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The Sleepopolis team has tested more than 500 mattresses over the last 10 years. Before making any recommendations, we put every feature of a mattress to the test: We lay on it, roll around on it, cut it open, see how well it isolates motion, and more.
Additionally, we test sleep accessories. These products include everything from sheets, pillows, and toppers to sunrise alarm clocks and humidifiers.
Our writers and editors—most of whom are also testers themselves—then compose our comprehensive reviews and product roundups. They also write long-form pieces on everything that has to do with getting a good night’s sleep.
What Is a Certified Sleep Science Coach?
Our team is made up of mattress experts, but many of us have become certified sleep science coaches, too. We earn this title via a Spencer Institute professional training program that covers the science of sleep, circadian rhythms, different types of sleep disorders, and the necessary steps to improving sleep patterns. We weave this expertise into all of our recommendations for mattresses and accessories.
Sleepopolis Team Members
Livvi DiCicco
Staff Writer & Certified Sleep Science Coach
I’m a Staff Writer for Sleepopolis, focusing on writing and editing sleep-based content wherever the site needs me. My friends call me a napping fiend, so it’s no surprise I ended up in the sleep world. I graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English & Creative Writing. Aside from sleep content, I enjoy writing speculative fiction and Regency England works.
I move around a lot, mostly flipping between my back and side. We might even call it “thrashing,” which is why I love my bouncy bed.
If I Had to Choose: High-End Sheets or High-End Pillow? High-end sheets.
Pro Tip: If you must nap, make sure it is only 20 to 30 minutes long and between the hours of 1:00 to 4:00 PM, so you don’t screw up your sleep schedule.
Mattress I Use at Home: Saatva Classic (14” Luxury Firm)
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: 100% bamboo sheets are a must for me.
My Splurge Pick: I’d probably go with the Saatva Latex Hybrid.
Kenny Timper
Senior Staff Writer & Certified Sleep Science Coach
I’m a Senior Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. I test mattresses and write about them so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s sleep. When I’m not testing and writing about mattresses and other sleep products, you can find me hiking, biking, or enjoying mosh pit retirement at your local heavy metal concerts.
I’m a stomach sleeper through and through.
If I Had to Choose: Fancy Adjustable Bed or Luxury Mattress? Luxury mattress.
Pro Tip: Try to cut out caffeine completely (crazy, I know). If that’s not possible, try to avoid drinking coffee or soda in the afternoon or evening. Combine that with at least an hour of walking every day, and you’ve got a recipe for sleep success!
What Mattress I Use at Home: Titan Plus Elite
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: Any sort of white noise machine.
My Splurge Pick: If budget were no issue, I would probably buy the Big Fix Luxe or Helix Dawn Luxe.
Kendall Spell
Lead Video Reviewer
I’m the face behind a lot of Sleepopolis’s video reviews, which means I’ve personally tested more mattresses than I can count. I write scripts, review sleep products on camera, and run our social channels, all while telling you what sleep products are worth your time! If I wouldn’t recommend it to my own friends, I’m not going to recommend it to you.
When I’m not reviewing mattresses, you’ll find me running around Charlotte with my friends, hunting down the best new coffee shops, or spending quality time with my family.
I’m a side sleeper, so I’m always paying close attention to how a mattress treats my hips and shoulders.
If I Had to Choose: Fancy Adjustable Bed or Luxury Mattress? Luxury mattress.
Pro Tip: Invest in a sunrise alarm clock that doubles as a sound machine. Waking up to gradual light instead of a blaring alarm makes mornings so much gentler, and the white noise helps you drift off at night!
My Favorite Mattress I’ve Tested: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: My Cozy Earth Silk Pillow and my Hatch Restore 3!
My Splurge Pick: Anything Cozy Earth related—PJ’s, Pillows, Sheets.
Riley Otis
Staff Writer & Certified Sleep Science Coach
I’m a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis working closely with our performance and SEO teams to ensure content quality. I write and edit roundups and reviews to bring you the most accurate and up to date information. I’m a firm believer that there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep, so I love helping people find the best products for their sleep sanctuary.
I’m a combination sleeper. I’m constantly rolling around and switching positions in my sleep.
If I Had to Choose: Luxury Bed or Luxury Accessories: Luxury bed.
Pro Tip: If you struggle to turn off your brain at night, try turning on white noise while you sleep. This gives your brain something to focus on other than your racing thoughts.
What Mattress I Use at Home: Brooklyn Bedding ThermoBalance.
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: A sound machine. I can’t sleep without white noise.
My Splurge Pick: Good quality sheets! I love my Cozy Earth bamboo sheet set.
Sosha Lewis
Editor & Certified Sleep Science Coach
I’m an Editor for Sleepopolis and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. I’m happy that I’m able to combine my love of sleep with my love of writing. I’ve also had articles featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. My weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
I live in Charlotte, NC with my husband, daughter, and lovable trash-panda of a dog, Olive.
I always start on my side, but often flip to my stomach at some point.
If I Had to Choose: High-End Sheets or High-End Pillows? Pillows for sure.
Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble falling asleep or need to drown out a partner’s snoring, try a “sleep podcast”. Some of my favorites are: Phoebe Reads a Mystery, Drifting Off with Joe Pera, and Sleep with Me. These podcasts are filled with soothing voices and less than thrilling stories…the perfect antidote for sleeplessness.
What Mattress I Use at Home: Nolah Evolution (Luxury Firm).
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: A sound machine. I can’t sleep without white noise.
My Splurge Pick: Helix Midnight Elite (I love my bed, but the Midnight Elite is the best bed I’ve ever been on).
Dan Caffrey
Senior Editor & Certified Sleep Science Coach
I’m a Certified Sleep Science Coach and the Senior Editor at Sleepopolis, where I edit the site’s roundups and focus on content optimization. I got my MFA in Playwriting from the University of Texas at Austin, and you can see my theatre work being produced around the country. I also co-host two popular horror podcasts on the Bloody Disgusting Podcast Network — The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast, and Halloweenies: A Horror Franchise Podcast.
I always start on my back, but find myself switching to my side right as I’m about to nod off. Our dog Hank shares the bed with my wife and I, so I wonder if I’ve become a combination sleeper by necessity.
If I Had to Choose: High-End Sheets or High-End Pillow? High-End Sheets
Pro Tip: A common tip for side sleepers is to place a pillow between your knees to prevent any discomfort. But I’ve found that wearing pajama pants can be just as effective.
What Mattress I Use at Home: Nectar Classic Memory Foam
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: All I need is an extra blanket!
My Splurge Pick: Anything Tempur-Pedic.
Nicole Davis
Senior Director of Content & Certified Sleep Science Coach
I’m the Senior Director of Content at Sleepopolis in charge overseeing our roundups, reviews, comparisons, testing methodologies, and other published content. I love to bake sourdough bread, work out, and chase the elusive 90+ sleep score—a true challenge with my three little girls at home.
I’m exclusively a side sleeper (and early riser).
If I Had to Choose: Luxury Bed or Luxury Accessories? Luxury accessories.
Pro Tip: Noise machines are not just for babies! I started using one when my youngest was born, and I’ve never looked back.
What Mattress I Use at Home: Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Hybrid
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow.
My Splurge Pick: DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid.
Ben Emminger
Performance Editor & Certified Nutrition Coach
My specialty on Sleepopolis is editing our library of roundups and reviews with an added emphasis on content optimization. Essentially, I ensure our reporting is accurate and up-to-date with the latest products and testing results from our team of experts. When not working, you can most likely find me outdoors tending to my garden or finishing whichever DIY project I’ve taken on as of late.
I’m a combination sleeper, though I’ve been trying my best to adopt a back-sleeping position.
If I Had to Choose: Luxury Bed or Luxury Accessories? Luxury accessories.
Pro Tip: Don’t “lounge” in bed and reserve your time on your mattress solely for sleep. This can build better sleep-wake associations in your brain, making it easier to turn off your thoughts once your head hits the pillow at night.
What Mattress I Use at Home: I’m in the market, but strongly considering the Helix Midnight Luxe.
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: Blackout sheets—they’re perfect for creating that cool, sleep-inducing environment.
My Splurge Pick: LUXOME LAYR Pillow.
Melanie Kassel
Managing Editor & Certified Sleep Science Coach
As Managing Editor on Sleepopolis, I oversee the creation of our content from the product-testing phase all the way through publishing. I’ve been writing and editing pieces about sleep hygiene, mattresses, and related topics for several years. My first sleep gig was in 2019—I freelanced as a copywriter for a sleep tracker company—and I’ve been fascinated by the science behind snoozing ever since.
I’m a combination back and side sleeper. I fall asleep on my side, but I always wake up on my back. Like most folks, I prefer a medium-firm mattress.
If I Had to Choose: Memory Foam or Hybrid Mattress? Hybrid
Pro Tip: Charge your phone outside of your bedroom and get a separate alarm clock to wake you up. It doesn’t have to be fancy! This has really helped me to decompress before bed and avoid scrolling in the mornings.
What Mattress I Use at Home: Saatva Classic
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: My purple DreamLayer pillow. I don’t know if I like their proprietary gel grid when it’s in a mattress, but I love it when it’s cradling my head.
My Splurge Pick: I would get a smart topper with temperature regulation, like the Chilipad 2.0.
Cory Kessler
Performance Writer & Certified Sleep Science Coach
I’m a Performance Writer for Sleepopolis who helps keep product recommendations up-to-date across our vast library of reviews, roundups, and comparison pieces. As a former classroom teacher, I enjoy combining my love for learning and sharing knowledge with writing content that helps people live their best, healthiest lives.
I’m usually a strict side sleeper, and don’t typically move at all once I fall asleep.
If I Had to Choose: Memory Foam or Hybrid Mattress? Hybrid.
Pro Tip: Sheet quality is an underrated part of getting a good night’s rest. Finding the material that feels best and keeps your temperature regulated is a game-changer.
My Favorite Mattress I’ve Tested: Saatva Classic.
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: A quality pillow is make-or-break for me. I have my eye on the Silk & Snow adjustable pillow.
My Splurge Pick: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid.
Caine Wilkes
Performance Editor & Certified Nutrition Coach
I’m a Performance Editor for Sleepopolis who’s been helping test out and review mattresses for two years. Additionally, I’m an Olympian in the sport of weightlifting, so I have firsthand experience regarding the importance of sleep and recovery—for everyday life as well as athletic competition.
I’m mostly a back sleeper, although I’ll sometimes fall asleep on my side.
If I Had to Choose: High-End Sheets or High-End Pillow? Sheets.
Pro Tip: Start to wind down before you go to bed. About 30 minutes before bed, turn off electronic devices, read a book, and start to relax. That way, you can be ready to rest and chill when you actually get in bed.
Mattress I Use at Home: Beautyrest PressureSmart 2.0 Hybrid Firm 13″ Mattress
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: I was diagnosed with sleep apnea just before the Tokyo Olympics, so a CPAP is certainly one item I have trouble sleeping without. That said, I think CPAP pillows are underrated, since they help your pillow form around a somewhat bulky piece of equipment, and they can make your night’s sleep much more comfortable.
My Splurge Pick: I would want an adjustable bed frame, like the Nectar Premier Adjustable Base. My wife and I do a bit of reading before bed, so it’d be nice to position the bed better for some nighttime reading.
Abby Wood
PR Strategist
Hey! I’m Abby, strategist for the content marketing and digital PR team at Sleepopolis. My role revolves around developing effective strategies to enhance our content and strengthen our online presence.
I typically fall asleep on my side but occasionally wake up on my back. My dog, Dutton, shares the bed with me so my sleeping position frequently relies on him!
If I Had to Choose: Luxury Bed or Luxury Accessories? Luxury Accessories.
Pro Tip: If your mind is racing at night, try writing down the thoughts that are keeping you awake. Putting them on paper can help you relax so that you can enjoy a night of restful sleep.
Mattress I Use at Home: Westin Heavenly Bed
Sleep Accessory I Can’t Sleep Without: Definitely two Brooklyn Bedding king-size pillows!
My Splurge Pick: Peacock Alley sheets and duvet set.