
Alison Barretta
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

The best memory foam mattress topper in 2025: Expert picks for all budgets
By Frances Daniels last updated
Our sleep experts have tested the best memory foam mattress toppers of 2025. Here's what we recommend for every sleep style and budget.

The best Amazon mattress under $400 in 2025: Expert picks for queen-size beds on a budget
By Ruth Jones last updated
Our experts have combed Amazon to find the best cheap mattresses under $400 for a queen to suit every sleep style.

Best mattresses for college students in 2025: 5 beds that make the grade
By Alison Barretta last updated
Our sleep experts found these mattresses for college students top of the class. Get your much-needed rest with any of these cozy, affordable options.

Best mattresses for stomach sleepers, according to experts
By Alison Barretta last updated
If you belly-flop into bed, you need a mattress with plenty of support. Our experts have chosen the nine best mattresses for stomach sleepers they've tested.

Memory foam vs hybrid mattress: Key differences and how to choose
By Alison Barretta last updated
Memory foam vs hybrid is one of the biggest decisions you'll need to make when buying a mattress. Here's how to pick between them...

Best mattress for heavy people, according to experts
By Ruth Jones last updated
The best mattresses for heavy people is a rapidly expanding market. Our sleep experts share the nine top beds for sleepers over 250lbs.

What is a Japanese floor mattress?
By Frances Daniels last updated
From saving space to providing firm support on a budget, a Japanese floor mattress has lots of benefits, but it won't suit everyone – here's why.

Does Goodwill take mattresses?
By Alison Barretta last updated
We look at Goodwill’s latest mattress donation guidelines, plus whether it takes box springs, bedroom furniture, and bedding.

5 reasons not to put a mattress on the floor — and 3 reasons why you should
By Claire Davies last updated
Can you put a mattress on the floor? From mold to bed bugs, there are plenty of reasons not to, but some big benefits too.

Memory foam vs latex mattress: Which one suits your sleep needs better?
By Jo Plumridge last updated
In our memory foam vs latex mattress comparison, we break down the differences and similarities between them to help you find the right choice for your sleep.

What is the Casper Dream mattress and should you buy it?
By Jack Ridsdale published
The Casper Dream is a premium hybrid mattress with a medium feel to suit many types of sleepers, but is it right for you? We investigate.

What mattress does the Westin use?
By Ruth Jones last updated
Westin hotels have been using the Heavenly Bed for over 25 years. Here's why guests still love it, plus how to buy your own.

What is the Ritz-Carlton Hotel mattress — and should you buy it?
By Ruth Jones last updated
Everything you need to know about the Ritz-Carlton Hotel mattress, where to buy it, and affordable alternatives.

What mattress do Marriott hotels use?
By Ruth Jones last updated
We explore what makes Marriott mattresses so comfortable, and how to recreate that feeling in your own home.

How to return a mattress to Amazon
By Jo Plumridge last updated
How easy is it to return a mattress to Amazon? We walk you through it here in our step-by-step guide.

What's the best mattress in a box 2025? Nine top picks from a sleep expert
By Claire Davies last updated
Our sleep experts have tested all the latest mattresses in a box to bring you our top picks for every budget and sleep style — comfort and convenience combined.

Box spring vs platform bed: which one is right for your mattress?
By Alison Barretta last updated
Deciding between a box spring vs platform bed? Here's what you need to know about these popular bed types.

What is lumbar support in a mattress?
By Alison Barretta last updated
Find out why all sleepers benefit from proper lumbar support in a mattress. We also share ways to boost your current bed's lumbar support.

How thick should a mattress be?
By Alison Barretta last updated
Unsure whether to buy a tall or short mattress? Here's how to choose the right mattress thickness for your needs.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review
By Alison Barretta last updated
We tested the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress to see if it really can deliver "legendary pressure relief" — and justify the price tag.

Leesa Original mattress review
By Alison Barretta last updated
Review The Leesa Original mattress is a memory foam bed with a classic body-hugging feel. Here's what we learned after weeks of testing the Leesa Original...

What is the best memory foam mattress of 2025? I'm a sleep coach and these are my top picks
By Claire Davies (Certified Sleep Science Coach), Ruth Jones last updated
We've tested all the latest memory foam mattresses and these are our top recommendations for type of sleeper and budget in 2025

Which is the best Saatva mattress in 2025? Everything you need to know
By Alison Barretta last updated
The Saatva Classic is our number one mattress — discover the rest of the line-up with this expert guide to the best Saatva mattresses of 2025.
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