
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

Eight Sleep mattress sales and deals for June 2025: Save on smart cooling beds
By Alison Barretta last updated
Enjoy cooler sleep this summer with up to $200 off the new Eight Sleep Pod 5 smart mattress cover — our expert guide to the Eight Sleep sale.

Zinus mattress sales June 2025: Save up to 41% off plus an extra 10% off
By Jack Ridsdale last updated
This month's Zinus mattress sales in the US and UK feature great deals on cheap hybrid and memory foam mattresses.

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.

The best organic mattress 2025: Toxin-free mattresses for cleaner sleep
By Claire Davies last updated
We've slept on and tested the best organic mattresses to pick the top 5 non-toxic beds that promise healthy sleep for this 2025 guide.

DreamCloud mattress sales for June 2025: up to 60% off luxury beds
By Claire Davies last updated
Our expert guide to the best deals to browse in this month's DreamCloud mattress sale, including money off hotel-style mattresses.

The best Nectar mattress sales for June 2025: save on budget-friendly foam beds
By Claire Davies last updated
In this month's Nectar mattress sale you can find budget-friendly prices on our favorite memory foam beds — here's what you need to know.

What mattress does the Westin use?
By Ruth Jones last updated
The Heavenly Bed has been a much-loved fixture in Westin hotels for a quarter of a century. Learn why it's so popular, plus how to buy your own.

What is the Ritz-Carlton Hotel mattress — and should you buy it?
By Ruth Jones last updated
Get all the important facts about the Ritz-Carlton Hotel mattress, where to buy it, as well as less expensive alternatives.

What mattress do Marriott hotels use?
By Ruth Jones last updated
This is what makes the Marriott mattress suit so many sleepers, and you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own bedroom

What mattresses do hotels use? The Ritz, Hilton, Premier Inn and more
By Alison Barretta last updated
Explore the mattresses each hotel uses around the world — plus the best deals so you can recreate hotel luxury at home

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.
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