Nicola Appleton
Nicola is the Sleep Editor at Tom’s Guide, where she helps steer the mattress and sleep content published on Tom’s Guide, including our Best Mattress for Back Pain buying guide. With a career in journalism spanning the best part of two decades, Nicola brings experience to the team and the knowledge of what makes a great article, whether that’s a how-to mattress cleaning feature, a deep dive into melatonin gummies, or an in-depth mattress review. As a sleep editor, few better understand how important a decent mattress is to the overall quality of our sleep, and precisely how our sleep impacts our physical and mental health. As well as tackling the vast topic of sleep, Nicola joins the raft of expert mattress specialists at Tom’s Guide, who test and compare a wide range of mattresses in order to guide readers towards the very best options on the market.
Latest articles by Nicola Appleton
The best mattress for back pain 2024: 10 expert-rated picks
By Jo Plumridge last updated
We've slept on and tested the latest mattresses for back pain to bring you the 10 best options, plus all new buying advice from chiropractors and spine surgeons.
Best mattress protector 2024: waterproof, cooling and zipped covers compared
By Cynthia Lawrence, Grace Franks, Nicola Appleton last updated
Keep your mattress clean, dry and allergen free. Here's our guide to best mattress protectors for every bed, lifestyle and budget.
The best cooling mattress 2024: cool beds for hot sleepers
By Claire Davies last updated
Our expert guide to the best cooling mattresses to stop overheating and ensure you get a refreshing night's sleep.
Helix’s Black Friday sale is here! The Midnight Luxe is incredible value for money — why I’d buy it
By Nicola Appleton published
Save up to $775 when you buy the Helix Midnight Luxe in the new Black Friday sale, plus get a free bedding bundle worth up to $418.
The best firm mattress 2024: tested by sleep experts
By Alison Barretta last updated
We've slept on and tested the latest firm mattresses to bring you our guide to the very best options for all sleepers and budgets.
What is obstructive sleep apnea and how do you know if you have it?
By Nicola Appleton published
We explore the common symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, plus outline what to do if you think you might have it.
Which is the best Nectar mattress in 2024? Everything you need to know
By Nicola Appleton last updated
Trying to choose the best Nectar mattress for you? Here's how to pick between the sleep brand's memory foam and hybrid beds.
I'm a mattress tester with lower back pain — why I'd buy the Nolah Evolution 15" in today's $1,100 off sale
By Nicola Appleton published
Nolah’s top-rated mattress for lower back pain offers targeted lumbar support and adjustable firmness — and there’s up to $1,100 off in a time-limited sale.
The best Beautyrest mattress sales for November 2024: up to $600 before Black Friday
By Nicola Appleton last updated
May's Beautyrest mattress sale saves you up to $600 on these top-rated luxury beds
Don’t miss this! The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate mattress just dropped to its lowest price
By Nicola Appleton published
Save $400 on a Stearns & Foster luxury mattress and get a free bedding bundle worth up to $299.
How to return a DreamCloud mattress: Everything you need to know
By Nicola Appleton published
Here's our in-depth guide to returning a DreamCloud mattress
The best mattresses on Amazon 2024: Our 7 top-rated picks
By Nicola Appleton last updated
Find the best Amazon mattress for your budget and sleep needs, courtesy of our expertly-curated list.
Beautyrest's best-selling luxury hybrid drops to just $799 for a queen at Mattress Firm
By Nicola Appleton published
Save 42% on the Beautyrest Pressure Smart at Mattress Firm in today's luxury bed sale.
I asked AI to curate the perfect nighttime routine — here’s how it compares to my advice as a sleep editor
By Nicola Appleton published
I asked AI to create the perfect nighttime routine. Here’s how it compares to my own advice as a sleep editor.
I swapped my pillow top mattress for a tight top and it was a huge mistake — here’s why
By Nicola Appleton published
I swapped my pillow top mattress for a tight top and it was a huge mistake — here’s why, plus how it changed my sleep.
I'm a sleep editor — don’t miss these Labor Day mattress bedding bundle deals
By Nicola Appleton published
Today’s top Labor Day mattress sales include free bedding bundles. Here’s the deals that I recommend.
I'm a sleep editor — the luxury hybrid I tell my friends to buy is $775 off this Labor Day
By Nicola Appleton published
There's 27% off the Helix Midnight Luxe in this weekend's Labor Day sales, plus a free bedding bundle worth up to $418.
Is it better value to buy the Helix Midnight instead of the Luxe this Labor Day? I've looked at the deals, here's my take
By Nicola Appleton published
There’s 27% off both the Helix Midnight and the Midnight Luxe this Labor Day — but which bed is better value?
The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is 25% off today, but should you buy now or wait for Labor Day sales?
By Nicola Appleton published
Should you buy the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress now, or will you get a better deal by waiting for Labor Day?
Two nights of bad sleep makes you feel four years older, study shows
By Nicola Appleton published
According to a study by Stockholm University, quality sleep is a key factor in feeling young.
Will putting your mattress on the floor help you sleep cooler? I'm a sleep writer, here's what I think
By Nicola Appleton published
Will putting your mattress on the floor help you sleep cooler? Yes, but I don't recommend it — here’s why, plus 3 pro tips to sleeping cooler tonight.
Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress review 2024
By Alex Temblador last updated
We slept on the Helix Dusk Luxe to see if it’s worth its premium price tag. Spoiler alert, it is — we explain why in our review.
Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review 2024
By Nicola Appleton last updated
Does the Helix Midnight Luxe provide better side sleeping support than its predecessor? We slept on it for seven weeks to find out...
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