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.

Articles by: Alison Barretta

Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper review: the topper shown in white on a polished wood bedframe

Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper review 2022

By Alison Barretta published 28 June 22

We review the Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper to see how it fares for hot sleepers.

A woman in a brown t-shirt massages her painful lower back in bed

Sleep expert reveals the best type of mattress for back pain

By Alison Barretta published 8 June 22

We speak with a neurobiologist and sleep expert to find out what type of mattress can help alleviate back pain and why.

The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattress placed on a fabric bed frame that stands in a stylish glass-fronted bedroom

PlushBeds Memorial Day sale cuts $1,350 off its top-rated organic mattresses

By Alison Barretta published 30 May 22

Now's your time to save big on one of the best organic mattresses in the Memorial Day sales.

A man in a white long sleeve t-shirt places his hand on a mattress

Memorial Day sales: Expert picks the 3 cheap mattresses worth buying

By Alison Barretta published 30 May 22

Expert mattress tester recommends the three cheap mattresses worth buying in the Memorial Day sales.

Save $250 on an Eight Sleep smart mattress in the Memorial Day sales

By Alison Barretta published 29 May 22

Eight Sleep smart mattresses track your sleep — now they're up to $250 cheaper during the Memorial Day mattress sales.

A man in a blue shirt goes mattress shopping

How to buy a mattress in the Memorial Day sales: 5 expert shopping tips

By Alison Barretta published 29 May 22

Memorial Day mattress sales are live. Not sure how to navigate them? We have some expert advice to share plus three deals we think are worth checking out...

Helix Memorial Day Sale cuts up to $350 off its award-winning mattresses

By Alison Barretta published 26 May 22

The Helix Memorial Day Sale features some of the strongest discounts we've seen from this top-rated mattress brand.

Woman looks at her partner who is snoring next to her in bed

Want a mattress or bed to help you stop or reduce snoring? Try these...

By Alison Barretta published 19 May 22

Achieving a quieter night's sleep may be a simple as replacing your bed or mattress. Here are the ones we recommend...

DreamCloud Mattress review 2022

By Alison Barretta published 12 May 22

We reviewed the DreamCloud mattress for three weeks. Here's what we discovered...

Saatva Mattress Topper review: image shows the topper attached to a luxury mattress via thick and elasticated anchor bands at each corner

Saatva Mattress Topper review 2022

By Alison Barretta published 13 April 22

The Saatva Mattress Topper offers the same luxurious comfort as its full-fledged mattresses, but at a much lower cost.

Nolah Evolution 15 mattress on a bed frame in front of a large wall of glass looking onto a garden

Nolah Evolution 15 mattress review 2022

By Alison Barretta published 16 March 22

We put Nolah's best-selling luxury cooling mattress through its paces to see how well it performs for all types of sleepers...

Hotel bed with a grey armchair next to it

What mattresses do hotels use? The Ritz, Hilton, Premier Inn and more

By Alison Barretta published 13 March 22

Find out why hotel mattresses and pillows are among the most comfortable you've ever slept on.

Nectar Premier Copper mattress review 2022

By Alison Barretta published 3 March 22

The Nectar Premier Copper mattress boasts next-level cooling tech that's a dream for hot sleepers — here's why...

Woman sitting on an Awara Natural Hybrid mattress in a bedroom

Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review 2022

By Alison Barretta published 26 February 22

We slept on the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress for 30 days. Here's what we think of this budget-friendly, all-natural bed...

I test mattresses for work and these are my Presidents’ Day mattress sales tips

By Alison Barretta published 21 February 22

If you're shopping for a comfy new mattress in this year's Presidents' Day sales, here's what to look out for.

Casper Wave Hybrid Snow mattress review 2022

By Alison Barretta published 8 February 22

The Casper Wave Hybrid Snow mattress is the brand's coolest offering yet, but how well does it perform?

Saatva Classic mattress placed in front of an open fire with a snow covered mountain in the background

I test mattresses for a living and I'd buy these three on Black Friday

By Alison Barretta published 26 November 21

Make Nectar, Saatva, and Tuft & Needle your go-to destinations for this year's Black Friday mattress shopping.

Breville Precision Brewer review 2021

By Alison Barretta published 5 October 21

The Breville Precision Brewer is a lot to handle, but it's your key to producing the perfect cup of coffee.

Braun Brew Sense KF6050WH drip coffee maker review 2021

By Alison Barretta published 20 September 21

We put the Braun Brew Sense KF6050WH through its paces to see if it's the best coffee maker around.

Purple launches new Purple Plus mattress with deluxe cushioning for comfier sleep: A smiling couple sit on the Purple Plus mattress

Purple launches new Purple Plus mattress and it's a big win for comfier sleep

By Alison Barretta published 19 August 21

The new Purple Plus mattress improves upon its predecessor with a premium cooling foam layer for all-night comfort.

Coop Home Goods Original Pillow review 2021

By Alison Barretta published 17 August 21

We review the Coop Home Goods Original premium adjustable loft pillow to see if it's worthy of the endless fanfare.

Purple Harmony Pillow review 2021

By Alison Barretta published 13 August 21

The Purple Harmony Pillow is pricey, but it's worth it for side sleepers who prefer a softer sleep pillow.

Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select review 2021

By Alison Barretta published 5 July 21

The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select is made for brew enthusiasts — and it certainly delivers.

Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker review 2021

By Alison Barretta published 20 May 21

The versatile Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker can make your morning cup of coffee plus fancy cafe-style drinks.

Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System review 2021

By Alison Barretta published 12 May 21

With multiple brew settings and a built-in frother, the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is great for at-home baristas who have the space to accommodate it.

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