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
Puffy Cloud mattress review 2024
By Jonathan Knoder last updated
Our tester slept on a king-size Puffy Cloud for a month to see if this mid-range all-foam bed is a back sleepers dream
Which is the best Saatva mattress in 2024? Everything you need to know
By Alison Barretta last updated
There’s more to the Saatva lineup than just the Saatva Classic. We’ll guide you through Saatva’s entire range of mattresses to help you find the best option for your sleep needs.
Best Eight Sleep mattress sales and deals for November 2024: $100 off the smartest beds around
By Alison Barretta last updated
Learn about the latest Eight Sleep discount codes and deals, to help you pick up one of these cooling, adjusting, data-tracking beds for less.
The best hybrid mattress 2024: We've tested them all
By Claire Davies last updated
We've tried, tested, and slept on dozens of hybrid mattresses to bring you our expert guide to 2024's best options to buy online.
Is the Helix Midnight Elite mattress worth it? I tried it — here's what I think
By Alison Barretta published
The Helix Midnight Elite one of the most luxurious mattresses for side sleepers I've seen, but is it worth the money? I tried it to find out...
The best mattress 2024: Expert-tested and compared
By Claire Davies last updated
Our experts have tested the latest mattresses to bring you our in-depth guide to the best options to buy online this year, with full reviews and advice from our sleep coach.
Saatva returns policy: Key things to know before buying
By Jack Ridsdale published
We’ve looked through the Saatva returns policy with a fine-toothed comb. Here’s what we learned about how to return a Saatva mattress and other products…
The best mattress for back pain 2024: 9 expert-rated picks
By Alison Barretta last updated
Our complete guide to the best mattresses for back pain, including all-new buying advice from chiropractors and spine surgeons.
Bear mattress deals November 2024: Get 35% off and free pillows
By Jack Ridsdale last updated
This month's Bear mattress sale knocks 35% off, and sweetens the deal with free pillows – here's how to claim.
October Prime Day Bedding Deals 2024
By Jack Ridsdale last updated
October's Prime Day bedding deals have now ended, but there were some major savings offered in the major sales event
What are mattress coils and why are they important?
By Alison Barretta published
Coils affect how supportive and responsive your mattress feels. Here's a handy guide to the main types used in hybrid and innerspring beds...
The best Leesa sales and deals in November: save 20% on these ultra-soothing memory foam mattresses before Black Friday
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
Your guide to the best Leesa mattress sales and deals to shop now – plus info on when to buy to snag the biggest savings.
Nolah mattress deals and sales for November: 35% off beds before Black Friday
By Louis Ramirez last updated
Whether you need a bed for yourself or the kids, here are the best Nolah mattress deals you can get right now.
Sleep Number has released a new smart mattress — and it's a game-changer for hot sleepers
By Alison Barretta published
The Sleep Number ClimateCool is the brand's newest temperature-controlled smart bed. Here's what you need to know.
The best mattresses on Amazon 2024: Our 7 top-rated picks
By Nicola Appleton last updated
Find the best Amazon mattress for your budget and sleep needs, courtesy of our expertly-curated list.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress: Which one should you buy?
By Rachael Penn published
If you’re looking for a new mattress, the choice usually comes down to memory foam or hybrid. For the undecided, our guide to memory foam vs hybrid mattresses will help you make sense of it all.
I'm a mattress tester — 3 red flags to avoid when buying a bed in Labor Day sales
By Alison Barretta published
Don't lose sleep because of buyer's remorse — just follow these smart Labor Day mattress shopping tips instead.
I have a bad back — here are the 3 luxury mattresses I'd buy during Labor Day sales
By Alison Barretta published
I'm a mattress tester with a bad back. These are the luxury beds I'd go for in today's Labor Day sales
Should you buy a mattress in the Labor Day sales or wait for Black Friday?
By Alison Barretta published
Labor Day mattress sales are live, but is it wise to wait until Black Friday to buy? As a veteran deal hunter and mattress tester, here's my take...
Should you buy the Saatva Classic in Labor Day sales? I'm a mattress tester — here's my take
By Alison Barretta published
The Saatva Classic mattress is $400 off for Labor Day, but is this deal right for you? Here's my advice as a pro bed tester...
Titan launches luxury hybrid mattress for heavy people — and it's 25% off today
By Alison Barretta published
Titan by Brooklyn Bedding's new Plus Elite hybrid mattress promises cooling comfort for heavy people. Here's what you need to know...
Upgrade your dorm mattress for less with 25% off this year's best cooling bed topper
By Alison Barretta published
The Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper rarely gets a price cut, but today it's 25% off in a big back to school sale.
Is the new Sleep Number c1 smart bed worth it? I tried it — here's what I think
By Alison Barretta published
I tried the new Sleep Number c1 smart mattress to see how well it balances value vs features. Here's what I discovered...
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!