The sunrise alarm clock offers a gentle wake-up, while the buildable soundscape provides customization options.
The basic design of the Aura mask is excellent.
Thanks to the blackout effect and calming sounds, its easy to get immersed in the Aura experience.
A side view of the Aura smart sleep mask
However, its expensive for a sleep mask, and Im not sure the features entirely justify the price.
But if its just better sleep youre after, a basic eye mask is probably the better starting place.
TheAura smart sleep mask originalwas launched in November 2023. and is available for purchase from Aura.
The straps use velcro to allow for a snug fit
However, the Aura is pretty unique.
Aura offers a one year warranty for the mask, while the interior insert has a three month warranty.
The app is free to download and doesnt require a subscription to use it.
The button on the front sits under the fabric, so you have to feel around for it
Is the Aura mask worth it?
Available in two colors gray and black the Aura has a sleek appeal.
A few interesting colorways would be welcome, especially considering the price, but the overall look is stylish.
The ‘glow’ bar is small, but it fully lights up the interior of the mask
Inside sits a detachable 3D Hug band.
Hidden inside the mask is a set of ultra-slim speakers.
Sitting just in front of the eye line on the interior of the mask is a small glow bar.
The 3D Hug cushion, which sits around the eye area
This is a gentle light, but when the mask is closed, it does flood the space.
Its also not visible from the outside when wearing the mask.
Aura claims the battery lasts for seven nights of normal use, which I found accurate.
The Aura sleep mask was easy to set up
As the Aura charges directly via the cable, you cant comfortably use the mask when its charging.
Its also light and compact enough to travel with.
Even without the bag, I maintain it would be easy to travel with the Aura.)
The sleep mask is most comfortable for back sleepers
The interior Hug band is removable and can be machine or hand washed with mild detergent.
Leave it to dry completely before reattaching to your mask.
The mask itself is spot clean-only, and you should avoid getting it wet.
The volume control and charging port are at the top of the mask
But this is the simplest function of the Aura.
As well as soundscapes, the Aura also contains a sunrise light.
The Aura app has its own set of features, but its primarily used to control the Aura.
The app also sends occasional notifications, indicating its time to nap, get ready for bed.
Aura smart sleep mask: performance
First, lets talk about the Aura as a sleep mask.
Its soft against the face, with the velcro strap allowing you to create a close and secure fit.
With the mask on, its honestly hard to tell if its day or night.
But this close fit did come with a slight downside it could get warm.
However, this is an issue with many eye masks.
With the Aura you get the basicbenefits of a sleep mask, plus a lot more additional features.
Using the Aura app, I designed a series of soundscapes for meditation and to help me fall asleep.
I often struggle to concentrate during meditation the urge to peek is just too strong.
With the Aura, it was much easier to get into the serene headspace and stay there.
No disruptions to my calm mood.
Thats at the start of the night.
Aura claims the mask is side sleeper-friendly, and I found this largely accurate.
I also found it much easier to get comfortable when I switched my pillow.
I usually sleep on a medium-firm, all-foam pillow.
When I used a feather pillow with more yield, there was less pressure from the mask overall.
If youre interested in the Aura, consider whats thebest pillowto suit this smart mask.
Back sleepers shouldnt have any issues with the mask, however, its not recommended for stomach sleepers.
With the mask on, its hard to locate just where the button is.
I spent the first part of any mindfulness session randomly pressing my face and hoping for the best.
However, I dont recommend it.
Its definitely not good enough to replace a set of headphones.
The app itself has room for growth.
The bigger issue is that the sleep diary function is limited and not particularly intuitive.
The mask isnt the most user-friendly design and it has limited uses.
But used before bed, the Aura has some real benefits.
The combination of blackout and sunrise light allows you to really tap into your circadian rhythms.
By balancing mindfulness with real-world features, the Aura can be a helpful addition to the pre-bed routine.
Aura smart sleep mask: should I buy it?
Surrounded by sound and with a total blackout, youre pretty much forced to concentrate.
And with the velcro straps keeping the mask close to your face, theres no temptation to peek.
And if only one of the smart features appeals to you (for example.
Integrated speakers) there are cheaper options available.
While I didnt expect the app to track my sleep, I would have appreciated a little more functionality.
Overall, its not the most intuitive design to use, and it seems like a missed opportunity.
I tested during a mild spring in Wales, in a room without blackout curtains.
I also used the Aura around other people, to see how much sound traveled.
