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

Full vs queen mattresses: image shows the Tuft & Needle Original full size on the left and the Casper Original queen on the right

Full vs queen mattresses: Which size is best for your sleep?

By Grace Franks last updated

In our full vs queen mattress comparison, we explain the key differences and pros and cons of both sizes.

Mattresses
The image shows the Saatva Classic mattress on the left hand side and the WinkBed on the right in a side by side comparison

Saatva Classic vs WinkBed: Which customizable hybrid mattress should you buy?

By Jo Plumridge last updated

How to choose between the Saatva Classic and the WinkBed if you're searching for a hybrid mattress you can tailor to your liking.

Mattresses
Tempur-Pedic ProBreeze

The best mattress sales in September 2025: Deals from Tempur-Pedic, DreamCloud, Sleep Number, Saatva, and more

By Louis Ramirez last updated

Our roundup of the best mattress sales and deals for September from Tempur-Pedic, DreamCloud, Sleep Number, Saatva, and much more.

Mattresses
A collage of images, showing mattresses being tested. In the top left, two members of the Tom's Guide sleep team sit on the Saatva Classic mattress. Top right, a mattress tester lies on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress. Bottom left, two women on box a rolled up mattress in a box. Bottom right, two women sit on the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress. A Tom's Guide price drop deals badge in the center.

Labor Day Mattress Sales: What you need to know

By Claire Davies last updated

The Labor Day sales are an excellent time to save on a mattress — here's our complete guide to the deals and how to get better sleep for less.

Mattresses
A woman lies in her bed at night, sleeping well. On the floor next to her is the Eight Sleep smart mattress cover Pod. A Tom's Guide Eight Sleep price drop deals graphic (left) representing best eight sleep discounts

Eight Sleep pod and mattress deals for September 2025: Your last chance to nab the Pod 5 at up to $200 off

By Alison Barretta last updated

Eight Sleep has extended its end of summer savings — and it could be your last chance to save up to $200 the Pod 5 sleep system until the winter holidays.

Sleep Tech
The image shows the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid mattress on a grey bed frame with a Tom's Guide 'Price drop' badge on top

DreamCloud mattress sales for September 2025: Nab a luxury hybrid with a complete bedding bundle from just $399

By Claire Davies last updated

The DreamCloud sale features deep discounts on its affordable luxury mattresses, as always, but adds free bedding with purchase. Browse our expert guide for the best deals.

Mattresses
A close up of the end of a Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on a bed frame, a Tom's Guide price drop deals graphic (right)

The best Nectar mattress sales for September 2025: Popular memory foam and hybrid beds from just $349

By Claire Davies last updated

The evergreen Nectar deals are still going strong, with savings on mattresses and bundles. Browse our expert guide to the best deals.

Mattresses
A close-up shot of the corner of the Zinus Green Team Memory Foam Mattress with a deals badge in the bottom left-hand corner.

Zinus mattress sales September 2025: Save on dorm room-ready beds

By Ruth Jones, Alison Barretta last updated

Explore our expert guide to this month's Zinus mattress deals, which lets you save better on these affordable beds, ideal for college students.

Mattresses
Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress in a bedroom

Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review

By Alison Barretta last updated

We review the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress to discover whether this budget-friendly, all-natural bed is good for your sleep as well as the planet

Mattresses
Suitcase next to a hotel bed

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

Mattresses
King size Westin Heavenly Bed on location at Westin New York at Times Square

What mattress does the Westin use?

By Ruth Jones last updated

We've been hands-on with the Westin Heavenly Bed and here's everything you need to know about the much-loved hotel mattress.

Mattresses
The Ritz-Carlton Mattress on a box spring and bed frame in a hotel room

What is the Ritz-Carlton Hotel mattress — and should you buy it?

By Ruth Jones last updated

We explore if the Ritz-Carlton mattress can deliver the 'unrivaled' comfort it promises — and if its worth the five-star price tag.

Mattresses
The Marriott Innerspring mattress from JW Marriott hotels in a cream bed frame in a room with a pale peach background

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

Mattresses
Avocado Green Mattress, featuring a woman and baby on said mattress

The best organic mattress 2025: Natural beds for cleaner sleep

By Claire Davies last updated

These 5 non-toxic beds are the best organic mattresses we've slept on this year for pressure relief, support, temperature regulation and more

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

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.

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
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
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
Memory foam vs hybrid mattresses

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...

Mattresses
The Maxyoyo Japanese Floor Mattress

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.

Mattresses
A man sits on a mattress on the floor placed on a hardwood floor so it sleeps cooler

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.

Mattress Care
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