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
Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper review 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
The Viscosoft Active Cooling Mattress Topper is a copper-infused memory foam topper for hot sleepers. Here, we review it for you.
I slept on the $7,000 Bryte Balance AI-powered smart bed — here's why I think it's worth the money
By Alison Barretta published
I slept on the $7,000 Bryte Balance AI-powered smart bed at the Park Terrace Hotel in New York City — here how I found it
I tried the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper — here's why you should buy in Black Friday sales
By Alison Barretta published
Experience cooler comfort for up to 55% less with Amazon's Black Friday deal on Tempur-Pedic's Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper review 2024
By Alison Barretta published
Does the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper deliver a cooler sleep than the original? Here's what we thought...
Is your mattress past its prime? Here's why Black Friday is the right time to replace it
By Alison Barretta last updated
See how often you should replace your mattress and learn when it's time for a change. If that's right now, you're in luck as Black Friday mattress sales are under way
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.
Purple Harmony Pillow review
By Alison Barretta last updated
The Purple Harmony Pillow is one of the most expensive in the market, but the benefits it offers for side sleepers makes it worth the price.
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.
Which is the best Saatva mattress in 2024? Everything you need to know
By Alison Barretta last updated
There’s more to the Saatva lineup than the Classic. We’ll guide you through all the brand's mattresses to help you find the right one
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 organic mattress 2024: Natural beds for a non-toxic sleep
By Claire Davies last updated
The best organic mattresses and all-natural beds to buy online for a clean, hypoallergenic sleep, rated by our team of certified sleep experts.
Is the Helix Sunset Luxe mattress worth it for side sleepers? We tried it to find out
By Alison Barretta published
The Helix Sunset Luxe could be the ideal choice for lighter weight side sleepers seeking a softer, pillow-top mattress. Here's what we discovered during our hands-on review...
Is the Helix Midnight Elite mattress worth it? I tried it — here's what I think
By Alison Barretta published
The Helix Midnight Elite one of the most luxurious mattresses for side sleepers I've seen, but is it worth the money? I tried it to find out...
Saatva returns policy: Key things to know before buying
By Jack Ridsdale published
We’ve looked through the Saatva returns policy with a fine-toothed comb. Here’s what we learned about how to return a Saatva mattress and other products…
October Prime Day Bedding Deals 2024
By Jack Ridsdale last updated
October's Prime Day bedding deals have now ended, but there were some major savings offered in the major sales event
What are mattress coils and why are they important?
By Alison Barretta published
Coils affect how supportive and responsive your mattress feels. Here's a handy guide to the main types used in hybrid and innerspring beds...
Sleep Number has released a new smart mattress — and it's a game-changer for hot sleepers
By Alison Barretta published
The Sleep Number ClimateCool is the brand's newest temperature-controlled smart bed. Here's what you need to know.
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.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress: Which one should you buy?
By Rachael Penn published
If you’re looking for a new mattress, the choice usually comes down to memory foam or hybrid. For the undecided, our guide to memory foam vs hybrid mattresses will help you make sense of it all.
I'm a mattress tester — 3 red flags to avoid when buying a bed in Labor Day sales
By Alison Barretta published
Don't lose sleep because of buyer's remorse — just follow these smart Labor Day mattress shopping tips instead.
I have a bad back — here are the 3 luxury mattresses I'd buy during Labor Day sales
By Alison Barretta published
I'm a mattress tester with a bad back. These are the luxury beds I'd go for in today's Labor Day sales
Should you buy a mattress in the Labor Day sales or wait for Black Friday?
By Alison Barretta published
Labor Day mattress sales are live, but is it wise to wait until Black Friday to buy? As a veteran deal hunter and mattress tester, here's my take...
Should you buy the Saatva Classic in Labor Day sales? I'm a mattress tester — here's my take
By Alison Barretta published
The Saatva Classic mattress is $400 off for Labor Day, but is this deal right for you? Here's my advice as a pro bed tester...
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