Alison Barretta

Alison Barretta

Expert mattress tester

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

Image shows our best mattress for back pain, the Saatva RX placed on a luxury grey mattress in a stylish bedroom

The best mattress for back pain 2025: 10 expert picks to help you sleep comfortably

By Jo Plumridge published

We've slept on and tested all the latest beds — these are the mattresses for back pain that provided pain-free mornings.

Mattresses
Two people sit on top of the Plank Firm flippable double-sided mattress in a bedroom

The best firm mattress 2025, approved by sleep experts

By Alison Barretta published

Time to upgrade your bed to something more supportive and solid? We've slept on and tested the latest firm mattresses to bring you our guide to the very best options.

Mattresses
The Saatva Classic Mattress on a bed foundation outdoors, overlooking the sea. A Tom's Guide Prime Day deals graphic in the top left corner

I'm a pro mattress tester — these are the 5 rival Prime Day deals I'd shop

By Alison Barretta published

Amazon is not the be-all, end-all this Prime Day. I'm sharing five superb mattress deals that aren't available from the world's largest online retailer.

Mattresses
The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt Medium Hybrid Mattress on a grey bedframe

Mattress Firm takes on Prime Day with its own epic sale — I've found the 5 best offers

By Alison Barretta published

Mattress Firm is running its own sale to counter Amazon Prime Day, with 20% off most items sitewide. Here are the five deals you should check out.

Mattresses
The Saatva RX in a sunny bedroom

Saatva mattress sale July 2025: Save 15% on handcrafted beds

By Claire Davies last updated

The current Saatva mattress sale cuts 15% off $1,000 or more, yielding some great prices on its more expensive models, including the specialist Saatva RX.

Mattresses
A close up of the end of a Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on a bed frame, a Tom's Guide price drop deals graphic (right)

The best Nectar mattress sales for July 2025: Don't miss these better-than-Black Friday prices

By Claire Davies last updated

In this month's Nectar mattress sale, we're finding all-time low prices after an extra 15% off at Nectar US. Meanwhile, Nectar UK continues to cut up to 44% off.

Mattresses
The image shows the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid mattress on a grey bed frame with a Tom's Guide 'Price drop' badge on top

DreamCloud mattress sales for July 2025: Score the lowest-ever prices after an extra 15% off

By Claire Davies last updated

The usual DreamCloud mattress sale just got even better with additional savings, with prices from $254

Mattresses
A split screen of the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Topper vs the Saatva Micro-coil Mattress Topper

Memory foam vs hybrid mattress topper: Which one should you choose?

By Frances Daniels published

Our memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers comparison details all you need to know about what to expect when it comes to price, support, and cooling.

Mattress Toppers
A split screen of the Siena Memory Foam vs the Layla Essential Mattress

Siena vs Layla: Which cheap memory foam mattress should you buy this Prime Day?

By Frances Daniels published

If you're looking for a reliable budget mattress, the Siena Memory Foam and the Layla Essential are two great options to consider. Here, we compare their design, price, and performance.

Mattresses
A collage of our medium-firm mattress testing process

The best medium-firm mattress 2025: 7 beds tested and approved by sleep experts

By Alison Barretta last updated

The best medium-firm mattresses combine firm support with plenty of cushioning for all sleep positions. We've tested plenty of these Goldilocks beds, and here's our top 7

Mattresses
We test the best cheap mattress, the Siena Memory Foam, to find out if its good value

Best cheap mattress 2025: 6 tried-and-tested budget beds under $500 for a queen

By Claire Davies, Frances Daniels last updated

We test a variety of beds but often find cheap mattresses can offer as much comfort and support as premium ones. Here's our budget picks...

Mattresses
Equinox Hotels guest room featuring the Equinox Hotels Sleep System on the left, a king-size bed with pillows and a pair of duvets

Recreate the luxurious Equinox Hotels Sleep System at home

By Alison Barretta published

If you can't make it to the Equinox Hotel in New York City, no problem. Here's how you can bring its renowned sleep system to your bedroom.

Mattresses
Navy and white Bear Elite Hybrid mattress in bedroom with wooden floor, black and beige rug, grey chair and black bedside tables

Bear mattress sales for July 2025: Mega 40% off discount returns

By Ruth Jones last updated

This month's Bear mattress sale takes 40% off sitewide for July 4th. That's a noticeable jump its regular discounts so don't hit snooze on this one.

Mattresses
The new Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, a Tom's Guide price drop deals graphic (left)

The best Helix mattress deals and sales for July 2025: 27% off hybrids for all sleepers

By Claire Davies last updated

Use our exclusive coupon during the Helix Dream Day Sale for 27% off mattresses for all sleep styles. Read our expert guide for the best deals.

Mattresses
A woman in her pyjamas lying on her front on the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-ActiveBreeze smart bed

Tempur-Pedic mattress sales for July 2025: $500 off cooling mattresses

By Claire Davies last updated

Seeking relief from the heat and sore joints? This month's Tempur-Pedic mattress sale features the best deals we've seen for current-gen Tempur-Breeze and ActiveBreeze beds.

Mattresses
Saatva Viewing Room Philly exterior

Where can you buy a Saatva mattress?

By Rachael Penn, Ruth Jones last updated

Is it better to buy a Saatva mattress online or in person at one of its Viewing Rooms? We have all the details.

Mattresses
A woman lies in her bed at night, sleeping well. On the floor next to her is the Eight Sleep smart mattress cover Pod. A Tom's Guide Eight Sleep price drop deals graphic (left) representing best eight sleep discounts

Eight Sleep mattress sales and deals for July 2025: Save on smart cooling beds

By Alison Barretta last updated

Enjoy cooler sleep this summer with up to $200 off the new Eight Sleep Pod 5 smart mattress cover — our expert guide to the Eight Sleep sale.

Sleep Tech
Woman lying on Leesa mattress, with 'Lowest price' graphic overlaid

Leesa mattress sales and deals for July 2025: Save 25% on handcrafted beds

By Alison Barretta last updated

Our expert guide to Leesa deals and discounts, with 30% off all handcrafted adult mattresses in the 4th of July sale.

Mattresses
Two girls sitting on Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro Hybrid mattress on wooden bedframe with plants and shelving either side of bed

Brooklyn Bedding mattress sale for July 2025: Save 30% on cooler, comfier sleep this summer

By Frances Daniels last updated

No matter your sleep style or budget, Brooklyn Bedding's 30% off mattress sale has a deal for you — here's our top picks.

Mattresses
A WInkBed mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, a Tom's Guide price drop deals graphic (right)

WinkBeds mattress deals for July 2025: $300 off luxury mattresses

By Ruth Jones last updated

You can save $300 on all luxury WinkBed mattresses this 4th of July with the generous evergreen discounts

Mattresses
Avocado Eco Organic Mattress on a bed with two plants to the right of it

Avocado mattress sales and deals for July 2025: Save on organic and eco-friendly beds

By Claire Davies last updated

Our expert guide to the July Avocado mattress sale, including how to save on our top-rated organic mattress.

Mattresses
The imnage shows the Puffy Royal Hybrid on a brown bed platform in a neautrally decorated bedroom

The best Puffy mattress sales for July 2025: big savings on luxury beds

By Jack Ridsdale last updated

Puffy 4th of July mattress sale offers up to $1,350 off all luxury beds

Mattresses
A Casper Cloud One mattress on a wooden bed frame in a bedroom, a Tom's Guide price drop deals graphic in the corner

The best Casper mattress sales for July 2025: up to 35% off cooling beds

By Alison Barretta last updated

Our guide to the July Casper sale, with money off cooling beds and the best-selling One mattress

Mattresses
A woman stands next to the Saatva Classic Mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, pressing her hands into the medium-firm surface to test the pressure relief

An expert guide to the best Saatva mattresses in 2025

By Alison Barretta last updated

The Saatva Classic is our number one mattress. Discover the rest of the line-up with our expert guide to the best Saatva mattresses of 2025.

Mattresses
Saatva RX mattress review image shows a 50lb weight placed in the center of the mattress to test pressure relief

Saatva RX mattress review 2025: Tested by an reviewer with back pain

By Alison Barretta last updated

This specialist mattress is a luxury solution to back pain, but does the Saatva RX deliver on its promise to combat chronic back and joint conditions? We put it to the test.

Mattresses
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