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

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.

Does Goodwill take mattresses?
By Grace Franks last updated
We look at Goodwill’s latest mattress donation guidelines, plus whether it takes box springs, bedroom furniture, and bedding.

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.

Best mattress for heavy people 2025: Ranked by experts
By Ruth Jones last updated
The best mattresses for heavy people is a rapidly expanding market — our sleep experts pick the best 9 mattresses for sleepers over 250lbs.

Memory foam vs latex mattress: Which one suits your sleep needs better?
By Jo Plumridge last updated
In our memory foam vs latex mattress comparison, we break down the differences and similarities between them to help you find the right choice for your sleep.

What is the Casper Dream mattress and should you buy it?
By Jack Ridsdale published
The Casper Dream is a premium hybrid mattress with a medium feel to suit many types of sleepers, but is it right for you? We investigate.

Best Tempur-Pedic mattress deals and sales for March 2025: Save up to $1,000 on closeout mattresses
By Claire Davies last updated
Browse this month's Tempur-Pedic deals to find sales on all Tempur-Pedic mattresses and toppers, plus deep discounts on closeout cooling mattresses.

The best luxury mattress 2025: Tested by sleep experts
By Alison Barretta last updated
Our expert team of mattress testers have slept on and tested the best luxury mattresses of the year — these are our favorite picks

What mattress does the Westin use?
By Ruth Jones last updated
Westin hotels have been using the Heavenly Bed for over 25 years. Here's why guests still love it, plus how to buy your own.

What is the Ritz-Carlton Hotel mattress — and should you buy it?
By Ruth Jones last updated
Everything you need to know about the Ritz-Carlton Hotel mattress, where to buy it, and affordable alternatives.

What mattress do Marriott hotels use?
By Ruth Jones last updated
We explore what makes Marriott mattresses so comfortable, and how to recreate that feeling in your own home.

How to return a mattress to Amazon
By Jo Plumridge last updated
How easy is it to return a mattress to Amazon? We walk you through it here in our step-by-step guide.

What's the best mattress in a box 2025? Nine top picks from a sleep expert
By Claire Davies last updated
Our sleep experts have tested all the latest mattresses in a box to bring you our top picks for every budget and sleep style — comfort and convenience combined.

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.

Helix mattress deals and sales for March 2025: Take 27% off mattresses for all types of sleepers
By Claire Davies last updated
Helix's 27% discount is back just in time for Sleep Week. Save on its entire lineup of mattresses, including our top pick for side sleepers, the Helix Midnight Luxe.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review
By Alison Barretta last updated
We tested the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress to see if it really can deliver "legendary pressure relief" — and justify the price tag.

Leesa Original mattress review
By Alison Barretta last updated
Review The Leesa Original mattress is a memory foam bed with a classic body-hugging feel. Here's what we learned after weeks of testing the Leesa Original...

The best mattress 2025: Meet the 9 that blew us away during testing
By Claire Davies last updated
Need a new mattress? We can help. From the 80 mattresses our expert testing team has personally tried and tested, these are the 9 best options we recommend buying in 2025.

Avocado mattress sales and deals for March 2025: 10% off the top organic mattress
By Claire Davies, Jack Ridsdale last updated
Avocado's Presidents' Day mattress sale offers discounts across its entire range of organic foam, hybrid and latex luxury mattresses.

Best Eight Sleep mattress sales and deals for March 2025: $100 off smart bed sets
By Alison Barretta last updated
Learn about the latest Eight Sleep discount codes and deals, to help you pick up one of these cooling, adjusting, data-tracking beds for less.

Bear mattress sales March 2025: 30% off all mattresses with free pillows
By Jack Ridsdale last updated
This month's Bear mattress sale knocks 35% off, and comes with two free pillows.
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