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The amount of stress and anxiety we go through daily is staggering. We already have our hands (and minds) full during the day. So, why’s it so hard to tap out when it’s time to hit the sack?
Stress impacts sleep quality, depriving you of restful and deep sleep. A lack of quality sleep affects the way you’re able to cope with stress. (It’s a chicken and egg kind of thing.) You’re also shortchanged of the energy you need and deserve.
One way to quiet a mind that won’t quit is to listen to sleep-inducing noise or music before bed. If you’re new to this, the link between sound and sleep isn’t all bad. The right kinds of sounds can soothe and mask harmful noise. Earbuds and headphones are the go-to devices for many.
Some concerns do arise about the safety of sleeping with them. Is it safe to sleep with earbuds? Are they a choking hazard, for example? If you would rather be on the completely safe side, consider using a sleep mask with headphones.
However, the issues don’t end there. Side sleeping comes with its share of quirks (constant shifting and proper body alignment, to name a few). It’s hard enough to find a sleep mask for side sleepers. Throw in headphones, and it seems nearly impossible.
Fortunately, there are excellent Bluetooth® sleep headphones available for side sleepers.
Here’s what you’ll find in this article:
What Is a Sleep Mask With Headphones?
A Bluetooth® eye mask is like a headband with headphones, except for one major difference. It’s worn over the eyes to deliver sound and darkness in one sweet go.
Don’t confuse it with the clunky gadget you slip over your head (those are over-ear headphones) or earbuds, which go inside your ears.
A sleep mask with headphones features small speakers within its interior, allowing you to enjoy the sound without the bulk. It typically utilizes Bluetooth® technology to pair with your preferred device.
Are Sleep Mask Headphones Safe?
Sleeping while listening to music is safe if you keep the volume low. Sleep mask headphones are safer than earbuds because they don’t go inside your ear canal. Wearing earbuds (especially dirty ones) may prevent air from circulating in your ears. If you’re not careful, there’s a risk of infection.
On the other hand, sleeping with headphones (the over-ear ones) is doable but uncomfortable. (Imagine the bulk!) If you want to sleep on your side while listening to soothing audio, such as nature sounds or white noise (a type of sound that masks disruptive environmental noise), it’s simple. Use a wireless music eye mask.
Either way, it’s essential to keep the volume at a safe level. Listening to sound with a volume of 85 decibels or higher for 8 hours is dangerous. If you’re sleeping while listening, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says that sounds at 70 decibels and below are unlikely to cause hearing loss even after prolonged exposure.(1)
How Do I Choose the Best Sleep Mask with Headphones for Side Sleepers?
Several factors should be considered here. Bluetooth® sleep masks don’t come cheap. And if they do, think twice because quality is everything.
That’s because it’s a sleep product that fulfills specific needs. These features include light-blocking, sound delivery, and side sleeping comfort. If the sleep mask you choose falls short, consider it a poor investment in sleep.
Choose Sleep Headphones With a Superior Light-Blocking Feature
As with any sleep mask, look for one that blocks out 100% of light. The whole point of owning one is to sleep in complete darkness.
Light isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also be detrimental to your sleep quality. It tells your body it’s time to be awake. Light makes it harder to fall asleep and causes frequent awakenings.
Meanwhile, darkness tells your body to wind down. It also signals your brain to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Pick a Sleeping Mask With Headphones That Offers Zero Eye Pressure
Some sleep masks come with convex eye cups. They don’t just seal out the light, but they also don’t put pressure on your eyes and lashes. You’ll sleep more comfortably because there’s no pressure on your eye area.
The problem with most sleep masks with eye cups is that they create extra bulk on the temples. This can cause discomfort for side sleepers.
Choose an Eye Mask With Headphones That’s Specifically Designed for Side Sleeping
As a side sleeper, you know too well that you must shift from left to right during the night. And if you’re wearing a sleep mask, chances are it’ll slip off with movement.
Most of the time, a flimsy elastic strap won’t do. Therefore, choose one with a broader head strap for a snug yet comfortable fit.
Another thing to consider is bulk. Side sleepers like you experience more pressure on the ears and temples. A Bluetooth® sleep mask with bulky speakers won’t do you any favors when it comes to comfort. Choose a sleep mask with ultra-thin speakers.
Now on to the eye cups. If your sleep mask has them, ensure the eye cups flatten on the sides of your head.
It’s Better to Pick an Adjustable Sleep Mask for a Personal Fit
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all when it comes to head size and eye positioning. So, make sure to choose a comfortable sleep mask that’s infinitely adjustable.
If your sleep mask comes with eye cups, it would be ideal for them to be fully adjustable as well. That way, you get a custom fit. Plus, it’s more likely your mask will stay on instead of getting swallowed by your sheets.
Choose a Bluetooth® Eye Mask With Good Sound Quality and Long Battery Life
Expectations. Expectations. Manage them when it comes to side sleeping. Because the thicker the speaker, the more uncomfortable you’ll sleep.
You might not get the aural experience from premium over-ear headphones. But that doesn’t mean you should settle for something that sounds tinny or has a limited volume range. Good things come in small packages, too.
When it comes to gadgets, a long battery life is one of the top considerations. And it should also be yours.
Choose a Washable Bluetooth® Sleep Mask
Being unable to wash a sleep mask with headphones is a frustration shared by many users. Water could damage the electronics.
Now here’s the thing. Like anything you wear next to your skin, a sleep mask needs to be washed occasionally. It’s not hygienic (or safe) since you wear it over your eyes.
You may have slim pickings, but the top sleep mask with headphones is washable, as you’ll see below.
Manta SOUND Mask (NEW Gen): The Top Sleep Mask with Headphones for Side Sleepers
In case you’re unaware, we offer a sleep mask with Bluetooth® headphones, known as Manta SOUND Sleep Mask.
However, we recently unveiled the NEW Manta SOUND Sleep Mask, featuring an improved design based on extensive research and customer feedback. It can block light completely, has good sound quality and ultimate comfort for any sleep position, especially for side sleepers.
Let’s explore its features in more detail:
The head strap is stretchy and comfortable, fitting snugly against the face. It’s also infinitely adjustable, fitting most adult head sizes, securing around the head with micro hook-and-loop closures. Plus, it features anti-slip gel on the inside for extra grip. It also comes with an optional second strap that goes over the head, ensuring the mask stays in place.
Hot sleepers, pay attention! We designed the head strap with breathability at the forefront. This sleep mask features a 3D knitted mesh design with perforated materials for better airflow and ventilation. To be more specific, the inner materials are PU foam with holes and modal, known for its moisture-wicking properties.
The C-shaped eye cups are similar to those of the Manta Sleep Mask (Previous Gen) in their tapered design. However, the NEW Manta SOUND Sleep Mask features eye cups that are even thinner by the temples for side sleeping comfort.
They, too, offer zero pressure on the eyes and lashes, and a smart air bubble that expands when you switch sides. No light leakage here!
Like the head strap, the C-shaped eye cups are adjustable. Their micro hook-and-loop backing makes for easy positioning anywhere within the mask’s interior.
Now let’s move on to the mask’s ultra-thin speakers. How thin, you might ask? They’re a slim 4 mm. They’re also padded, so you won’t feel them pressing against your ears, provided you’re using a pillow and not sleeping on a hard and flat surface. Plus, you can easily adjust their position with pull tabs on the outer portion of the mask.
The speakers are compatible with any Bluetooth®-enabled device. All you have to do is pair it, and you’re good to go. The mask has no LEDs, device notifications or annoying jingles that might prevent you from getting a full night’s sleep. While they can’t compare to actual high-fidelity over-ear headphones, the speakers provide good sound quality.
The speakers are also detachable. Simply open the top portion of the mask and pull them out. This makes for easy and thorough cleaning.
The volume controls are located on the front of the head strap for no-brainer adjustment without needing to remove the mask. The mask comes with a USB-C cable for easy charging.
We listened to our customers and improved the battery life of this mask. It takes approximately 100 minutes to charge and has a battery life of 24 hours at maximum volume and 30 hours at 50% volume, making the battery 20% longer-lasting than the Manta SOUND Mask (Previous Gen)!
All you have to do is pair it with your Bluetooth®-compatible device, and you’re good to go.
In case you’re looking for an eye mask that offers gentle compression without headphones, check out the best weighted side sleeper sleep masks.
Top Sleep Mask with Headphones for Side Sleepers Reviews
Since the NEW Manta SOUND Sleep Mask is fresh off the launch pad, we’d love a review if you decide to snag one for yourself. It’ll help other sleep lovers come to a decision. Plus, it’ll tell us what you’re loving (and what needs improvement). Your feedback helps shape our products.
In the meantime, check out these customer reviews for Manta SOUND Sleep Mask (Previous Generation):
“Got my mask yesterday and used it last night for the first time (I’ve been using Manta Sleep masks since it was on Kickstarter). The battery life is good as I was able to listen to ambient noise for my full night of sleep. Sound is good. The only issue I experienced was that the mask either slid up off my ears or down under my ears. I’m going to use the included head strap to see if that helps. Overall, I think it’s great and better than using a sound machine. 💤🎵 I forgot to mention. I used a thunderstorm ambient noise last night and at one point I forgot I was wearing the sound mask and really thought it was raining. Even had a pretty vivid dream about a storm haha. My Whoop sleep data said I was in deep sleep for the majority of my sleep last night so I think in a lot of ways, it improved my sleep. It was better than I expected! I thought the speaks would be uncomfortable and would have, at best, mediocre sound quality. But you can’t tell, by feel, that they’re there, even when side-sleeping! And the sound is very much on par with my Bluetooth® over-the-ear headphones!”
“So I have just received my set of Manta Sleep Mask Sound… I have used manta sleep masks since they first started on kickstarted, and have always loved their products. When they mentioned that they were releasing the SOUND a while ago, I was excited but also concerned. I am a complete audiophile, have spent thousands on speakers and good headphones in the past, and I always go to sleep listening to music or rain noise. I expected that the frequency response on the sleep mask would be unbelievably “tinny” due to how thin the speakers are… however… I am absolutely astounded by how they sound! They are brilliant for the size and this is a total game changer for me when I travel around and have to calm my mind to sleep when others are in the room/I am not able to bring speakers with me. I cannot recommend highly enough, comfy, block out all light, well made, and sound great!”
“Manta sleep masks are wonderful, I own a handful of types. I just got my sound earlier in the week. I’ve tried every sleep band headphone I’ve seen. I finally settled on AirPod pros 2 years ago. I’d sleep with one in my ear for my (top) ear and an earplug in the other to drown out my husband’s snoring…and my sleep mask. The other headband ones I’ve tried have very hard speakers on the side, so they’d end up pressing in my ear and it hurt. This manta sound has little (like dime size) speakers wrapped in square padding (but still super thin) and I seriously can’t feel them. And being able to move the speakers easily is a huge plus. Now they don’t block out the snoring like the noise canceling AirPod but I can have surround sound which will drown out most of the snoring. TLDR: Speakers are dime sized wrapped in foam, tiny but powerful and they don’t stab your ears like other sleep Bluetooth® headbands. The light blocking is great as with all other mantas.”
“So, I am an average person, who can’t have any light when I sleep, the Manta Sleep mask is lightweight, and blocks out ALL light, THEN they added the sound, oh my! When my neighbors are throwing a party or the hurricanes are making too much noise, I just turn on my Bluetooth® music (sleep sou ds) and drift off. Well worth the money! Fully adjustable, easy for side sleepers, you can launder the headband, adjust the eye cups, etc. If you can’t sleep without complete darkness and “white noise”, these are WORTH every DAMN DIME”
“Last night I used it with my Calm App (and my CPAP) and everything worked great! I love it so far. I was already accustomed to the Manta so adding sound was a really nice improvement because I had struggled with earphones slipping out during my early sleep. Happy Camper Here. Thanks for the extra help.”
“Just got mine in mail yesterday. You can actually adjust the location of the speakers and the size of mask is adjustable since it’s used Velcro straps to fit your head. I love it! The manta eye mask has been my go to eye mask for years. The sound mask is a game changer as an overnight worker I’ve looked for an eye mask and music/background sound combo that works for a long time.”
Want a good night’s sleep from a soothing sound experience? You can’t go wrong with the best eye mask with headphones for side sleepers like you. Why not give our Bluetooth® eye masks a go? Let us know how it works out. Leave a comment below.
Source:
(1) “Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.” National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss. Accessed 04 August 2025.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website or provided through our blog, e-mails, or programs is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment that can be provided by your healthcare professionals.
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