The short answer: Zinus Green Tea 12-inch if you sleep on your back or stomach; Zinus rates it 7–8 out of 10. Novilla 12-inch Hybrid if you want coils and a pillow top at a similar price. Novilla Bliss (medium plush) only if you are a lighter side sleeper.

Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam (12 in)
The cheap memory-foam bed almost everyone has heard of, rated firmer than its 'medium firm' label suggests.
Open the Amazon listing
Novilla Hybrid (12 in pillow top)
A low-cost hybrid that gets you coils and a pillow top for the price of a basic foam bed.
Open the Amazon listing| Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam (12 in) | Novilla Hybrid (12 in pillow top) | |
|---|---|---|
| Build | All-foam, 12 in, zoned | Hybrid, 12 in, 600 coils, pillow top |
| Firmness | 7–8 of 10 (maker) | Medium Firm (label) |
| Trial | Not stated on listing | Not stated on listing |
| Warranty | 10 years (limited) | 10 years |
| Weight limit | 500 lb (listed) | Not stated on listing |
| Sold by | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
Where Zinus and Novilla part ways
Zinus's Green Tea is the most-reviewed mattress in our whole collection and is firmer than its label suggests: the maker prints 7–8 out of 10. Novilla's 12-inch hybrid puts pocketed coils under a pillow top for about the same budget. Novilla's Bliss is a different thing again, a soft foam bed for side sleepers.
Pick Zinus if
- You sleep on your back or stomach.
- You want a firmer feel on a budget.
- You prefer foam.
Pick Novilla Hybrid if
- You want coils for airflow and bounce.
- You switch positions during the night.
Still choosing? Reader questions
Is Zinus or Novilla better for back pain?
For back and stomach sleepers, the firmer Zinus Green Tea. For coils at a budget price, the Novilla Hybrid.
This page is general shopping information, not medical advice. If your back pain is new, getting worse, or keeps you awake whatever you sleep on, talk to a clinician before you spend money on a bed. Full disclaimer.