Tried Bearaby Dreamer: This sleep mask closes both eyes

The clay-filled Bearaby Dreamer sleep mask is designed to provide a particularly restful night's sleep by not only completely blocking out light but also applying gentle pressure to the eye area. A practical test will reveal whether the mask is a good fit or more of an unnecessary burden.

There are people who can sleep anywhere, anytime. Others have great difficulty getting a restful night's sleep, for example, if the room is too bright. Sleep masks, if they fit comfortably and snugly, can be a simple and inexpensive solution in such cases. The Bearaby Dreamer is said to have an additional relaxing effect thanks to its weighty filling. ntv.de tested the 375-gram mask.

As with its weighted blankets, the manufacturer also places great emphasis on sustainability with its face mask. The cover is made of 100 percent recycled polyester ( GRS-certified ), and the filling is made of natural clay. The Dreamer is shipped in an organic cotton bag, packaged in cardboard. Bearaby does not use plastic. Additionally, a Fairtrade seal guarantees that no human exploitation was involved in its production.

The mask's workmanship is flawless; there are no loose seams or loose threads. The polyester shell feels like a soft cotton fabric and is so breathable that you won't sweat under the Dreamer.

Amazingly comfortable

Two wide elastic bands, also wrapped in fabric, hold it on the head. It doesn't sit particularly tightly, but it's still secure. This is partly due to the heavy filling, which allows the mask to nestle around the eye area and thus hardly slip even without the straps. The fabric makes the clay feel somewhat like coarse sand.

This makes the mask surprisingly comfortable despite its heavy weight. While the mask is noticeably pressed against the eyes, the pressure is distributed primarily over the surrounding bones, so it's not uncomfortable. In fact, the weight of the mask feels pleasant. According to Bearaby, it's supposed to soothe the internal pressure point and help you fall asleep.

Effect of weight not proven

Eye masks can even relieve headaches and migraines, relieve tension in the jaw joint and alleviate nighttime anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep and sleep through the night with a clear head, writes the manufacturer.

As with weighted blankets, this effect cannot be ruled out, but it hasn't been scientifically proven. In practical tests, the time it took to fall asleep with a mask was shorter than without. According to the smartwatch tracker, sleep also seemed to be somewhat longer, with longer deep sleep phases. This is merely a subjective perception and not scientific proof, but it is consistent with various studies.

Darkness promotes melatonin release

It's no surprise that you fall asleep faster with the Dreamer. Because the thick, soft, and heavy mask fits snugly around large noses and other angular face shapes, it lets absolutely no light through to your eyes. It's pitch black underneath.

This has a positive effect on the production of the hormone melatonin, which regulates the human sleep-wake cycle. Darkness promotes its release in the body, while light reduces its production. The strength of the effect apparently varies from person to person. An Australian study has shown that there are different types of light, and for the most sensitive ones, even a small amount of light is enough to severely inhibit melatonin production and thus prevent sleep.

Also suitable for side sleepers

Depending on individual predisposition, the mask's sealing effect can be stronger or weaker. A generally accepted advantage of the Bearaby Dream is that it fits tightly and remains comfortable, even for side sleepers. This is achieved by using fabric padding on the sides instead of clay filling.

Only with very firm pillows do the straps protruding into the padding exert a slight pressure. Furthermore, for side sleepers, the pressure on the upper eye is somewhat higher, which may be uncomfortable. This didn't prove to be a problem in the ntv.de test.

In summer, you can place the mask in the freezer for an hour to cool it down. Bearaby recommends wrapping it in the included carrying bag. If necessary, the Dreamer can be machine washed in cold water, preferably in a laundry bag.

Conclusion

At €49, the Bearaby Dreamer isn't exactly cheap, but it's worth the money. This is mainly due to the fact that it doesn't let in any light, regardless of the position, and it fits very comfortably around the eye area. Its heavy weight may also help with relaxation. However, this is an individual experience that can't be generalized from a single test.