Articles by Tom May

Tom May is a freelance writer and editor specialising in tech, design and sleep products. Over the years he's tested a number of mattresses, duvets and pillows, and as a back pain sufferer, has a keen interest in finding ones that offer maximum support. Plus, in running a successful Airbnb business, sleep hygiene and providing the right bedding for guests has become a big part of his day-to-day life. He is author of Great TED Talks: Creativity, published by Pavilion Books.

Articles by: Tom May

Fan vs air conditioner: what's the difference, and which should you choose?

By Tom May published 3 September 24

Both can keep you cool in hot weather, so how do you decide?

Man lying face down on a bed with fan pointed in his direction

Can fans cool a room? The answer might surprise you

By Tom May published 12 August 24

When you run a fan, the room gets cooler, right? Not exactly.

How to clean a fan: a step-by-step guide to cleaning any type of fan

By Tom May published 5 August 24

Cleaning tips to keep your fans running smoothly and efficiently, whether you have a pedestal, tower or ceiling fan.

The Shark Detect Pro Cordless vacuum in action

What are the disadvantages of a cordless vacuum cleaner?

By Tom May published 8 July 24

Cordless vacuum cleaners may be convenient, but they come with drawbacks too. Check our list before you commit!

Using the Shark Bagless Cylinder Pet Vacuum CZ250UKT on a rug

How many watts of power is good for a vacuum cleaner?

By Tom May published 1 July 24

We explain what wattage means and why it's worth looking at when you choose a vacuum.

Woman vacuuming a rug in her living room

15 places in your home that you should be vacuuming, but probably aren't

By Tom May published 29 June 24

Pay attention to these spots to protect your health

What are the disadvantages of a bagless vacuum cleaner?

By Tom May published 16 June 24

No more messing about with vacuum bags: hooray! But there are also some drawbacks to a bagless vaccum cleaner.

Cat looking angrily at robot vacuum cleaner

What are the disadvantages of a robot vacuum cleaner?

By Tom May published 9 June 24

Robot vaccum cleaners do the work for you, so what's not to like? We list nine downsides you might not have thought of.

A vacuum cleaner head running across a purple carpet

How do I tell how much suction a vacuum cleaner has?

By Tom May published 5 June 24

There are two measurements for suction power. We explain what they are, and how to find them for a specific vacuum.

A person fixing a vacuum cleaner at home

Why is my vacuum cleaner not vacuuming?

By Tom May published 30 May 24

Don't panic if your vacuum cleaner isn't picking up; here are seven things to try so you can get it back in business.

How to recycle a vacuum cleaner

By Tom May published 28 May 24

Don't contribute to landfill! Here's the responsible way to recycle a vacuum cleaner, on both sides of the Atlantic

Best king size mattress in 2026: big beds for all budgets

By Tom May last updated 3 April 24

Enjoy quality sleep and a feeling of luxurious comfort with one of the best king size mattresses available today.

A man with short brown hair sleeps comfortably in a white bed

A complete guide to pillow sizes

By Tom May published 11 March 24

We dig into the different pillow size options in the US, UK and EU, to help you find the right one for you.

7 most expensive mattresses in the world

By Tom May published 9 March 24

We've rounded up the priciest mattresses around – but we can't explain why some of them are so ugly.

Man taping up packing box to return a mattress to Amazon

How to return a mattress to Amazon

By Tom May published 19 July 23

Understanding how to return a mattress to Amazon is easier than you might think.

What are sleep chronotypes and which is yours?

By Tom May published 19 June 23

Are you a wolf, bear, dolphin or lion?

How to use white noise to sleep better

By Tom May published 11 June 23

White noise for sleeping? It's not as daft as it sounds.

How to recycle a mattress: put your old bed to best use

By Tom May published 22 May 23

Don't contribute to landfill: help save the planet with these 6 easy ways to recycle a mattress.

What are the benefits of sleep masks? We asked the experts

By Tom May published 9 May 23

Get better quality rest by using a sleep mask; we explain how to choose the right one for you.

What mattresses do hotels use, and can you buy them?

By Tom May published 27 March 23

We reveal what mattresses are used in hotels like Marriott and Sheraton, and whether they're available to buy.

A person sitting on the edge of a bed, holding their neck and back as if in pain

What’s the right mattress firmness for back pain?

By Tom May published 21 March 23

Could a softer or firmer mattress help your spine? We asked experts for their advice.

A person waking up happy in the morning with the sun shining on their face. A badge in the corner says 'TechRadar Sleep Week 2023'

How to wake up early without feeling tired

By Tom May published 12 March 23

Early starts don't have to suck! Boost your energy levels by following our expert tips.

A couple sitting on the Avocado Green latex mattress

What is a latex mattress and should I buy one?

By Tom May published 14 February 23

We explore how latex mattresses differ from other types of bed, and whether they can help you sleep better.

BMW’s game-changing e-bikes could revolutionise how we get to work

By Tom May published 10 September 21

Should you get an e-bike or an e-motorbike? BMW is offering you both in one!

Wearables go invisible with the launch of Whoop 4.0

By Tom May last updated 9 September 21

Favoured by sports pros, Whoop launches a major upgrade to its fitness tracker, and a new range of smart clothing.

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