended sleep mask.

To weed through the hundreds of offerings online, I tested ten popular sleep masks over four weeks. While seven made the cut, one stood out for ticking all the important boxes, from blackout ability and comfort to fit and security. The Baloo Weighted Silk Stone Sleep Mask delivers on darkness, but comes with added features that make it stand out from the rest.

Blocking light is the entire point of wearing a sleep mask, and the Baloo delivers. A wide band, notched for the nose, stretches across the face and continues to the ends, which have soft Velcro closures. But it's the lead-free glass beads, which rest gently against the eyes with just enough pressure, that really do the light blocking. I've tested this mask in broad daylight, and it does the trick.

The mask is made of 100% mulberry silk, with a cotton and polyester lining. It weighs just over half a pound (nine ounces), which makes it incredibly light but with enough heft to feel pleasingly present when it's over your eyes. Plus, the silky fabric glides over the skin, eyes, lashes and hair without creasing, kinking or pulling.

The Velcro tabs mean you can make the Baloo as tight or loose as you like, but it also gives you the option of leaving the ends unsecured and simply draping it across your eyes. That's how I like to use it in the mornings, when I'm half asleep and looking for the fastest, easiest way to block the sunrise and fall back to sleep.

I tested this sleep mask on my back, side and stomach, and then as I energetically moved from one position to the next to mimic the movements of combination sleeping and plain old tossing and turning. In all instances, it stayed comfortably in place. It worked beautifully when I rested on my back and my side, and I had no issues with discomfort or pressure when I lay on my stomach as well. If your biggest concern is finding a mask that will stay put, this is a great option.

The Baloo Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask has an amethyst or a rose quartz crystal sewn inside -- which is the "stone" in the name. I worried that a stone inside the mask would be uncomfortable, but I actually didn't even feel it until I actively went looking. It's located in the "third eye" spot -- slightly above and between the eyebrows -- and, according to the brand, it's designed to channel good energy.

While I have yet to try this, the mask can also be stored in the freezer for a soothing and de-puffing eye treatment. That's not a feature you'll find in every sleep mask, so it's a nice bonus. It comes with its own silk-like polyester bag as well, which helps keep it clean.

In size and style, the Baloo sleep mask is very comparable to the Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask. In fact, I've described the Lunya as an unweighted, nonadjustable version of the Baloo. But those differences give the masks their own feel. I appreciate the gentle weight of the Baloo, along with its versatile nature. Because it's adjustable, you can leave the ends unattached and drape it across your eyes when you rest on your back or side. The Lunya is supremely comfortable and much lighter, but it doesn't block light as well if you try to just prop it over your eyes -- it definitely needs to be worn wrapped fully around the head. The Lunya is also machine washable if you use a laundry bag, so care is arguably a little easier.

Both options work for any sleep style, and they're equally gentle on the skin and hair, so the choice really comes down to whether you prefer a touch of weight and versatility. If budget is a consideration, the Lunya is close to $30 cheaper.

I evaluated all ten of the sleep masks I tested based on specific features: blackout ability, comfort level, adjustability and their overall fit, and ability to stay in place. I spent three days testing each mask in the mornings as the sun rose, at bedtime and during the day for napping purposes. I also took it one step further -- while no one wears a sleep mask to stand in front of a sunny window, that's exactly what I did to test blackout ability.

I actually have ample personal experience with the Baloo mask specifically. I used it all summer long to keep the sunrise that illuminated our bedroom from waking me up before I had enjoyed a full eight hours.

I'm a regular contributor at Forbes Vetted, where I cover both sleep and beauty content. I've written extensively about all things sleep for well over 12 years. Recent topics include the best earplugs for sleeping, the best mattresses for seniors and a deep dive into the Eight Sleep Pod 4.

In September 2023, I researched and wrote about the best sleep masks for Forbes Vetted, and I got to put all of those picks to the test in my personal review. In January 2024, I researched and wrote about the best weighted sleep masks, most of which I tested for that story as well.