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
![Man lying on a mattress in a showroom](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zRFr9azbQ2FC98dgftyeR6-320-80.jpg)
Shop or skip: Is Memorial Day a good time to buy a mattress?
By Alison Barretta published
Planning to refresh your sleep setup before summer begins? Plenty of Memorial Day mattress sales are live – find out if they're worth browsing.
![A man in a blue shirt goes mattress shopping](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EQff7cSAji7uXpBdMhDeTi-320-80.jpg)
How to buy a mattress in the Memorial Day sales: 5 expert shopping tips
By Alison Barretta last updated
We've been covering mattress sales events for years – here's what to do to get the best bargain in the Memorial Day mattress sales.
![Nectar original with Act Fast graphic overlaid](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/b9TxBQP8nautA2MSfGSRLA-320-80.jpg)
Our favorite memory foam mattress is now cheaper than it was on Black Friday
By Alison Barretta published
Nectar's Spring Flash Sale drops its best-selling memory foam mattress to the cheapest price we've seen for it
![High-Density Foam Mattress Topper](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q7gEf8adYpuLmUvfn5zHPV-320-80.jpg)
Saatva Foam Mattress Topper review 2024
By Alison Barretta published
The Saatva Foam Mattress Topper is a quality choice for anyone seeking luxury comfort for less — but it's not without its limitations. Here's what we learned after three weeks of sleeping on it.
![A person lifts one corner of the white Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper to show off its 4-inch thickness](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FoaQ3DMA8xGvshWEHvj4Y7-320-80.jpg)
Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
We review the Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper to see how it fares for hot sleepers.
![A woman sleeps happily with her arm raised on a comfortable white mattress](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6snuAVQw42PQHdsALGxnqj-320-80.jpg)
How to sleep better on an uncomfortable mattress – 7 easy hacks
By Claire Davies last updated
Broken sleep isn't fun, so try these easy hacks to make your mattress instantly more comfortable.
![Saatva Classic mattresses, with Price Drop flag overlaid](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Xqi3PqCaA4mqEah6xQMBbB-320-80.jpg)
Should I buy a mattress in the Presidents' Day sales?
By Alison Barretta published
Presidents' Day mattress sales are here, and they're abundant. Before you browse, here's what you need to know in order to secure the best deal.
![Tuft & Needle Essential Platform Bed Frame, Zinus 4" box spring](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/najmCMn2EWDHMGDSTSxnBQ-320-80.jpg)
Box spring vs platform bed: which one is right for your mattress?
By Alison Barretta published
Deciding between a box spring vs platform bed? Here's what you need to know about these popular bed types.
![What is a platform bed: a lifestyle image of the Nectar Platform Bed with a Nectar mattress on top of it](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cD2WB9tsn8DZ9FNkDiUmCL-320-80.jpg)
What is a platform bed and do I need one?
By Alison Barretta published
Your bed frame can influence the comfort of your mattress – so what is a platform bed, and do you need one? We explain...
![A woman in a brown t-shirt massages her painful lower back in bed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rncKhquZpmzgpKY5mHquXA-320-80.jpg)
Sleep expert reveals the best type of mattress for back pain
By Alison Barretta last updated
We speak with a neurobiologist and sleep expert to find out what type of mattress can help alleviate back pain and why.
![Nolah Evolution 15 mattress on a bed frame in front of a large wall of glass looking onto a garden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vad62UrE8vVMGTcV6EgJ6m-320-80.jpg)
Nolah Evolution 15 mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
We put Nolah's best-selling luxury cooling mattress through its paces to see how well it performs for all types of sleepers.
![Woman lying on her stomach on a Saatva mattress, with price drop graphic overlaid](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XZfN6JCACuJWYRPKyuGuzC-320-80.jpg)
The 3 best after Christmas mattress sales to revamp your sleep in the new year
By Alison Barretta published
New year, new mattress? Shop the best after Christmas mattress sales and save.
![When to replace your mattress: mattress on a base in the middle of a room](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fFKfMgtmnoyKDxYXDc3kH9-320-80.jpg)
How often should you replace your mattress?
By Adam Marshall last updated
If you think your mattress is for life, we have news for you. See how often you should really replace your mattress and how to tell if it's time for a change.
![Child hanging his stocking up by the fireplace](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MB368HTrBvmQmsqLcTN9un-320-80.jpg)
Help your kids fall asleep easily on Christmas Eve with these 4 expert tips
By Alison Barretta published
If your child is too excited to fall asleep on Christmas Eve, follow these four expert tips to help lull them into a peaceful holiday slumber.
![A woman lies awake in bed at night because she can't sleep and doesn't know what to do](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PRH6VqKEnyh8PwPqvfa7g7-320-80.jpg)
What to do when you can’t sleep — 5 tips you need to try
By Claire Davies last updated
Five of the best techniques to use when you can’t sleep at night.
![Sealy mattress sales, deals and promo codes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CYHTjsDFKGPFKSkjWPwYdZ-320-80.jpg)
Best Sealy mattress sales and deals in July 2024
By Millie Fender published
The best Sealy mattress sales on Posturepedic mattresses and cooling hybrids, no promo code needed.
![Saatva vs Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers: image shows Saatva on one side, Tempur-Pedic on the other](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DeNtqKcfQLkpUXYuV7nE9j-320-80.jpg)
Saatva vs Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers: Which one should you buy?
By Grace Franks last updated
When it comes to quality, Saatva vs Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers is a close battle. Here's how to pick between them...
![Nectar cyber Monday](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gAhvTVfiLkBd3VSyinhiXm-320-80.jpg)
I test mattresses for a living and I'd buy these 3 on Cyber Monday
By Alison Barretta last updated
Cyber Monday mattress sales are live and there are plenty of deals to be found – but these three are most deserving of your attention...
![A man in a blue shirt goes mattress shopping](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EQff7cSAji7uXpBdMhDeTi-320-80.jpg)
How to spot a Black Friday mattress bargain: 5 tips to follow to help you save
By Paul Dimery published
Follow our expert tips for spotting a Black Friday mattress bargain from a dud.
![Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper on top of a Lucid mattress](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/z2yYSgccJ5kCKAnim2jYVb-320-80.jpg)
Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper review 2024
By Alison Barretta published
The Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is one of the most cost-effective ways to make your bed extremely plush. Here's how we fared after sleeping on it for two weeks...
![Lineup of Saatva mattresses on a sunny balcony by the sea, with Black Friday price flag overlaid](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JioHpjRsj9HsrGHzkW49ie-320-80.jpg)
3 Black Friday mattress shopping hacks to save you more money
By Alison Barretta published
Don't browse this year's Black Friday mattress sales until you check out these three money-saving shopping hacks.
![Nectar mattress and box, with a Black Friday deals tag overlaid](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AXfv6iQjeCVyEWjAMP7WB5-320-80.jpg)
Should you buy a mattress on Black Friday? We reveal all
By Alison Barretta published
Is Black Friday really the best time of year to buy a mattress? In a word, yes – but there are things to know to make sure you get the best bargain.
![Casper Element Pro mattress in a bedroom](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6Re3wZJdanrsGRP5Jio43V-320-80.jpg)
Casper launches new Element pro mattress for more support at an affordable cost
By Alison Barretta published
Casper has launched the Element pro mattress, which promises "Casper comfort at a cozy price." We have all the details here.