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

Memory foam vs hybrid mattress: Key differences and how to choose
By Alison Barretta last updated
Memory foam vs hybrid is one of the biggest decisions you'll need to make when buying a mattress. Here's how to pick between them...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

DreamCloud mattress sales for March 2025: 50% off mattresses plus $599 worth of free bedding
By Claire Davies last updated
DreamCloud's spring sale brings the firm's biggest offer ever.

Best Nectar mattress sales for March 2025: Get 50% off mattresses and 66% off bundles
By Claire Davies last updated
Nectar's best-selling memory foam and hybrid mattresses are excellent value for money. Here's what to shop in the March Nectar sale...

The best organic mattress 2025: Toxin-free mattresses for cleaner sleep
By Claire Davies last updated
Our expert team of mattress testers have slept on the best organic mattresses and reviewed each pick to put this 2025 guide together

What mattresses do hotels use? The Ritz, Hilton, Premier Inn and more
By Alison Barretta last updated
Learn why the mattresses used in hotels are among the most comfortable you've slept on and how to buy a hotel mattress for your home.

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.

Do memory foam mattresses cause back pain?
By Jo Plumridge published
If you experience back pain, you’ll know how important the right mattress is. We explain how memory foam mattresses can cause back pain — and how they can also help.

Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review 2025
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

What is the Eight Sleep Pod? A guide to the celebrities' favorite smart mattress system
By Alison Barretta last updated
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...

Do mattresses need box springs?
By Alison Barretta published
What you need to know about using a box spring with a hybrid, memory foam, latex or innerspring mattress.

Want to be sure you're buying a mattress without fiberglass? Here are the red flags to look for
By Alison Barretta published
Fiberglass is still widely used in many cheap mattresses — and manufacturers aren’t always upfront about it.

Boxing Day mattress sales 2024: the best deals for all sleep needs and budgets
By Rachael Penn last updated
No matter what you're looking for or how much you're willing to spend, we're certain you'll find the Boxing Day mattress deal you want in our roundup of the day's best sales...

What are mattress covers made from? Everything you need to know
By Alison Barretta published
An easy guide to the different types of mattress covers and how they affect your sleep comfort.
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