To buy: $34; amazon.com. The NodPod isn’t your everyday eye mask (or the kind that does wonders for under eye circles) but instead, one that uses gentle pressure to alleviate anxiety, much like that of a weighted blanket. By combining 9 ounces of weighted BPA-free beads among four equal pods and a strapless design, the NodPod is in a class all its own. When I first unboxed the mask, I was pleasantly surprised by how soft each of the sides were: One is made from a cooling jersey cotton and the other from a soft-but-lightweight microfiber fleece. Admittedly, when I held it in my hand, my first impression was that I did expect it to be a bit heavier—but according to the brand, you can always fold the pods and wear the mask that way to double the pressure. (Think of it like barre class — after a while, those 3 pound weights don’t feel so light anymore.) Because I am nothing if not committed when it comes to testing out ways to improve my favorite activity (sleeping), I decided to put it to the test during a nap. I woke up about an hour and a half later amazed at how well the mask stayed put, but that’s no mistake either. Thanks to its thoughtful design, side sleepers such as myself can use the last two eye pods while resting our heads on the hollow end of the mask. To buy: $34; amazon.com. To buy: $34; amazon.com.
