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

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.

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.

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.

Firm mattresses aren't always best for back pain — here's why, say experts
By Alison Barretta published
Do hard beds cure back pain? According to experts, the answer isn't cut-and-dry. Here's what they told us about sleeping on firm mattresses for back pain...

The 7 best hybrid and memory foam mattresses to buy in the Black Friday sales
By Rachael Penn published
Looking for a memory foam bed to sink into, or a bouncy hybrid? Shop the best Black Friday mattress deals available now from Emma, Nectar, Purple and more.

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.

I reviewed the Nectar Mattress – here's 3 reasons why you should (and shouldn't) buy it this Black Friday
By Alison Barretta published
I'm a mattress tester and these are my reasons for and against buying the Nectar Memory Foam this Black Friday.

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.

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...

WinkBeds mattress sales and deals for March: take $300 off this top-rated luxury mattress
By Paul Dimery last updated
You'll find everything you need to know about WinkBeds mattress sales and WinkBeds discount codes here.

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.

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.

Bring home the UK's best mattress at 60% off for a limited time
By Alison Barretta published
Brook + Wilde is celebrating the end of the year with 60% off its entire range of mattresses, which is better than its Black Friday sale.

Help your kids fall asleep easily on Christmas Eve with these 4 expert tips
By Alison Barretta published
If your child is too excited to fall asleep on Christmas Eve, follow these four expert tips to help lull them into a peaceful holiday slumber.

What to do when you can’t sleep — 5 tips you need to try
By Claire Davies last updated
Five of the best techniques to use when you can’t sleep at night.

Otty mattress sales and deals 2025: save up to 50% when you buy a new mattress
By Paul Dimery last updated
Learn about the current Otty mattress sale, and find out if you need to apply an discount code to save.

Saatva vs Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers: Which one should you buy?
By Grace Franks last updated
When it comes to quality, Saatva vs Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers is a close battle. Here's how to pick between them...

How to spot a Black Friday mattress bargain: 5 tips to follow to help you save
By Paul Dimery published
Follow our expert tips for spotting a Black Friday mattress bargain from a dud.

3 Black Friday mattress shopping hacks to save you more money
By Alison Barretta published
Don't browse this year's Black Friday mattress sales until you check out these three money-saving shopping hacks.

Should you buy a mattress on Black Friday? We reveal all
By Alison Barretta published
Is Black Friday really the best time of year to buy a mattress? In a word, yes – but there are things to know to make sure you get the best bargain.
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