Creating your own product is never easy. Creating it beautifully is even harder. And creating a sleep product? That’s a whole different level.
In this article, we’re sharing how our company, Quietstore - a sleep-accessories brand working since 2014 developed our sleep mask line and what helped us build a product loved both in US and around the world.
The common problems with most sleep masks
Our very first products back in 2014 were simple run-of-the-mill Chinese-made sleep masks. They weren’t terrible - natural fabrics, nice to the touch - but they had some clear issues:
• not enough light blocking (you could literally see through them if you opened your eyes);
• poor grip on the head (the mask often ended up anywhere except on your face);
• pressure on the eyes.
The first steps toward making our own sleep mask
At the end of summer 2019, we began working on a new product. The first task was sourcing high-quality natural silk. At the beginning we searched on the local markets but unfortunately, we found only synthetic fabrics there, so we had to import silk.
The next challenge was the inner lining. We tested several materials, but they either didn’t block light well or fell apart after the first wash. The best option turned out to be Slimtex - a breathable, durable lining made by a Ukrainian manufacturer in Irpin, with excellent light-blocking properties.
How did we test it? We wrapped Slimtex in silk on both sides, held it up to our eyes, and checked whether any light came through. The goal was to find the perfect balance: complete light blocking without making the mask heavy or stuffy.
Our first masks looked like this: foam light catchers along the bottom edge to block light from below, and a silicone strip sewn onto the elastic band to keep the mask securely in place.
Second-generation of Quietstore eye mask
This version was already pretty good and started gaining traction with customers. But we were committed to constant improvement and actively gathered feedback from users.
In the updated model:
• the foam light-catchers were sewn inside the mask so they wouldn’t shift or fall off;
• the silicone piece was replaced with a special elastic band with a silicone print;
• the standard two-point strap attachment became a four-point system to reduce pressure on the eyes.
After that, the sleep mask started looking truly “solid,” and we began exporting it, opening a shop on Etsy.
We thought we’d created the perfect product - but the first negative reviews from U.S. customers proved otherwise. It turned out that it wasn’t enough for the mask to stay in place and avoid eye pressure. Shape matters.
We experimented with different nose cutouts and shipped test samples to the U.S. customers. The most comfortable design was the one with a deeper nose contour.
This became the best configuration of the second generation, earning consistent positive feedback both in the US and abroad.
Third generation
In April 2023, we began developing the third generation of Quietstore sleep mask. The updated model looked more elegant while keeping all the benefits of the previous version.
The biggest upgrade was replacing the four-point attachment with an internal cutout in the lining. Paired with the softness of natural silk, it created an even pressure distribution along the eye area and completely eliminated eye pressure.
In 2025, we also added a silk sleeve over the elastic band to increase comfort around the ears.
What makes Quietstore one of the best sleep masks out there
• Slimtex inner lining - breathable and durable, stands up to many wash cycles
• 2 cm soft elastic band with an 8 cm micro-hook strap - doesn’t scratch, doesn’t pull hair
• Soft silk sleeve on the band stretches up to 9 cm for extra comfort around the ears
• Special side cutouts in the inner lining - reduce pressure on the eyes
• Silicone zig-zag print on the strap for a secure fit
• Foam light-blocking catchers — eliminate light even in bright environments
Looking ahead
Improvement is an endless process. We’re already working on the fourth generation.
So stay tuned - there’s more to come.
