Avete una cuffia per dormire?

Do you have a sleep mask?

Pronunciation

CUF-fia — two syllables, stress on the first.

When to use it

Ask when light from other guests' activities prevents sleep. Sleep masks and earplugs are essential hostel accessories.

What it means

'Cuffia per dormire' = sleep mask (literally 'sleeping cap/cover'). Also called 'maschera per dormire'. 'Avete' = do you have. This is a practical comfort item that Italian hostel staff often keep at reception for forgetful guests.

Variations

Avete tappi per le orecchie?

Do you have earplugs?

Often paired with a sleep mask for the full hostel sleep kit

Dove posso comprare una maschera per dormire?

Where can I buy a sleep mask?

Ask if the hostel does not have one — pharmacies always stock them

Posso abbassare la luce del corridoio?

Can I lower the corridor light?

Ask if corridor light bleeds under the door and disturbs sleep

Mini Dialogue

— Avete una cuffia per dormire? La luce mi disturba. — Sì, le vendiamo a due euro. O le tappi per le orecchie? — Entrambe, se possibile! — Eccole. Kit da sopravvivenza dell'ostello!

— Do you have a sleep mask? The light is disturbing me. — Yes, we sell them for two euros. Or earplugs? — Both, if possible! — Here you go. Hostel survival kit!

Cultural Note

Experienced Italian hostel travellers always pack a sleep mask and earplugs. Even the quietest dormitory has the occasional early riser checking their phone at 3am. A sleep mask blocks blue screen light effectively. Italian pharmacies stock them; so do many airport shops.

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