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

DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam Mattress on a beige platform bed frame in a sunny bedroom

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.

Mattresses
A split image of the Saatva RX on a bed frame, next to the Helix Midnight Luxe on a wooden bed frame

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?

Mattresses
Two women sit on the Helix Dawn Mattress for stomach sleepers, photographed on a light wooden bed frame in a blue bedroom

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

Mattresses
Olly Curtis, a member of our testing panel when we were photographing the Saatva Classic mattress at our Sleep Lab, tests it for back sleeping and found it very comfortable

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

Mattresses
The image shows two mattress testers sat on the Helix Midnight Luxe, which is placed on a white bed frame against a blue bedroom wall

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.

Mattresses
Unboxing the Nectar Classic Memory Foam

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.

Mattresses
Layers of organic cotton used in PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattress

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.

Mattresses
Siena Memory Foam Mattress placing onto bed frame

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.

Mattresses
A mattress we tested is dressed with neutral colour bed linens and pillows

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.

Mattresses
Image of a Saatva Viewing Room where a range of Saatva mattresses and sleep products are on display and available to test before buying

“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

Mattresses
A split image featuring the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on the left and the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid on the right, leading into the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid vs Nectar Classic showdown

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

Mattresses
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, a man and his young sun sitting on top of it, smiling. A Tom's Guide price drop deals graphic (right)

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.

Mattresses
Image shows the white Siena Premier Hybrid Mattress with a dark green trim in a white-grey bedroom and decorated with green pillows

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

Mattresses
Two delivery men unload a white mattress from their van as part of a White Glove Delivery service

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.

Mattresses
Mattress testing_support cores

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.

Mattresses
Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island King Guest Room featuring the Hampton Bed dressed in white sheets

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.

Mattresses
A queen-size Casper One Mattress on a black bed frame atop an ornate rug with shades of red and green. A black and white dog is laying on top of the mattress.

What's the best Casper mattress in 2025?

By Alison Barretta last updated

Which one of Casper's five mattresses should you buy? We share our thoughts based on our experiences and customer reviews.

Mattresses
The image shows two women sitting on top of the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress on a wooden bed frame in a blue bedroom

The best mattress for couples 2025: 7 top-rated options chosen by our sleep experts

By Alison Barretta last updated

Our team of experts have slept on and tested the best mattresses for couples this year — here are the top 7

Mattresses
Best mattress under $1,000: The image shows Tom's Guide's testers unpacking the Siena Memory Foam Mattress

The best mattress under $1,000 in 2025

By Alison Barretta last updated

You may have a queen-size bed but you don't have to spend a royal fortune for a good mattress. These are the best mattresses under $1,000 according to our experts.

Mattresses
Best king size mattresses: image shows the Saatva Classic hybrid mattress placed on a stylish dark wood bedframe placed in front of a log fire in a cabin

What's the best king size mattress in 2025? I’m a mattress tester — these are my top picks

By Alison Barretta last updated

Thinking of sizing up your bed from a queen to a king? These are the best king size mattresses of the year, according to our experts.

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
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
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
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
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