Brad Nehring

Executive Product Director

Expertise: Mattresses

Mattress Preference: Hybrid

Sleeping Position: Back sleeper, 215 lbs.

Sleep Struggles: Partner easily awakened

As someone who has lived with sleep problems throughout his adult life, Brad is passionate about helping others get the rest they need. He’s professionally tested and reviewed sleep products for more nearly a decade.

Prior to his current role, Brad was an associate editor for Seattleite.com and a product copywriter for Nordstrom. He also volunteered with the Peace Corps in Zambia from 2006 to 2008, and taught English in South Korea from 2009 to 2010. A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, he currently resides in Tacoma, WA, with his partner and small menagerie of pets.

Experience & Highlights

As part of the Sleep Foundation testing team for nearly 10 years, Brad has personally evaluated more than 500 individual mattress models. He has also tested a wide range of other products, including pillows, sheets, mattress toppers, mattress pads, and weighted blankets.

Education

Brad received a bachelor’s degree in English/creative writing from Western Washington University.

“Having spent many years testing mattresses and bedding, I understand how crucial it is to choose sleep products that meet your needs and align with your preferences. In my experience, not enough people take advantage of sleep trials. You might discover your next favorite sleep accessory this way — and if not, no harm, no foul.”

Brad Nehring Product Testing Manager

Brad’s Expert Sleep Tips

What’s your biggest sleeping pain point?

I have low-level sleep maintenance insomnia. Falling asleep isn’t a major issue most nights, but staying asleep is another story. I’ll typically wake up at least once or twice during the night. If I sleep steadily without waking up, I’ll typically wake up naturally after six hours or so.

What’s your favorite sleep product right now?

I’ve been consistently using a weighted blanket for the last 7 to 8 years. Bearaby continues to be my top pick, but I’ve also tested high-quality weighted blankets from the likes of Brooklyn Bedding, Saatva, Silk & Snow, and Layla.

What is your nightly sleep regimen?

My partner usually goes to bed much earlier than I do, so I’ll read or watch television in a separate room for at least an hour or two before joining her. Our cats and 80-lb. lap dog like to join me on the couch, which adds a soothing element to the environment.

What’s your top sleep tip?

There are a lot of measures you can take to ensure a healthy night’s sleep. Some of my go-tos are dimming the lights for reading before bed, drinking decaf tea at night, and getting up for 20 minutes or so if I wake up during the night.