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
What mattresses do hotels use? The Ritz, Hilton, Premier Inn and more
By Alison Barretta last updated
Find out why hotel mattresses and pillows are among the most comfortable you've ever slept on.
The best cheap mattress toppers under $50 in 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
Find 2024's best cheap mattress topper under $50 that will help provide a more restful night's sleep.
The best pillow-top mattresses 2024: Hotel quality beds tested by experts
By Jo Plumridge last updated
We rate the best pillow-top mattresses for comfort, support and price, with full reviews from our certified sleep experts.
The best memory foam mattress topper in 2024
By Ruth Hamilton last updated
We rate and compare the best memory foam mattress toppers of 2024 across all budgets, sizes, and sleep needs
The best cheap Amazon mattress under $400 in 2024
By Ruth Hamilton last updated
We cut through the noise to bring you the best-rated cheap mattresses on Amazon – all under $400 for a queen size.
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 for college students 2024: 5 top-rated cheap beds
By Alison Barretta last updated
How to choose from among the best mattresses for college students, with expert-rated picks from big sleep brands.
Which is the best Saatva mattress in 2024? Everything you need to know
By Alison Barretta last updated
Our expert guide to Saatva mattresses will help you find the best luxury bed for your sleep.
I slept on a $125 pillow custom-designed for my body — is it worth the money?
By Alison Barretta published
The Pluto Pillow is custom-built to a person's unique body stats and sleep preferences. Here's what happened when I slept on one for one month...
The best mattress toppers 2024: Tested by sleep experts
By Claire Davies last updated
Our expert-approved guide to 2024's best mattress toppers, including budget buys to make beds cooler, softer, and firmer
Helix mattress deals and sales for April: 20% off beds for all types of sleepers
By Claire Davies last updated
This month's Helix mattress deals and sales feature 20% off its entire line of beds plus two free pillows.
Best Tempur-Pedic mattress deals and sales for April 2024: take up to $2,999 off a Tempur-Breeze
By Claire Davies last updated
April's Tempur-Pedic mattress sales feature massive savings on a couple of closeout models, including the best-selling Tempur-Breeze.
The best Saatva mattress sales for April 2024: save up to $600
By Claire Davies last updated
This month's Saatva sale saves you up to $600 on luxury foam and hybrid mattresses, with deals on adjustable beds too.
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
Out of all the mattresses-in-a-box I've tested, these are the 3 I always recommend
By Alison Barretta published
In all of my years of testing mattresses, I've learned that you don't have to spend a fortune to sleep well. The three mattresses-in-a-box I highlight here are prime examples.
I test mattresses for a living — these are the 3 best firm mattresses on sale today
By Alison Barretta published
The best firm mattresses offer outstanding comfort and support for back and stomach sleepers, as well as providing relief from back pain.
The best mattress for stomach sleepers 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
The best mattresses for stomach sleepers offer firm support to keep your spine aligned — here are our top recommendations for 2024
Best mattress in a box 2024: Expert-rated boxed beds
By Claire Davies last updated
Choose the best mattress in a box for your budget with our expert buying guide and bed-in-a-box reviews.
The best mattress for back pain 2024: With expert advice from chiropractors
By Alison Barretta last updated
Our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain, featuring beds our expert testers have slept on themselves while experiencing back pain.
Best mattress for heavy people 2024, ranked by experts
By Ruth Hamilton last updated
This year's best mattresses for heavy people that offer full body support and alleviate back pain.
The best organic mattress 2024: Natural beds for non toxic sleep
By Jo Plumridge last updated
The best organic mattresses and all natural beds to buy online, as rated by certified sleep experts.
The best mattress 2024: Reviewed by certified sleep experts
By Claire Davies last updated
Simply the best mattresses to buy online, with test data and reviews written by certified sleep experts and mattress editors.
The best luxury mattress 2024
By Sarah Finley last updated
Looking for the best luxury mattress? Bring luxury hotels levels of luxe into your own bedroom with our guide to the best mattresses on the market.