
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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Struggling to sleep away from home for the holidays? This best-selling memory foam mattress topper works magic on any tired mattress
The Linenspa Memory Foam Mattress Topper excels at pressure relief and thermoregulation – and it's ultra-affordable in the mattress sales
By Emilia Hitching Published
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How thick should my mattress topper be? Your expert guide
I asked physical therapists and bedding designers how to find the right height for your mattress topper to balance comfort and support
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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This is why you can't find Wamsutta towels anywhere – and what to buy instead
Wamsutta towels set the standard for absorbency – now that they're out of stock, both in-store and online, these are the best alternatives
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Best organic mattress 2025 – 6 non-toxic options, tried and tested by our experts
Natural materials to let your bed and your body breathe
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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How to choose a mattress topper – 6 things you need to know before you buy
I'm a professional product tester – here's how to choose a mattress topper that supports your spine, keeps you cool, and stays on the bed
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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Best cooling comforter – 6 expert-assessed options for sweat-free sleep
Invest in a lightweight layer to keep you cool and dry as the weather warms up
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Best mattress protectors 2025 − 6 expert-assessed options for a clean, dry bed
Protect your bed and your body from sweat, spills, and stains
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Best firm mattress – 6 tried and tested options for sturdy support
I've ranked and reviewed six options in the search to find the best firm mattress for pressure relief and spinal alignment
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Why is my mattress hurting my back? Experts share warning signs and how to fix it
I asked sleep scientists and chiropractors to explain why your mattress might be causing your back pain and how to find the support you need
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 toughen up a soft, sagging mattress for more supportive sleep
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Mattress topper types explained: your expert guide
Here are the pros and cons of the major mattress topper types, from plush pillow tops to firm foam, according to our team of expert testers
By Emilia Hitching Published
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How to fix a sagging mattress – 4 easy hacks to extend its life
I asked mattress manufacturers how to fix a sagging mattress – these are their tried-and-true tips and tricks for a short-term solution
By Emilia Hitching Published
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Mattress jargon buster – all the words you need to know before you buy a bed
I'm breaking down the bedding buzzwords to create the definitive A to Z of mattress terminology so that you can be a smarter shopper
By Emilia Hitching Published
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Best mattress topper 2025 – tried and tested for every sleep position and budget
I've ranked and reviewed six of my favorites from Saatva, Tempur-Pedic, Helix, and more
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Want to be the host with the most this holiday season? Curate a guest welcome box – I've already found all you need for all kinds of stays
Help your friends and family feel at home with a guest welcome box, containing everyday essentials and little luxuries to sweeten their stay
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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How we test mattress toppers – H&G's expert review process explained
Here's everything you need to know how we test mattress toppers for pressure relief, thermoregulation, motion isolation, and edge support
By Emilia Hitching Published
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What is an egg crate mattress topper? Your expert guide
I spoke with mattress manufacturers and sleep product testers to pick out the pros and cons of egg crate mattress toppers for every sleep style
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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Looking for luxury Christmas decorations? Head to Saks Fifth Avenue to deck the halls in style
Whether you're shopping for ornate ornaments, ceramic serveware, or glittering garlands, you'll find it in the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Shop
By Emilia Hitching Published
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The Pottery Barn holiday collection puts a fresh spin on old classics – it's vintage with a 2024 twist
Between the red berry wreaths and gingerbread serveware, the Pottery Barn Christmas collection looks good enough to eat – these are my favorite finds
By Emilia Hitching Published
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How a mattress is made − inside the mattress factories at IKEA, Hästens, and 3Z
I've traveled from the heart of Arizona to the slopes of Scandinavia to see how foam is poured and springs are coiled to make the world's best mattresses
By Emilia Hitching Published
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IKEA's Christmas collection has launched, and it's everything I need to add a Scandi charm to my home over the holidays
I've spent hours searching the IKEA Winter Holiday Shop for affordable designs that channel Scandi chic and make the most of smaller spaces
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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If you're after designer-approved holiday decorations, head to Target – Joanna Gaines just revealed her favorite finds from her Christmas collaboration
I've spent hours shopping the Magnolia Hearth & Hand Christmas collection to find wreaths, garlands, and festive decor at a fair price
By Emilia Hitching Last updated
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6 Scandinavian sleep secrets, straight from the heart of IKEA
I took a trip to Älmhult, Sweden, to uncover the six steps to complete sleep, according to mattress manufacturers and design experts at IKEA
By Emilia Hitching Published