Alison Barretta
Freelance writer and editor Alison is an expert mattress tester for Tom's Guide, and hails from Philadelphia, USA. Alison has reviewed a wide range of mattresses, pillows and other sleep accessories for Tom's Guide, putting the latest hybrid, memory foam and cooling mattresses from Casper, Nectar, Awara, Brooklinen and other leading brands through their paces. Alison has been sharing buying advice and retail news for over a decade. When she isn't reviewing mattresses, other home products or hunting for great deals to save you money, Alison can be found teaching/training in martial arts, fawning over skincare, and indulging in her quarantine-borne hobby: cooking.
Latest articles by Alison Barretta
![The DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, between two night stands with lamps on top, two pillows balanced at the top end of the bed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a4tuetJwBuKJFhwRQMNALn-320-80.jpg)
DreamCloud Mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
Can the DreamCloud Mattress provide luxury sleep for less? We slept on the hybrid for three weeks to find out.
![Best memory foam mattress: the Nectar Mattress photographed on a wooden bed frame](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Wyj8syi5EJoWoiasVosG35-320-80.jpg)
The best memory foam mattress 2024: 9 expert-tested beds
By Claire Davies last updated
Find the best memory foam mattress for you with our comprehensive 2024 buying guide and expert reviews.
![Best mattress under $1,000: A woman with curly hair smiles as she sits on the Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hofSmykJtJa9YDAHVGxXFL-320-80.jpg)
The best mattress under $1,000 in 2024: all tried and tested by our experts
By Alison Barretta last updated
Our top-rated picks of 2024's best mattresses under $1,000 to give you a luxury bed for less, with full expert reviews
![DreamCloud Mattress US](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6gydTcv6pqHdrrrePqCdwn-320-80.jpg)
The best mattresses on Amazon 2024: our top 7 recommendations
By Nicola Appleton last updated
Find the best Amazon mattress for your budget and sleep needs, courtesy of our expertly-curated list.
![A woman lays on top of the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress, which is set against a dark blue bedroom](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7w87cB2H2nxcCMmrMTTZx-320-80.jpg)
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
Is the Tempur-Adapt mattress a worthy investment for back sleepers looking for premium pressure relief? We slept on it to see
![The Nectar Memory Foam mattress on a wooden bed frame in a light and airy bedroom](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LSQ7FsSt2Z9ozS4jeYr5XW-320-80.jpg)
Nectar Mattress review 2024: Is this still the best budget memory foam bed?
By Alison Barretta last updated
Review The Nectar Mattress claims to deliver big comfort and support for nearly half the price of its many rivals. We review it to see just how well it performs.
![A couple lie down on a mattress that they are thinking of buying together](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jmacrDF7DZZahp3qcPPJ6L-320-80.jpg)
The best mattresses for back pain all have lumbar support — but what is it, exactly?
By Alison Barretta published
Plus, three ways to increase your lumbar support when sleeping
![Hard vs soft mattress image shows a woman in a brown t-shirt massages her painful lower back in bed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rncKhquZpmzgpKY5mHquXA-320-80.jpg)
Hard vs soft mattress: Which is best for general aches and pains?
By Alison Barretta published
Just like taco shells, you'll need to consider whether you want your mattress to be hard or soft. Here's when you should go for a firmer or plushier bed to alleviate your aches and pains.
![A woman feels the firmness of a mattress she is thinking of buying](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LoT62DCFWyfvURmh88EFXi-320-80.jpg)
Mattresses sizes: a complete guide and how to choose
By Alison Barretta published
Our essential mattress size guide outlines the main US and UK mattress sizes to help you find the right mattress size for you.
![A woman looks at the thickness of a mattress she is thinking of buying](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LoT62DCFWyfvURmh88EFXi-320-80.jpg)
How thick should a mattress be? Your guide to picking the right height
By Alison Barretta published
Unsure whether to buy a tall or short mattress? Here's how to choose the right mattress thickness for your needs.
![DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress in a bedoom, with a dog lying on it](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vNZdbbHgQ5b3XELQr9yrp4-320-80.jpg)
What is a hybrid mattress and are they any good?
By Alison Barretta published
What does 'hybrid mattress' mean? Is sleeping on one good for you? The answer to those questions and more revealed.
![Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress in a bedroom](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YaixoRxvNktKn4kFFZrtWn-320-80.jpg)
Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
We review the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress to discover whether this budget-friendly, all-natural bed is good for your sleep as well as the planet
![A man with dark hair and a woman with red hair go mattress shopping together](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AcQLt68eAD2PTdttCkycr-320-80.jpg)
As a pro mattress tester, these are my 3 golden rules of Black Friday sales shopping
By Alison Barretta published
I'm a mattress tester and deal hunter who's been covering Black Friday sales for 15 years. Here's what you need to know about scoring a winning mattress deal this Black Friday.
![White mattress that comes with a lifetime warranty placed on a beige bedframe](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FFbTDc2qdYNtgQzoUR3yTK-320-80.jpg)
Is there such a thing as a mattress for life? We explore forever warranties
By Alison Barretta published
Does a lifetime warranty mean your mattress will last forever? Not quite, so here’s what you need to know before buying.
![Woman asleep in bed, lying on her back](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LhAudfBU5hPUKMZkirHFkW-320-80.jpg)
What is sleep hygiene? Here are 6 ways to improve yours
By Jo Plumridge published
We explain the importance of sleep hygiene and offer six tips to help you achieve your best rest.
![Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid mattress with two people sleeping](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sWHt4atCpTfinxZeKs4DZ7-320-80.jpg)
Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta published
The Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid is the latest addition to the Tuft & Needle lineup. After sleeping on it for three weeks, here's our review...
![Nectar mattress with Prime Day deals graphic overlaid](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5ggdKyntTcYMURsoWS8WRb-320-80.jpg)
5 reasons you SHOULDN'T buy a mattress on Amazon in the Prime Day sales
By Alison Barretta published
Amazon will be flush with Prime Day deals, but if it's a new mattress you're shopping for, it's best avoided. Here's what you need to know...
![Saatva Mattress Topper review: image shows the topper attached to a luxury mattress via thick and elasticated anchor bands at each corner](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nFjvSZmE5fy9kw2XuE2cfU-320-80.jpg)
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper offers luxurious comfort that's similar to its full-fledged mattresses, but at a much lower cost.
![Nectar Premier Copper mattress review: Close up of Nectar Premier Copper Mattress with a dog on it](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DA6npeCZjbRTNFUAPQ8bYW-320-80.jpg)
Nectar Premier Copper mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
The Nectar Premier Copper mattress boasts next-level cooling tech that's a dream for hot sleepers. Here's our review.
![A woman sleeps happily with her arm raised on a comfortable white mattress](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6snuAVQw42PQHdsALGxnqj-320-80.jpg)
How to sleep better on an uncomfortable mattress – 7 easy hacks
By Claire Davies last updated
Broken sleep isn't fun, so try these easy hacks to make your mattress instantly more comfortable.
![Tuft & Needle Essential Platform Bed Frame, Zinus 4" box spring](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/najmCMn2EWDHMGDSTSxnBQ-320-80.jpg)
Box spring vs platform bed: which one is right for your mattress?
By Alison Barretta published
Deciding between a box spring vs platform bed? Here's what you need to know about these popular bed types.
![What is a platform bed: a lifestyle image of the Nectar Platform Bed with a Nectar mattress on top of it](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cD2WB9tsn8DZ9FNkDiUmCL-320-80.jpg)
What is a platform bed and do I need one?
By Alison Barretta published
Your bed frame can influence the comfort of your mattress – so what is a platform bed, and do you need one? We explain...
![A woman in a brown t-shirt massages her painful lower back in bed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rncKhquZpmzgpKY5mHquXA-320-80.jpg)
Sleep expert reveals the best type of mattress for back pain
By Alison Barretta last updated
We speak with a neurobiologist and sleep expert to find out what type of mattress can help alleviate back pain and why.