Sport vs Luxe: What's the difference?
Both Luxe and Sport offer all the advanced features that make SOMO unique — from advanced light blocking and their convex dome shape, to the SOMOsphere acupressure point, and beyond.
The primary difference between Sport and Luxe is the headband and adjustability.
Sport features a patent-pending, detachable retention band, with hook and loop attachment points located at the temples of the mask. Adjusting the band can add an inch (2.54 cm) of additional room to the mask. The smooth and seamless headband, with no buckles, overlapping segments, or pressure points that disrupt sleep, lays flat against the head no matter one’s sleeping position (front, back or side).
Luxe is designed with a self-adjusting, attached headband. It’s slightly thicker and more stretchy than the Sport headband, and is covered in a soft, ruched fabric, creating a very cozy fit that some describe as a “hug for your head.”
Your choice between Sport or Luxe depends primarily on your preference for band style and adjustability.
How do I adjust my SOMOTM Sleep Fitness mask for ideal fit, comfort and function?
Everyone is unique — from the shape of their face and head to their preferences in a sleep mask. That’s why we designed the SOMO Sleep Fitness mask to adjust and conform to your face and head — ensuring a fit as unique as you are.
How to fit and adjust your mask:
1) Shape your mask
The SOMO Sleep Fitness mask should fit comfortably, without being too snug, and with the Yin Tang point centered between your eyebrows. Gently pinch the nose wire to curve and contour your mask around your cheeks and face, bending until it fits naturally — enhancing comfort and light blocking.
2) Adjust your headband
The band should be positioned above your ears and is recommended to be placed higher around the back of your head. While the Luxe model of our mask features a self-adjusting, attached headband, the Sport features a patent-pending, adjustable band. If wearing Sport mask, gently slip the mask and band over your head, and holding the mask in place with one hand, reposition the band ends using the velcro closures so that it fits snugly and comfortably around your head.
3) Extend your headband
The SOMO headband is designed to stretch. Simply place the mask on your head, as if wearing it to sleep, grasp it at the corners (if you’ve got a Luxe) or by pinching the Velcro fasteners together (if you’ve got a Sport), and gently pull it forward, away from your face. By doing this a few times, the headband will stretch until you’ve found your perfect fit.
4) Wear regularly
Like a new pair of jeans or shoes, SOMO Sleep Fitness mask is designed to stretch, conform, and adjust to you with continued wear.
What is the SOMOsphereTM Acupressure or Yin Tang point?
The Ying Tang point (also spelled Yintang) is an acupressure point located between your eyebrows, at the glabella. It’s known to have a mentally stabilizing and calming effect in traditional Eastern medicine.
How do I activate the SOMOsphereTM Acupressure point?
The SOMO Sleep Fitness mask is designed to apply a constant gentle pressure to the Yin Tang acupressure point. For enhanced activation, apply additional light pressure to the SOMOsphere for approximately 30 - 60 seconds. The addition of a circular motion can promote further relaxation. People respond differently to acupressure. Some feel a noticeable sense of calm while in others it’s very subtle.
My mask feels too tight. What can I do?
If you’ve just received your SOMO Sleep Fitness mask and it’s feeling too tight, or even a bit uncomfortable, don’t worry – it’s designed to conform to your face and head, becoming even more comfortable over time.
99.9% of challenges are resolved by properly fitting and adjusting your mask.
How to fit and adjust your mask:
1) Shape your mask
The SOMO Sleep Fitness mask should fit comfortably, without being too snug, and with the Yin Tang point centered between your eyebrows. Gently pinch the nose wire to curve and contour your mask around your cheeks and face, bending until it fits naturally — enhancing comfort and light blocking.
2) Adjust your headband
The band should be positioned above your ears and is recommended to be placed higher around the back of your head. While the Luxe model of our mask features a self-adjusting, attached headband, the Sport features a patent-pending, adjustable band. If wearing Sport mask, gently slip the mask and band over your head, and holding the mask in place with one hand, reposition the band ends using the velcro closures so that it fits snugly and comfortably around your head.
3) Extend your headband
The SOMO headband is designed to stretch. Simply place the mask on your head, as if wearing it to sleep, grasp it at the corners (if you’ve got a Luxe) or by pinching the Velcro fasteners together (if you’ve got a Sport), and gently pull it forward, away from your face. By doing this a few times, the headband will stretch until you’ve found your perfect fit.
4) Wear regularly
Like a new pair of jeans or shoes, SOMO Sleep Fitness mask is designed to stretch, conform, and adjust to you with continued wear.
Does the mask put pressure on my eyes? What if I have long eyelashes?
No, the convex dome shape ensures that the mask will not put pressure on your eyes and reduces the likelihood of eyelash contact, even long eyelashes.
Does it fall off easily when I’m sleeping?
Our patent pending adjustable head band, when adjusted properly, should remain in place, regardless of how you sleep. Both masks are designed to stay in place while sleeping no matter the position.
Is it comfortable if I’m a side sleeper? Stomach sleeper?
Yes, our patented Sport adjustable head band eliminates pressure points, making it comfortable for any type of sleeper. Both masks are designed for optimal comfort no matter the sleep position.
How can the mask be adjusted without buckles?
The patent pending adjustable head band uses a unique hook and loop system, located at the temples, ensuring effective retention without the use of buckles.
How do I know if I’m fitting my mask correctly to my face?
The SOMO Sleep Fitness mask should fit comfortably and not be too snug, with the Yin Tang point centered between your eyebrows. The band should be positioned around your ears and is recommended to be placed higher around the back of your head.
Do I need to readjust it regularly to make sure it’s fitting properly?
The SOMO Sleep fitness mask should retain its fit for some time. Like any product used regularly, however, it should be readjusted when necessary.
Does the hook and loop fastener pull my hair?
No, our design minimizes the chance of this happening and we use a specialized touch fastening system that does not snag or pull on hair. Both masks are designed to minimize any chance of hair snagging or pulling.
Are there several sizes of the mask?
No, the masks are designed to fit the contours of most adult faces and head shapes.
Can I bend my mask to store it next to my bed or take it with me?
We don’t recommend bending it because of the location of the SOMOsphere Acupressure point. We’ve designed a carrying case to make it easy for you to store your mask, whether you’re home, work and/or while traveling.
How often should I wash my mask? Can I put it in the washing machine and dryer or must it be hand-washed?
We recommend machine washing as often as you feel is needed in cold water on Delicate cycle in a mesh delicates bag. Air or line dry only. Do not iron.
Are there studies showing the benefits of wearing a sleep mask?
There’s extensive research citing the benefits of wearing a mask, first and foremost, it’s light blocking - light is truly the enemy of sleep. The basic premise of a sleep mask is very simply to block any light from reaching your eyes. Exposure to light when you’re trying to sleep confuses your circadian rhythm, the body’s 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep patterns.
Who should try a sleep mask?
Everyone can likely benefit from going to sleep with an eye mask on. “Light impacts my sleep and there’s quite a bit of evidence to support that,” says WHOOP VP of Performance Kristen Holmes. “I wear a mask to filter out all the light and make it dark, dark, dark. To me, that’s been a game changer in terms of my sleep data. You spend more time in deeper stages of sleep and you’re just not interrupted by light, which is going to wake you up.” In particular, a sleep mask may be useful for anybody who:
- Suffers from insomnia
- Is a light sleeper
- Works night shifts or has to sleep during the day
- Travels frequently
Is acupressure safe and does it work? How is it different from acupuncture?
Here’s a great article from Forbes Health contributor, Victoria Clayton. Some excerpts include:
Acupressure is another Traditional Chinese medicine tool that’s similar to acupuncture, but it’s noninvasive. Acupressure is a needle-free treatment that exclusively involves applying pressure to the skin.
Massage therapists and other bodyworkers might use acupressure points, but UCLA Health’s Dr. Ka-kit Hui says he also teaches patients how to use acupressure on themselves. “The most exciting thing about acupressure is that it’s an inexpensive, safe and simple form of self-care and self-healing,” says Dr. Hui. Acupressure devices also exist—for example, wristbands that stimulate acupressure points.
A small 2013 study looking at sleep problems in adolescents found that after six months of treatment with a wearable acupressure band (a Sea-Band, which is designed to put pressure on certain points in the wrist), participants experienced a significant increase in the quantity and quality of their sleep [7]. And a 2018 preliminary study in the Journal of Sleep Research found self-administered acupressure for adults suffering from insomnia produced promising results, though further research is warranted[8].
Who are the leading sleep health organizations in the U.S. medical space?
Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep and Wellness
Cleveland Clinic
Stanford University, Division of Sleep Medicine
Mayo Clinic
UCLA Center for E/W Medicine, Dr. Ka-Kit Hui, M.D.
MGH (Massachusetts General Hospital)
What features of your mask are patent pending?
There are two, the patent pending Yin Tang acupressure point that induces calm and the adjustable retention band that improves fit, sleeping comfort and eliminates hair snags.
Can older children use the SOMOTM mask?
A sleep mask is a good option for helping children sleep. We don’t recommend giving babies a sleep mask because there is a risk it will slip onto the baby's nose and make it hard to breathe. However, it can be used by older children as part of a healthy daily sleep fitness regime.