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
Nectar mattress sales for May: up to 40% off top-rated memory foam beds
By Claire Davies last updated
This month's Nectar mattress sale can save you hundreds on top-rated memory foam and hybrid beds, with deals on bedding too.
DreamCloud mattress sales for May: Up to $2,000 off with new deals
By Claire Davies last updated
The new DreamCloud mattress sale can save you up to 50% off the price of these top-rated memory foam and hybrid beds.
The best organic mattress 2024: Natural beds for a non-toxic sleep
By Jo Plumridge last updated
The best organic mattresses and all natural beds to buy online, as rated by certified sleep experts.
What mattresses do hotels use? The Ritz, Hilton, Premier Inn and more
By Alison Barretta last updated
Find out why hotel mattresses and pillows are among the most comfortable you've ever slept on.
The best memory foam mattress 2024: 9 expert-tested beds
By Claire Davies last updated
Find the best memory foam mattress for you with our comprehensive 2024 buying guide and expert reviews.
Best Tempur-Pedic mattress deals and sales for May 2024: take up to $2,999 off a Tempur-Breeze
By Claire Davies last updated
April's Tempur-Pedic mattress sales feature massive savings on a couple of closeout models, including the best-selling Tempur-Breeze.
The best mattresses for back pain all have lumbar support — but what is it, exactly?
By Alison Barretta published
Plus, three ways to increase your lumbar support when sleeping
Hard vs soft mattress: Which is best for general aches and pains?
By Alison Barretta published
Just like taco shells, you'll need to consider whether you want your mattress to be hard or soft. Here's when you should go for a firmer or plushier bed to alleviate your aches and pains.
Mattresses sizes: a complete guide and how to choose
By Alison Barretta published
Our essential mattress size guide outlines the main US and UK mattress sizes to help you find the right mattress size for you.
What is the Eight Sleep Pod? A guide to Elon Musk's favorite smart mattress system
By Alison Barretta published
Tech moguls and world-class athletes credit the Eight Sleep Pod with their best rest yet. But is it worth the hype? We take a look at how this smart mattress system works...
How thick should a mattress be? Your guide to picking the right height
By Alison Barretta published
Unsure whether to buy a tall or short mattress? Here's how to choose the right mattress thickness for your needs.
What is a hybrid mattress and are they any good?
By Alison Barretta published
What does 'hybrid mattress' mean? Is sleeping on one good for you? The answer to those questions and more revealed.
Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review 2024
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
The 7 best mattresses on Amazon 2024: browse these budget-friendly bedroom upgrades
By Ruth Hamilton last updated
Find the best Amazon mattress for your budget and sleep needs, courtesy of our expertly-curated list.
Firm mattresses aren't always best for back pain — here's why, say experts
By Alison Barretta published
Do hard beds cure back pain? According to experts, the answer isn't cut-and-dry. Here's what they told us about sleeping on firm mattresses for back pain...
The 7 best hybrid and memory foam mattresses to buy in the Black Friday sales
By Rachael Phillips published
Looking for a memory foam bed to sink into, or a bouncy hybrid? Shop the best Black Friday mattress deals available now from Emma, Nectar, Purple and more.
As a pro mattress tester, these are my 3 golden rules of Black Friday sales shopping
By Alison Barretta published
I'm a mattress tester and deal hunter who's been covering Black Friday sales for 15 years. Here's what you need to know about scoring a winning mattress deal this Black Friday.
Is there such a thing as a mattress for life? We explore forever warranties
By Alison Barretta published
Does a lifetime warranty mean your mattress will last forever? Not quite, so here’s what you need to know before buying.
I reviewed the Nectar Mattress – here's 3 reasons why you should (and shouldn't) buy it this Black Friday
By Alison Barretta published
I'm a mattress tester and these are my reasons for and against buying the Nectar Memory Foam this Black Friday.
What is sleep hygiene? Here are 6 ways to improve yours
By Jo Plumridge published
We explain the importance of sleep hygiene and offer six tips to help you achieve your best rest.
Best Eight Sleep mattress sales and deals for May: bargains on the smartest beds around
By Alison Barretta last updated
Learn about the latest Eight Sleep discount codes and deals, to help you pick up one of these cooling, heating, data-tracking beds for less.
Leesa Original mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
Review The Leesa Original mattress is made-to-order in the USA and provides ample support for most sleepers. Here's what else we found out after weeks of testing...
5 reasons you SHOULDN'T buy a mattress on Amazon in the Prime Day sales
By Alison Barretta published
Amazon will be flush with Prime Day deals, but if it's a new mattress you're shopping for, it's best avoided. Here's what you need to know...