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
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
The Tempur-Adapt comes at a premium price, and with it, a promise of top notch pressure relief — we tested it out to see if it delivers.
DreamCloud Mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
We tested the DreamCloud Mattress for three weeks to see if this well-priced hybrid is as luxurious as it is affordable.
Coop Home Goods Original Pillow review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
The Coop Home Goods Original is a crowd-favorite pillow. We explore if it’s worth the praise.
The best mattress under $1,000 in 2024: all tried and tested by our experts
By Alison Barretta last updated
Our top-rated picks of 2024's best mattresses under $1,000 to give you a luxury bed for less, with full expert reviews
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.
Nectar Mattress review 2024: Is this still the best budget memory foam bed?
By Alison Barretta last updated
Review The Nectar Mattress claims to deliver big comfort and support for nearly half the price of its many rivals. We review it to see just how well it performs.
What is lumbar support in a mattress? And can it prevent back pain?
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid mattress review 2024
By Alison Barretta published
The Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid is the latest addition to the Tuft & Needle lineup. After sleeping on it for three weeks, here's our review...
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...
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper offers luxurious comfort that's similar to its full-fledged mattresses, but at a much lower cost.
Nectar Premier Copper mattress review
By Alison Barretta last updated
The Nectar Premier Copper mattress boasts next-level cooling tech that's a dream for hot sleepers. Here's our review.
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.
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 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...
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.
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