Alison Barretta

Alison Barretta

Expert mattress tester

Based in Philadelphia, USA, freelance writer and editor Alison Barretta has been sharing buying advice and retail news for over 15 years. Since 2020 she's been helping Tom's Guide expand its robust library of sleep content by researching the latest trends, speaking with renowned experts, and going behind the scenes at Saatva, Casper, Sleep Number, Tempur-Pedic, and 3Z Brands. Alison has reviewed everything from budget memory foam mattresses and luxurious innerspring beds to immersive sound pods and $7,000 smart beds that automatically adjust to your every move. When she isn't reviewing mattresses or searching for great deals to save you money, Alison can be found practicing yoga and martial arts, experimenting with recipes, getting too invested in the Philadelphia Flyers, and snoozing with her cat / assistant mattress tester Alex.

Latest articles by Alison Barretta

Image shows three of the mattresses recommend in our best mattress buying guide, the Saatva Classic photographed during a pressure relief test, the Helix Midnight photographed during a back sleeper test, and the Nectar Classic photographed at our sleep studio

The 9 best mattresses of 2025, tested and rated by our sleep experts

By Claire Davies (Certified Sleep Science Coach) last updated

Shopping for a new mattress? My team and I have reviewed over 84 mattresses from Saatva, Helix, Nectar and other top brands and these are the 9 best options we recommend for 2025

Mattresses
A collage of our testing process for the best mattress for side sleepers guide

The best mattress for side sleepers 2025: 10 beds our testers loved

By Alison Barretta last updated

If you sleep on your side, you need to choose a mattress with plenty of cushioning support. Luckily, our testing panel is full of side sleepers, and we've selected our top 10 mattresses

Mattresses
Avocado Green Mattress, featuring a woman and baby on said mattress

The best organic mattress 2025: Toxin-free mattresses for cleaner sleep

By Claire Davies last updated

We've slept on and tested the best organic mattresses to pick the top 5 non-toxic beds that promise healthy sleep for this 2025 guide.

Mattresses
Image shows our best mattress for back pain, the Saatva RX placed on a luxury grey mattress in a stylish bedroom

The best mattress for back pain 2025: 10 expert picks to help you sleep comfortably

By Jo Plumridge last updated

We've slept on and tested all the latest beds — these are the mattresses for back pain that provided pain-free mornings.

Mattresses
The Saatva Classic mattress photographed on a white bedroom in our blue walled Sleep Lab during the testing process and with a blue Tom's Guide 5 star review rating badge overlaid in the top left hand corner of the image

The best pillow-top mattress in 2025: our expert picks for hotel-style comfort at home

By Jo Plumridge last updated

We've tested the best pillow-top mattresses to find the top picks for all sleepers that offer support, comfort and luxury indulgence

Mattresses
Queen Saatva Classic in plush vs Plank Firm Mattress

Plush mattress vs firm mattress: Which one is right for you?

By Frances Daniels, Alison Barretta last updated

The firmness of your mattress can make or break your entire sleep experience. If you're torn between plush or firm, here's what you need to know.

Mattresses
The best Zinus mattress sales, featuring a lifestyle image of the Zinus Green Tea Mattress on a black platform bed base with a black headboard atop a shag rug in a neutral bedroom

Zinus mattress sales April 2025: Save up to 42% off plus an extra 10% off

By Jack Ridsdale last updated

This month's Zinus mattress sales in the US and UK feature great deals on cheap hybrid and memory foam mattresses.

Mattresses
We test the best cheap mattress, the Siena Memory Foam, to find out if its good value

Best cheap mattress 2025: 6 tried-and-tested budget beds under $500 for a queen

By Claire Davies, Frances Daniels last updated

We test a variety of beds but often find cheap mattresses can offer as much comfort and support as premium ones. Here's our budget picks...

Mattresses
A young woman rests on the Siena Mmeory Foam Mattress

Siena mattress sales for April 2025: Budget beds from just $149

By Frances Daniels last updated

Siena has started the year off with a slew of big savings on its already affordable mattresses.

Mattresses
Nolah Evolution mattress in a modern bedroom

Nolah mattress deals and sales for April 2025: 25% off all mattresses + 2 free pillows

By Louis Ramirez last updated

Looking for a new bed for yourself or your kids? Get your hands on the best Nolah mattress deals right here.

Mattresses
The image shows the Bear Elite Hybrid on a wooden bed frame with a Tom's Guide 'killer deal' badge laid over the top

Bear mattress sales for April 2025: 30% off all mattresses plus free pillows

By Jack Ridsdale last updated

This month's Bear mattress sale knocks 30% off across the lineup, with prices starting at $490.

Mattresses
Woman lying on Leesa mattress, with 'Lowest price' graphic overlaid

Leesa mattress sales and deals for April 2025: 20% off eco-conscious beds

By Alison Barretta last updated

Your guide to the best Leesa mattress sales and deals to shop for this month.

Mattresses
Frontal shot of the new Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress on display at Ideal Glass Studios in New York City, on a white platform bed frame with a headboard

I went hands-on with the updated Helix Midnight mattresses for side sleepers — but were the changes worth it?

By Alison Barretta published

Helix has updated its best-selling Midnight mattress range for side sleepers. Is it an improvement? I went hands-on to find out.

Mattresses
GhostBed Luxe mattress in a bedroom with 'Lowest Price' graphic overlaid

GhostBed mattress sales for April 2025: A queen-size GhostBed Flex Hybrid is just $998

By Alison Barretta, Jack Ridsdale last updated

Find everything you need to know about this month's GhostBed mattress sales and deals right here.

Mattresses
A woman lies in her bed at night, sleeping well. On the floor next to her is the Eight Sleep smart mattress cover Pod. A Tom's Guide Eight Sleep price drop deals graphic (left) representing best eight sleep discounts

Eight Sleep mattress sales and deals for April 2025: $100 off smart bed sets

By Alison Barretta last updated

Discover the latest Eight Sleep mattress sales and save on cutting-edge cooling sleep tech.

Sleep Tech
A WInkBed mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, a Tom's Guide price drop deals graphic (right)

WinkBeds mattress deals for April 2025 Spring into savings with $300 off all beds

By Ruth Jones last updated

Save $300 on WinkBeds' memory foam and hybrid mattresses now

Mattresses
Avocado Eco Organic Mattress on a bed with two plants to the right of it

Avocado mattress sales and deals for April 2025: Save on organic and latex mattresses

By Claire Davies, Jack Ridsdale last updated

Avocado is celebrating Earth Month with 10% off eco-friendly organic mattresses.

Mattresses
The new Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, a Tom's Guide price drop deals graphic (left)

The best Helix mattress deals and sales for April 2025: Save 20% on revamped beds

By Claire Davies last updated

We find the best Helix mattress deals to shop in April, including money off revamped beds for all sleep styles.

Mattresses
New 2025 Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress on a low profile bed base with mirrors and nightstands on either side

Helix has revamped its entire mattress collection — here's what's new

By Alison Barretta published

All Helix mattress lines have undergone changes, with the luxury Helix Elite collection getting the biggest glow-up

Mattresses
Tempur-Pedic ProBreeze

The best Tempur-Pedic mattress deals and sales for April 2025: up to 30% off luxury mattresses

By Claire Davies last updated

Find the best deals on Tempur-Pedic mattresses and mattress toppers with our codes, plus big savings on closeout beds.

Mattresses
A close up of the end of a Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on a bed frame, a Tom's Guide price drop deals graphic (right)

The best Nectar mattress sales for April 2025: save on affordable memory foam beds

By Claire Davies last updated

The April Nectar mattress sales continue to offer value for money prices on highly-rated beds — these are the deals to shop now.

Mattresses
The image shows the white Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Latex Pillow against a white background

Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Latex Pillow review

By Alison Barretta published

We slept on Coop's brand-new adjustable latex pillow for one month. Is it another winning addition to the brand's prolific product lineup? Here's how we fared.

Pillows & Bedding
Tom's Guide mattress tester sitting on the edge of the new Westin Heavenly Bed at the Westin New York at Times Square

I went hands-on with the new Westin Heavenly Bed — is it as good as the original?

By Alison Barretta last updated

I slept on the Next Generation Westin Heavenly Bed to see how this new hotel mattress stands up against the hugely popular original. Here's what I think.

Mattresses
White mattress on a beige bedframe

How to know if your mattress has fiberglass

By Frances Daniels last updated

Learn how to spot fiberglass in your mattress, plus the three best deals for fiberglass-free mattresses available right now.

Mattress Care
A woman lying on her stomach in bed on her laptop, smiling holding a credit card

When is the best time to buy a mattress?

By Claire Davies last updated

Here's everything you need to know about all the major mattress sales of the year so you can time your purchase for maximum savings.

Mattresses
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