Emilia Hitching
Emilia is our resident sleep writer. She spends her days tracking down the lowest prices on the best mattresses and bedding and spends her nights testing them out from the comfort of her own home. Emilia leads a team of testers across America to find the best mattress for every sleep style, body type, and budget.
Emilia's quest to learn how to sleep better takes her all around the world, from the 3Z mattress factory in Glendale, Arizona to the Hästens headquarters in Köping, Sweden. She's interviewed luxury bedding designers at Shleep and Pure Parima, as well as the Design Manager at IKEA. Before she joined Homes & Gardens, Emilia studied English at the University of Oxford.
Latest articles by Emilia Hitching
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Best mattress for a guest room 2024 − tried and tested for every sleep style
The best mattress for a guest room supports every style of sleeper and suits every budget – I've ranked and reviewed six of my favorites
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Mattress pad vs mattress topper – what's the difference and which one do you need?
Here's everything you need to know about mattress pads vs mattress toppers, from how they feel to who they suit and what they cost
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Best cooling mattress toppers and pads 2024 − tried and tested by hot sleepers
Stop the night sweats with the best cooling mattress toppers and pads – I've ranked and reviewed our thermoregulating favorites
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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6 things you need to know before you buy a mattress topper
I'm a professional product tester – here's what I look for in a mattress topper, and what you need to know before you buy
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Why your mattress might be causing your back pain − and what to do about it
I asked sleep scientists and chiropractors to explain why your mattress might be doing more harm than good for your back pain
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Best mattress topper for dorm beds – certified for great sleep on campus
Get better sleep this semester when you invest in the best mattress topper for dorm beds, ranked and reviewed by a recent grad
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Best duvet inserts and comforters 2024 – for all seasons and budgets
I've ranked and reviewed the world's best duvet and inserts and comforters, with down and down alternative options to suit every sleep style
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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I'm a sleep writer and sales hunter – here's where I buy my bedding in 2024
From Brooklinen to Boll & Branch, these are the best places to buy bedding, including chic sheets, cozy comforters, and supportive pillows
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Can I make my mattress firmer? Yes − here's how
I asked sleep scientists and mattress manufacturers how to make a mattress firmer for more supportive sleep
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Best affordable bed sheets 2024 − upgrade your bedroom on a budget
I've ranked and reviewed the best affordable bed sheets from Amazon, Target and more so that you don't have to compromise quality for cost
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Best cooling sheets 2024 − tested by hot sleepers, for hot sleepers
I've ranked and reviewed the world's best cooling sheets – these sets are moisture-wicking, thermoregulating, and seriously stylish, too
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Should I buy a mattress on Labor Day? A sleep editor investigates
You could save hundreds on a mattress in the Labor Day sales, according to mattress manufacturers and money-saving experts
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Best mattress protector 2024 − waterproof, cooling, and quilted
I've ranked and reviewed the world's best mattress protectors to keep your bed and body clean from sweat, spills, and stains
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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I tested the Bear Natural Mattress − now, I can't wait to go to bed
I sampled the Bear Natural Mattress back in April before I called it home for long-term testing − breathable and bouncy, it's worth the wait
By Emilia Hitching Published
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How to make an air mattress more comfortable – 5 tips to elevate an air bed
I asked an expert panel of interior designers how to make an air mattress more comfortable − and how to style it to impress your guests
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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How to make an uncomfortable mattress more comfy – 6 tips from a mattress tester
We've all endured a sleepless night on an uncomfortable bed. This is how to make the most of a lumpy bed
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Do grounding sheets work? Experts explain what it means to 'ground' your mattress
I asked sleep scientists and mattress retailers whether grounding sheets really work – and how to use them for better sleep
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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How often should you turn your mattress? Experts reveal the best time to flip or rotate
I asked mattress manufacturers how often you should flip or rotate your mattress to elongate its lifespan – and how to do it safely
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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How often should you replace your mattress? 5 signs it's time for an upgrade
I asked mattress manufacturers and medical professionals for their expert advice on the best time to break up with your old bed
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Is it okay for a mattress to have fiberglass? A sleep editor investigates
I asked mattress manufacturers and medical professionals how to tell if your mattress contains fiberglass – and what to do if it does
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Should you put a mattress directly on the floor? Experts outline the pros and cons
I spoke to mattress manufacturers and sleep scientists to find out whether it's ever a good idea to put a mattress directly on the floor
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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What is the best mattress firmness? How to find your ideal fit and feel
I asked physical therapists and sleep scientists to talk me through the pros and cons of mattress firmness ratings for different sleep styles
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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How long do memory foam mattresses last?
I spoke to mattress testers and medical professionals to learn more about the lifespan of a memory foam mattress – plus, how to extend it
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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How long should a mattress last?
I asked my expert panel how to estimate the lifespan of your mattress, depending on its inner materials and the quality of your care
By Emilia Hitching Last updated