What is a Mindfold? The blackout mask explained

A Mindfold is a light-blocking eye mask with a thick rim of soft foam and a sturdy plastic shell. Because the mask doesn't rest against your eyelids, you can open your eyes underneath it and still see nothing. People use it for meditation, sleeping and travelling, and some also wear it during psychedelic experiences. The original design was created by American artist Alex Grey.

In this article:

How a Mindfold is designed

The Mindfold consists of a few simple components:

• A foam rim around the eyes. The soft foam fits against your face and blocks light from entering around the edges.
• A plastic shell. The front is made from opaque, flexible plastic. The shell sits slightly away from your face, leaving space around your eyes.
• Recessed eye cups. There is enough room behind the shell to open your eyes and blink without your eyelashes or eyelids touching the mask.
• An adjustable strap. The elastic strap fastens behind your head with Velcro.
• Earplugs. The Mindfold comes with soft foam earplugs, allowing you to reduce noise as well as block out light.

The result is a mask that is larger and thicker than a regular sleep mask but blocks out almost all light.

Mindfold vs. a regular sleep mask: what's the difference?

A regular sleep mask is a flat piece of fabric that rests against your eyes. A Mindfold, on the other hand, sits away from them. This difference affects how and when you might want to use the mask.

If you mainly want a mask for sleeping and prefer lying on your side, a flat sleep mask is often more comfortable. If you want to sit awake in complete darkness, with your eyes open and without any pressure on them, a mask with recessed eye cups, such as the Mindfold, is a better choice.

What people use a Mindfold for

Meditation and relaxation

The Mindfold was originally designed for meditation. You can sit in complete darkness with your eyes open or closed, without feeling anything against your eyelids. If you are easily distracted by light or activity in the room, the mask helps reduce those distractions.

Sleeping and travelling

When travelling by plane or train, or staying in a shared sleeping area, the mask blocks out light while the earplugs help reduce noise. People who sleep during the day, for example after a night shift, also use it as an alternative to blackout curtains.

Training and sports

The manufacturer also mentions some less familiar uses. These include training exercises that allow sighted people to experience what it is like to be unable to see, as well as sports for blind and visually impaired athletes, such as goalball, where all players wear eye coverings to ensure everyone competes on equal terms.

During a psychedelic experience

Some people wear an eye mask during a psychedelic experience, for example when using magic truffles. We'll explore this in more detail below.

Why people wear an eye mask during a trip

The idea behind wearing an eye mask during a trip is simple: when you can no longer see your surroundings, your attention may shift towards your inner experience. Light, movement and objects in the room are no longer visible.

This approach is also used in scientific research. In psilocybin studies at Johns Hopkins University, participants wore an eye mask and headphones playing music during their sessions to encourage inward-focused attention. These sessions took place in a calm environment, with two guides present throughout. The researchers described this approach in their safety guidelines for this type of research (Johnson, Richards & Griffiths, Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2008).

However, these studies took place in a controlled research setting with professional supervision. They do not tell us how an experience at home will unfold, and wearing an eye mask is not essential. Experiences vary from person to person. While some people find darkness calming, others may feel restless or uncomfortable when they cannot see their surroundings. Both reactions are normal.

What to keep in mind when wearing an eye mask during a trip

An eye mask doesn't change the basics: preparing properly, choosing a familiar environment and knowing your own limits. You can read more in our guide to how your mindset and surroundings influence your experience. When it comes to wearing an eye mask specifically, keep the following in mind:

• Have a sober person with you. When wearing a mask, you cannot see what is happening around you. Someone you trust who remains sober can keep an eye on your surroundings.
• You can always take the mask off. There is no need to push through discomfort. If it doesn't feel right, remove the mask, look around and put it back on later if you want to.
• Stay seated or lying down. Don't walk around while wearing the mask. Remove it before getting up, even if you're only going to the bathroom.
• Prepare a calm environment beforehand. Make sure your surroundings feel familiar when you remove the mask. Choose soft lighting, keep the area around you free from obstacles and have water within reach.
• Try the mask while sober first. This allows you to check how it fits and whether you feel comfortable in darkness before using it during a more sensitive experience.

If you have questions about the risks or your personal circumstances, read our guide to safer use, knowledge and context. You can also find independent information at Talk to FRANK.

Who invented the Mindfold?

The original Mindfold design was created by Alex Grey, an American artist known for his detailed, spiritually inspired paintings of the human body and consciousness. According to the manufacturer, he designed the mask in 1978 because he wanted a comfortable way to meditate in complete darkness.

The product sold today is largely the result of Tom Russin's work. He acquired the rights to the design and name in the early 1980s and spent years developing softer foam, improved plastic and an adhesive that was comfortable against the skin. The masks were initially manufactured in Tucson, Arizona, and later in Durango, Colorado. His daughter has been running the company since 2024.

The Mindfold is therefore not a new invention, but a design that has remained largely unchanged for more than forty years.

Disadvantages of a Mindfold

The Mindfold isn't the ideal mask for everyone. Here are a few things to consider:

• The mask is bulky. The shell extends outwards at the sides and front, roughly as far as the tip of your nose. This feels different from wearing a flat mask.
• Sleeping on your side can be uncomfortable. The firm shell presses against your pillow, which may cause the mask to shift.
• The Velcro can catch in your hair. Adjusting the strap may take a little patience, especially if you have long hair.
• It takes some getting used to. Some people need to put the mask on and adjust it a few times before finding a comfortable fit.

If you're mainly looking for a mask that blocks light without pressing against your eyes, there are other options with recessed eye cups. These are often smaller and flatter, although they generally don't block out as much light as a Mindfold.

Frequently asked questions

Final thoughts

A Mindfold is a simple tool: a mask that blocks out light without touching your eyes. Whether it's right for you depends on how you plan to use it and how comfortable you feel in darkness. If you wear it during a psychedelic experience, preparation, your surroundings and respecting your own limits remain the most important considerations. You can read more in our guide to Consciousness and Experience.