
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 Amazon mattress under $400 in 2025: Expert-recommended beds at low prices
By Ruth Jones last updated
We've found all the best mattresses on Amazon under $400 for a queen, tested by our experts and approved by Amazon customers

The best mattresses for college students in 2025: Expert-tested beds for the new term
By Frances Daniels, Ruth Jones, Alison Barretta last updated
Heading back to school? These expert-tested mattresses for college students can help you get much-needed rest as you start the new term.

The best pillow-top mattress in 2025: our expert picks for hotel-style comfort at home
By Jo Plumridge last updated
Our expert mattress testing team have slept on the best pillow-top mattresses of the year to create this guide to our 9 top picks

What is the best DreamCloud mattress in 2025?
By Frances Daniels last updated
Our in-depth guide to DreamCloud mattresses will help you find the best luxury bed for your sleep and budget.

Best hybrid mattress 2025: Our top 10 picks after rigorous testing
By Claire Davies last updated
A good hybrid mattress delivers the best of both worlds: superb support and cozy comfort. We've tested over 50 hybrid mattresses and these are the 10 we recommend buying

Best mattresses for stomach sleepers, according to experts
By Alison Barretta last updated
One of the few that sleeps on your front? These nine mattresses deliver the support stomach sleepers need, tested and approved by experts.

What is the DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam Mattress and should you buy it?
By Alison Barretta published
Did you know DreamCloud makes memory foam mattresses, too? Here, we take a look at the entry-level DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam Mattress and explain why it might be the bed of your dreams.

Saatva RX vs Helix Midnight Luxe: Which luxury mattress for back pain should you buy?
By Alison Barretta published
Both mattresses did wonders for my lower back pain, but which one is right for you?

Helix Memorial Day mattress sale 2025: Last chance to save 27% on hybrid mattresses
By Alison Barretta last updated
I'm a seasoned mattress tester and deal hunter — here are my picks of the Helix Memorial Day mattress sale 2025

Last chance! 3 luxury side sleeper mattresses with free set up and old bed removal in final Memorial Day sales
By Alison Barretta published
Don't want to fuss with setting up your new bed? These Memorial Day mattress deals from Saatva, Tempur-Pedic, and Stearns & Foster all come with free White Glove Delivery — and they're still live

DreamCloud, Nectar and more — 5 mattress-in-a-box deals still live and worth shopping in last chance Memorial Day sales
By Alison Barretta published
I've tested dozens of mattresses-in-a-box. These are the five I recommend buying during this year's extended Memorial Day sales, with prices from only $179.

What's the best mattress in a box 2025? Our experts have tested dozens of them — these are the top 10
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.

What is GOTS certification and why does it matter when you’re buying a mattress?
By Alison Barretta published
GOTS (the Global Organic Textiles Standard) ensures natural materials used in mattresses are sourced ethically and responsibly. Here's what that means.

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

How often should you rotate or flip your mattress?
By Alison Barretta last updated
We explain how often you should rotate your mattress and why certain mattresses should never be flipped.

How do mattress warranties work?
By Alison Barretta last updated
Mattress warranties can be daunting. We're here to help you make sense of them.

“I sit here with probably the most talented team in the mattress space.” Saatva CEO Ron Rudzin on the unstoppable rise of America's most admired luxury sleep brand
By Alison Barretta published
We speak to CEO Ron Rudzin about the past, present and future of Saatva and what we can expect from the brand in 2025

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid vs Nectar Classic mattress: Key differences compared
By Alison Barretta published
We look at how these two popular mattresses-in-a-box face off in terms of price, features and more

This weekend's top mattress deals from Tempur-Pedic, Helix, and more
By Alison Barretta published
Want to buy a mattress before more tariffs go into effect? These are the deals I highly recommend you shop this weekend.

I've been sleeping on the affordable Siena Hybrid Premier mattress for a week — and it's already outperforming some of its luxury rivals in several ways
By Alison Barretta published
My thoughts on the Siena Hybrid Premier mattress in a box after a week of testing

Mattress White Glove Delivery: What's included and how it works
By Claire Davies last updated
We explain everything you need to know about mattress White Glove Delivery, including which brands offer it.

What are mattress trials and how do they work?
By Claire Davies last updated
Many sleep brands talk about their mattress trial periods, but what are they and how do they work? We have answers.

What mattress does the Hampton Inn use?
By Jo Plumridge published
We look under the covers of the Hampton Hotel Bed used at the Hampton Inn to see if it’s worth buying one for yourself.
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