
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

DreamCloud, Nectar and more — 5 mattress-in-a-box deals still live and worth shopping in last chance Memorial Day sales
By Alison Barretta published
I've tested dozens of mattresses-in-a-box. These are the five I recommend buying during this year's extended Memorial Day sales, with prices from only $179.

What's the best mattress in a box 2025? Our experts have tested dozens of them — these are the top 10
By Claire Davies last updated
Our sleep experts have tested all the latest mattresses in a box to bring you our top picks for every budget and sleep style — comfort and convenience combined.

What mattress does the Westin use?
By Ruth Jones last updated
The Heavenly Bed has been a much-loved fixture in Westin hotels for a quarter of a century. Learn why it's so popular, plus how to buy your own.

What is the Ritz-Carlton Hotel mattress — and should you buy it?
By Ruth Jones last updated
Get all the important facts about the Ritz-Carlton Hotel mattress, where to buy it, as well as less expensive alternatives.

What mattress do Marriott hotels use?
By Ruth Jones last updated
This is what makes the Marriott mattress suit so many sleepers, and you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own bedroom

What mattresses do hotels use? The Ritz, Hilton, Premier Inn and more
By Alison Barretta last updated
Explore the mattresses each hotel uses around the world — plus the best deals so you can recreate hotel luxury at home

Saatva Foam Mattress Topper review
By Alison Barretta last updated
Find out how Saatva's most affordable topper, the High-Density Foam Mattress Topper, fared during our three-week testing period

Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper review
By Alison Barretta last updated
The Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is one of the most cost-effective ways to make your bed extremely plush. Here's how we fared after sleeping on it for two weeks...

What is GOTS certification and why does it matter when you’re buying a mattress?
By Alison Barretta published
GOTS (the Global Organic Textiles Standard) ensures natural materials used in mattresses are sourced ethically and responsibly. Here's what that means.

The best mattress for side sleepers 2025: 10 beds our testers loved
By Alison Barretta last updated
If you sleep on your side, you need to choose a mattress with plenty of cushioning support. Luckily, our testing panel is full of side sleepers, and we've selected our top 10 mattresses

How often should you rotate or flip your mattress?
By Alison Barretta last updated
We explain how often you should rotate your mattress and why certain mattresses should never be flipped.

How do mattress warranties work?
By Alison Barretta last updated
Mattress warranties can be daunting. We're here to help you make sense of them.

“I sit here with probably the most talented team in the mattress space.” Saatva CEO Ron Rudzin on the unstoppable rise of America's most admired luxury sleep brand
By Alison Barretta published
We speak to CEO Ron Rudzin about the past, present and future of Saatva and what we can expect from the brand in 2025

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid vs Nectar Classic mattress: Key differences compared
By Alison Barretta published
We look at how these two popular mattresses-in-a-box face off in terms of price, features and more

This weekend's top mattress deals from Tempur-Pedic, Helix, and more
By Alison Barretta published
Want to buy a mattress before more tariffs go into effect? These are the deals I highly recommend you shop this weekend.

I've been sleeping on the affordable Siena Hybrid Premier mattress for a week — and it's already outperforming some of its luxury rivals in several ways
By Alison Barretta published
My thoughts on the Siena Hybrid Premier mattress in a box after a week of testing

Mattress White Glove Delivery: What's included and how it works
By Claire Davies last updated
We explain everything you need to know about mattress White Glove Delivery, including which brands offer it.

What are mattress trials and how do they work?
By Claire Davies last updated
Many sleep brands talk about their mattress trial periods, but what are they and how do they work? We have answers.

What mattress does the Hampton Inn use?
By Jo Plumridge published
We look under the covers of the Hampton Hotel Bed used at the Hampton Inn to see if it’s worth buying one for yourself.

What's the best Casper mattress in 2025?
By Alison Barretta last updated
Which one of Casper's five mattresses should you buy? We share our thoughts based on our experiences and customer reviews.

The best mattress for couples 2025: 7 top-rated options chosen by our sleep experts
By Alison Barretta last updated
Our team of experts have slept on and tested the best mattresses for couples this year — here are the top 7

The best mattress under $1,000 in 2025
By Alison Barretta last updated
You may have a queen-size bed but you don't have to spend a royal fortune for a good mattress. These are the best mattresses under $1,000 according to our experts.

What's the best king size mattress in 2025? I’m a mattress tester — these are my top picks
By Alison Barretta last updated
Thinking of sizing up your bed from a queen to a king? These are the best king size mattresses of the year, according to our experts.
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