Lights Out Sleep Mask, Black Just $9.99 at Amazon.

My first trip on Virgin Atlantic left me very impressed.

A brand-spanking new 747, built-in seatback entertainment center, and a little bag of goodies waiting for you on your seat when you boarded.

My favorite goodie was a cheap but functional sleep mask - you know, the kind Esmerelda would be wearing if they showed her sleeping on Bewitched.

You don’t come across those often, you’ve probably never shopped for one - but on a transatlantic flight they were a much appreciated freebie.

(As it turned out, it was the worst flight of my life, and I had to let a little South African girl traveling alone throw up in my goodie bag at touchdown in Dulles, but I digress…)

You know who else appreciates sleep masks? Our soldiers in Iraq, as they work around the clock and share quarters with those still on duty.

On CoolTools, PFC Erica H Sandberg has nothing but praise for the Lights Out Sleep Mask, Black…

“…The mask is more effective and comfortable than the other ones I’ve worn. You can open your eyes no matter the time of day and think it’s the darkest time of night. It blocks the light most effectively due to the contour over the nose…”

Now, as you can see from the pictures, the mask looks like a padded training bra, and when worn it looks like a gentler introduction to S&M hijinks - but hey, slip this bad boy on with a pair of earplugs for your 5:30AM express train and your seatmate with be laughing with envy.

(warning: do not sleep with this on the subway as you will likely wake up chained underneath the floor of a pawn shop in Red Hook…)