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
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 2025: 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...
Titan launches luxury hybrid mattress for heavy people — and it's 25% off today
By Alison Barretta published
Titan by Brooklyn Bedding's new Plus Elite hybrid mattress promises cooling comfort for heavy people. Here's what you need to know...
Upgrade your dorm mattress for less with 25% off this year's best cooling bed topper
By Alison Barretta published
The Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper rarely gets a price cut, but today it's 25% off in a big back to school sale.
Is the new Sleep Number c1 smart bed worth it? I tried it — here's what I think
By Alison Barretta published
I tried the new Sleep Number c1 smart mattress to see how well it balances value vs features. Here's what I discovered...
Is the new Westin Heavenly Bed the best hotel mattress? I'm a mattress tester — here's what I think
By Alison Barretta published
I slept on the Next Generation Westin Heavenly Bed to see how this new hotel mattress stands up against the hugely popular original. Here's what I think.
I tested the new Tempur-Adapt mattresses and discovered Tempur-Pedic's most well-balanced bed yet
By Alison Barretta published
I'm a sleep writer, so of course I wanted to test all of the new Tempur-Adapt mattresses. Check out my hands-on reviews plus an interview with Tempur-Pedic's VP of Brand Management.
Nectar Mattress review 2025: 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.
I’ve tested every major mattress in a box — 5 I'd buy in today’s Memorial Day sales
By Alison Barretta published
I've slept on mattresses in a box from Casper, DreamCloud and more, and these are ones I'd buy in today's Memorial Day sales.
I’m a pro mattress tester — why the Saatva Classic is still the No. 1 bed I’d buy in Memorial Day sales
By Alison Barretta published
The Saatva Classic mattress is $400 off in today's Memorial Day sale and it's still the hybrid I'd recommend to all sleepers.
I’m a mattress editor — the 3 best sales to buy before Memorial Day
By Alison Barretta published
I've scoured the Memorial Day sales and these deals from Casper, Saatva and Tempur-Pedic are my top picks.
Which is the best Casper mattress in 2025? Here's what you need to know
By Alison Barretta published
Your guide to finding the best Casper mattress for your needs and budget
I visited Casper Labs for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Casper's new mattresses
By Alison Barretta published
I visited Casper Labs in Brooklyn to explore Casper's all-new mattress lineup and learn why the brand decided to start from scratch after a decade in the sleep business.
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