9 Best Memory Foam Mattresses for Back Pain (November 2026)

The best memory foam mattresses for back pain include the Novilla Bliss Queen Size Mattress for balanced queen support, the MLILY EGOHOME King 14 inch Memory Foam for couples wanting a tall king, and the Zinus Memory Foam 12 Inch Green Tea for full-body pressure relief.

On this page (6 sections)

1. Which memory foam mattress is best for back pain?
2. The best memory foam mattresses for back pain
3. What should you look for in a memory foam mattress for back pain?
4. Is a memory foam mattress good for a sore back?
5. How should you set up and care for memory foam?
6. Verdict: which memory foam mattress for back pain should you choose?

The best memory foam mattress for back pain for most shoppers is the Novilla Bliss Queen Size Mattress. Its 12-inch, 3-layer gel memory foam design and medium-firm feel aim to balance pressure relief with support.

The right choice changes if you prefer a plush surface, need a king bed, or want to improve an existing mattress. This guide compares memory foam mattresses for back pain by firmness, foam layers, height, cooling features, motion control and setup details.

We compared the listed materials and features with the needs of shoppers looking for a memory foam mattress for back pain. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

If you're unsure whether foam suits you, start with Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good for Your Back? A Closer Look.

For a softer sleep surface, see our guide to the best plush memory foam mattress.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for balanced queen support

   Novilla Bliss Queen Size Mattress

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for couples wanting a tall king

   MLILY EGOHOME King 14 inch Memory Foam

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for full-body pressure relief

   Zinus Memory Foam 12 Inch Green Tea

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   MASVIS King Size Dual Layer 4 Inch

   Best for softening an existing mattress
   Check it
5. 5

   EGOHOME Queen Mattress 10 Inch

   Best for a lower queen profile
   Check it
6. 6

   Zinus 12 Inch Queen Green Tea Memory

   Best for most sleep positions
   Check it
7. 7

   Novilla Bliss Mattress King Size

   Best for plush king cushioning
   Check it
8. 8

   MOLPHIT 12 Inch Queen Mattress

   Best for foam and spring response
   Check it
9. 9

   SHOUREN 5 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

   Best for extra-soft queen cushioning
   Check it

Which memory foam mattress is best for back pain?

The Novilla Bliss Queen is the strongest all-around pick because its medium-firm feel, 12-inch height and 3-layer gel memory foam design cover the main needs in this category. It offers contouring without being the softest model here.

That balance is why it suits many shoppers who want pressure relief without a deep sinking feeling. The queen size also fits a common bedroom setup without the extra height of a 14-inch mattress.

The MLILY EGOHOME King and Zinus Green Tea King also score 9.7. Choose MLILY if you want a taller 14-inch king with a graphene-cool-tech cover.

That MLILY option may suit couples who want more height and a temperature focused cover. It also uses copper gel aerofusion foam and a high-density base for a structured feel.

Choose Zinus if you want a clearly described 3-inch memory foam layer, 2-inch comfort layer and 7-inch support base. That plain layer breakdown can make it easier to compare with other foam mattresses.

The Zinus king also adds airflow enhancing comfort foam in the middle. That middle layer is aimed at cushioning areas such as shoulders, hips and knees.

The Novilla queen remains the safer starting point for most shoppers who do not know their preferred feel yet. Medium firm is often a practical middle ground for side, back and stomach sleepers.

Shoppers who already know they like a softer surface should look at the medium-plush Novilla king instead. Shoppers who want to keep a supportive mattress and simply soften the top should consider a topper.

The comparison below keeps the products in score order. A high score does not mean a mattress will suit every body or sleep position.

Score order helps you see the strongest overall matches first. It does not replace checking firmness, size, base type and setup time for your own bed.

If your current mattress is too hard but still supportive, a topper may be the smaller change. If the mattress itself sags or lacks support, a new mattress is the more direct fix.

The best memory foam mattresses for back pain

1

Novilla Bliss Queen Size Mattress: Best for balanced queen support

9.7/10Our score

• 12-inch queen mattress
• 3-layer gel memory foam
• Medium-firm feel
• Breathable knitted cover

The 12-inch queen combines 3 foam layers with a medium-firm feel for shoppers who want contouring without an especially plush surface.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Pressure-relief foam design
• Motion isolation
• Compressed mattress-in-a-box setup

Cons

• Queen size only in this version
• May need up to 72 hours to regain shape

The Novilla Bliss Queen is the best starting point for shoppers who want medium-firm support in a standard queen size. Its 80 x 60 x 12-inch profile uses 3 foam layers, including NanoGel memory foam, comfort foam and support foam.

That construction is designed to distribute weight and reduce pressure around areas such as the back and hips. Side sleepers can compare memory foam mattresses for side sleepers for options focused on shoulder and hip cushioning.

The breathable knitted cover and gel memory foam also suit sleepers who dislike a warm sleep surface.

Novilla describes the feel as medium firm. That makes it a better match for shoppers who want some contouring without the deeper sink of a medium-plush mattress.

Motion isolation may help couples who wake when the other person turns. Reinforced edge support also gives the sides more stability.

The mattress arrives rolled and compressed, and Novilla states that it may take up to 72 hours to regain its shape.

2

MLILY EGOHOME King 14 inch Memory Foam: Best for couples wanting a tall king

9.7/10Our score

• 14-inch king mattress
• Medium-firm feel
• Copper gel aerofusion foam
• Graphene-cool-tech cover

This 14-inch king gives couples a taller medium-firm foam profile, motion isolation and a cooling cover designed around temperature control.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Tall 14-inch profile
• Low motion transfer
• CertiPUR-US certified foam

Cons

• No trial period
• Opened mattresses cannot be returned

The MLILY EGOHOME King suits couples who want a 14-inch medium-firm king mattress with low motion transfer. Its 80 x 76 x 14-inch size gives you a taller foam profile than the 10- and 12-inch picks.

The mattress uses copper gel aerofusion memory foam, MLILY Adaptifoam and a high-density base foam. The brand also describes a graphene-cool-tech cover and breathable construction.

This can be a sensible choice if you want a tall mattress that combines pressure relief with temperature-focused materials. It is also CertiPUR-US certified and endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association.

The tall profile may suit shoppers who like a higher bed surface. It may be less suited to a low frame or a room where extra height feels awkward.

The main buying caution is the return policy. MLILY states that there is no trial period and opened mattresses cannot be returned.

Confirm that the medium-firm feel fits your preference before opening it. That check matters more here because the return terms are stricter than some other options in this guide.

Allow the mattress to expand fully after delivery before judging the feel. The brand states to wait 12 hours for full expansion to its original shape.

3

Zinus Memory Foam 12 Inch Green Tea: Best for full-body pressure relief

9.7/10Our score

• 12-inch king mattress
• 3 inches of memory foam
• 2 inches of comfort foam
• 7-inch support base

The layered king mattress uses memory foam, airflow-enhancing comfort foam and a high-density support base for a medium-firm sleep surface.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Clear foam-layer breakdown
• Green tea and charcoal infusion
• 10-year limited warranty

Cons

• King profile needs a suitable frame
• Expansion may take up to 72 hours

The Zinus Green Tea King is best for shoppers who want a clearly layered medium-firm mattress. It has 3 inches of conforming memory foam, 2 inches of comfort foam and a 7-inch high-density base.

The layers give this model a more specific support story than a mattress described only by its total height. The memory foam contours around the body, while the middle foam is designed to add airflow and comfort beneath pressure areas.

Zinus says the king size supports up to 500 lb. The mattress also uses green tea and ActivCharcoal in the foam, and its foam is CertiPUR-US certified.

That weight capacity matters if you share the bed or sleep with a partner. It also gives a clearer sense of the intended use than total height alone.

Setup is simple, but allow 24–72 hours for expansion. A warmer room may speed up recovery from compression.

Spot clean the cover and avoid treating the mattress as ready for final comfort judgment immediately after unboxing. Waiting for full expansion gives a fairer view of the medium-firm feel.

4

MASVIS King Size Dual Layer 4 Inch: Best for softening an existing mattress

9.6/10Our score

• 4-inch king topper
• 2-inch gel memory foam
• 2-inch quilted pillow top
• Elastic skirt for 8–21-inch mattresses

This dual-layer topper adds gel memory foam and a quilted pillow top when your current mattress feels too hard or lacks pressure cushioning.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two-layer design
• Fitted skirt helps hold it in place
• Washable cover

Cons

• Does not replace an unsupportive mattress
• Needs 48–72 hours to recover after unpacking

The MASVIS King topper is the best choice when your existing mattress feels too hard but still provides basic support. It combines a 2-inch cooling gel memory foam layer with a 2-inch quilted pillow top.

The 4-inch combined height adds cushioning around the back, shoulders and hips. Its fitted elastic skirt is designed for mattresses from 8 to 21 inches deep, which helps reduce movement during the night.

This is not a replacement for a sagging or unsupportive mattress. A topper changes the surface feel, but the mattress underneath still determines much of the support.

That limit is important for shoppers hoping a topper will fix a deep dip. If the base mattress already sags, adding foam on top may not correct the underlying problem.

MASVIS recommends laying the topper flat in a ventilated area for 48–72 hours after opening. The cover can be machine washed separately in cold water and tumble dried on low or line dried.

The washable cover is a practical plus for routine care. Regular washing can help keep the topper cleaner and fresher over time.

5

EGOHOME Queen Mattress 10 Inch: Best for a lower queen profile

9.6/10Our score

• 10-inch queen mattress
• Green tea gel memory foam
• Medium-firm feel
• Breathable bubble-hole structure

The 10-inch queen keeps the familiar medium-firm memory foam feel in a lower profile for beds where a taller mattress would be awkward.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Lower 10-inch height
• Breathable foam structure
• 10-year warranty

Cons

• Less height than 12- or 14-inch options
• Comfort is still a personal fit

The EGOHOME Queen is a good fit for shoppers who want a lower 10-inch medium-firm profile. It measures 80 x 60 x 10 inches, so it may work better than a 14-inch mattress where bed height is already substantial.

Its green tea gel memory foam uses a bubble-hole structure for airflow. EGOHOME also describes the foam as maintaining a moderate feel across room temperatures from 4°C to 30°C.

The mattress is designed to fit body curves and reduce noise from turning. Those features may suit couples or sleepers who prefer a quieter all-foam surface.

The lower profile can also help if you prefer easier access to the bed. It gives you a medium-firm feel without adding as much height as the taller picks.

The lower profile does not automatically mean less support, but it does leave less total material than the 12- and 14-inch options here. EGOHOME includes a 10-year warranty and identifies the mattress as CertiPUR-US certified.

That warranty and certification may matter to shoppers who value clear coverage. Still, the final fit depends on your preferred firmness and sleep position.

6

Zinus 12 Inch Queen Green Tea Memory: Best for most sleep positions

9.5/10Our score

• 12-inch queen mattress
• Medium-firm feel
• Zoned pressure relief
• Fiberglass-free construction

Zinus uses zoned pressure relief and a medium-firm feel for side, back and stomach sleepers who want one versatile queen mattress.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Works with several base types
• CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials
• 10-year limited warranty

Cons

• May have mild off-gassing for 24–48 hours
• Medium firm may not suit plush-mattress shoppers

The Zinus Queen is the best choice for shoppers who want one mattress for side, back and stomach sleeping. Its medium-firm feel and zoned pressure-relief design aim to cushion different areas according to weight and pressure.

The 12-inch mattress measures 80 x 60 inches and uses memory foam with a durable base foam. Its breathable knitted cover adds a softer surface, while green tea extract and purified charcoal are used to help keep the mattress fresh.

Zinus says the queen supports up to 500 lb and works with an adjustable base, box spring or platform bed. This makes the base decision simpler than with the Novilla king, which specifies a solid foundation.

That base flexibility can suit shoppers who already own a suitable frame. It can also help if you use an adjustable base and want foam that works with that setup.

A mild off-gassing smell may occur after unboxing and usually dissipates within 24–48 hours. Let the mattress expand in a ventilated room before deciding whether its medium-firm feel suits you.

The mattress also contains no fiberglass in its construction. That detail may matter to shoppers who prefer a fiberglass-free fire barrier.

7

Novilla Bliss Mattress King Size: Best for plush king cushioning

9.5/10Our score

• 14-inch king mattress
• Medium-plush feel
• 3-layer gel memory foam
• Reinforced edge support

The 14-inch king gives back-pain shoppers a softer alternative to medium-firm foam, with gel memory foam and 3 layers for body contouring.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Medium-plush cushioning
• Motion isolation
• 100-day free trial and 10-year protection

Cons

• Requires a solid foundation
• Plush foam may feel too soft for some sleepers

The Novilla Bliss King is the best option here for shoppers who want a medium-plush king mattress. Its 14-inch height and 80 x 76-inch size give couples more sleeping space and a softer feel than the medium-firm Novilla queen.

The 3-layer foam design uses NanoGel memory foam, comfort foam and support foam. Novilla describes the layers as helping distribute weight around the back and hips while promoting spinal alignment.

A breathable knitted cover and gel memory foam are aimed at cooling comfort. Motion isolation and reinforced edge support may also matter if you share the bed.

The extra width can give couples more room to move at night. The reinforced edges can also help the surface feel more stable near the sides.

The softer feel is the key trade-off. If you already sink too far into foam, read our guide to the best memory foam mattress firm before choosing a plush model.

This king mattress specifies a solid foundation. Check your base before ordering so the mattress has the support it needs.

8

MOLPHIT 12 Inch Queen Mattress: Best for foam and spring response

8.8/10Our score

• 12-inch queen hybrid
• Pocketed coils
• 7 targeted support zones
• Medium-firm feel

This hybrid adds individually wrapped pocketed coils to memory foam, giving back-pain shoppers a different response from an all-foam mattress.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 7 targeted support zones
• Pocketed coils isolate motion
• Compatible with box springs, slatted bases and solid foundations

Cons

• Not an all-foam mattress
• Coil response may feel less conforming

The MOLPHIT Queen is the best alternative for shoppers who want foam comfort with spring response. It is a 12-inch hybrid with memory foam, high-density foam and individually wrapped pocketed coils.

Seven targeted support zones cover the head, shoulders, back, hips and legs. The reinforced lumbar area is intended to help limit sagging, while the pocketed coils separate movement between partners.

This model may feel more responsive than the all-foam mattresses above. That can help if you dislike the slow, sinking sensation associated with some memory foam, but it may not feel as closely contouring.

That difference in response can matter for sleepers who change position often. A hybrid may feel easier to move on than a very soft all-foam surface.

The breathable knitted cover and medium-firm design focus on airflow and pressure relief. It works with a box spring, slatted base or solid foundation, giving you several setup choices.

That base flexibility makes it easier to fit into an existing bedroom. It also gives shoppers who prefer coil response a different path from an all-foam mattress.

9

SHOUREN 5 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper: Best for extra-soft queen cushioning

8.6/10Our score

• 5-inch queen topper
• Gel memory foam and shredded foam
• 4-way elastic straps
• Quilted fabric

The 5-inch topper adds a soft, body-contouring layer to a queen mattress when the surface feels too firm but the base still provides support.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Extra-thick 5-inch design
• Corner straps reduce shifting
• 24–48-hour expansion time

Cons

• Soft feel may reduce support on a weak mattress
• Spot clean only

The SHOUREN Queen topper is best for shoppers who want the softest surface change. Its 5-inch design combines gel memory foam with supportive shredded foam and uses 4-way elastic straps at the corners.

The extra height can add substantial cushioning to a firm queen mattress. Its body-contouring design may reduce pressure around the back, waist and shoulders, but the soft feel may be unsuitable if the mattress underneath already lacks support.

The dot-quilted fabric is designed to spread the filling evenly. SHOUREN identifies the cover as spot clean only, so use a separate washable protector if you want easier routine care.

That care limit is worth noting before purchase. A protector can help with spills and routine cleaning, but it adds another layer to manage.

The topper arrives vacuum-compressed and needs 24–48 hours to expand. Measure the mattress and check the added height before choosing it, especially if fitted sheets already fit tightly.

The 4-way straps can help the topper stay in place during the night. That secure fit matters more on a queen bed where shifting is easier to notice.

What should you look for in a memory foam mattress for back pain?

Start with medium-firm support, then compare the foam layers and your preferred amount of contouring. A mattress that is too soft may let your hips sink more than you want, while a very firm surface may leave pressure around the shoulders and hips.

Thickness helps describe the overall profile, but it is not a complete support measure. The Zinus King identifies separate comfort and support layers, while the 10-inch EGOHOME gives you a lower overall height.

Your sleep position also matters. Side sleepers often want more pressure cushioning around the shoulders and hips.

Back sleepers may prefer a balanced medium-firm feel. Stomach sleepers often need enough support to avoid excessive sinking through the middle.

Base type matters as well. Some models work with several bases, while others specify a solid foundation or a particular setup.

Motion control is another point to compare if you share the bed. Foam layers and pocketed coils can reduce movement transfer in different ways.

Cooling features vary by model too. Breathable covers, gel foam and airflow focused layers may suit sleepers who tend to feel warm.

If you want firmer options, read Best Firm Memory Foam Mattresses. If you want a softer surface, compare Best Plush Memory Foam Mattresses.

Setup time should also shape your choice. A compressed mattress may need many hours to expand before its feel settles.

Care rules differ from model to model. Spot clean only is not the same as a washable cover, so check the care details before you buy.

Is a memory foam mattress good for a sore back?

Memory foam may help relieve pressure by spreading body weight across a wider area, but it cannot promise relief from back pain. Your result depends on firmness, body shape, sleep position, foundation and the condition of the mattress underneath.

That is why firmness is such an important first check. A surface that is too soft may let the hips sink, while a surface that is too firm may leave pressure at the shoulders and hips.

Body shape also changes how a mattress feels in daily use. Two sleepers can try the same medium-firm model and get a different sense of support.

Sleep position matters for the same reason. Side, back and stomach sleepers place pressure on different areas during the night.

A topper can improve surface comfort when the mattress is too firm. It cannot correct a deep sag, weak support or an unsuitable base.

That distinction can save money and frustration. If the mattress underneath is already failing, extra foam may only mask the problem for a short time.

Check the foundation before spending on extra foam. A weak or unsuitable base can affect how any mattress or topper performs.

The foundation should support the mattress evenly across its surface. Gaps, sagging or a mismatched base can change the feel and reduce support.

For a balanced explanation of possible benefits and drawbacks, read Are Memory Foam Mattresses Bad for Your Back? The Facts.

Our guide to What Are the Disadvantages of Memory Foam Mattresses? covers heat, sinking and setup concerns.

Heat is a common trade-off with foam. Breathable covers and gel layers may help, but they do not make every foam mattress feel cool.

Sinking is another trade-off to consider. Some sleepers like deep contouring, while others prefer a more responsive surface.

Setup concerns also matter. Compressed foam needs time to expand, and the room temperature can affect that process.

If pain continues or affects daily activity, ask a qualified health professional for advice rather than relying on a mattress change alone. A mattress can support comfort, but it is not a treatment for a medical condition.

Persistent pain, numbness or pain that spreads down a leg deserves prompt professional attention. That is the safer next step when symptoms do not settle.

How should you set up and care for memory foam?

Give a compressed mattress time to expand in a ventilated room before judging its feel. The models here vary from about 12 hours to 72 hours, so follow the instructions for the exact mattress.

Use the correct base. The Zinus Queen works with an adjustable base, box spring or platform bed.

The Novilla King specifies a solid foundation, while the MOLPHIT hybrid also works with a slatted base.

Protect the surface from spills and follow the care directions. Zinus says to spot clean its mattress.

The MASVIS cover can be machine washed separately in cold water, while the SHOUREN topper is spot clean only.

For neck alignment, your pillow matters too. A mattress can feel supportive while an overly tall pillow angles your neck.

See our guide to the best memory foam pillow for neck pain when you replace both parts of your sleep setup.

Verdict: which memory foam mattress for back pain should you choose?

Choose the Novilla Bliss Queen if you want the best balance of medium-firm support, gel memory foam and a standard queen size. Pick the MLILY EGOHOME King or Zinus Green Tea King if you need a taller king mattress with strong motion-control or layered-foam features.

The Novilla queen is the simplest starting point for most shoppers. Its 12-inch profile and medium-firm feel aim to give contouring without a very plush surface.

The MLILY king may suit couples who want a taller 14-inch profile. Its cooling cover and low motion transfer are aimed at shared sleep and temperature comfort.

The Zinus king may suit shoppers who want a clear layer breakdown. The 3-inch memory foam, 2-inch comfort foam and 7-inch support base give a more specific picture of the build.

Choose the EGOHOME Queen for a lower profile, the Novilla Bliss King for a softer feel, or the MOLPHIT Queen if you prefer pocketed-coil response. If your current mattress is basically supportive but too hard, choose the MASVIS or SHOUREN topper instead.

The EGOHOME queen suits beds where extra height is already a concern. Its 10-inch profile keeps the medium-firm feel in a lower form.

The Novilla Bliss King suits shoppers who want more cushioning. Its medium-plush feel is softer than the medium-firm queen from the same range.

The MOLPHIT queen suits shoppers who miss spring response. Pocketed coils give a different feel from an all-foam mattress.

The MASVIS topper suits a hard but supportive king mattress. The SHOUREN topper suits a queen mattress that needs a softer surface.

Check base compatibility before you order any model. Some mattresses work with several bases, while the Novilla king specifies a solid foundation.

Measure your bed and current mattress height before choosing a tall mattress or topper. Added height can affect fitted sheets and how the bed feels during the night.

Allow compressed foam to expand fully in a ventilated room. Judging the feel too soon can give a misleading first impression.

The best memory foam mattress for back pain is the one that matches your preferred firmness, sleep position and foundation. Measure the bed setup, allow the foam to expand fully and avoid medical promises from any mattress description.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for balanced queen support

   Novilla Bliss Queen Size Mattress

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for couples wanting a tall king

   MLILY EGOHOME King 14 inch Memory Foam

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for full-body pressure relief

   Zinus Memory Foam 12 Inch Green Tea

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best memory foam mattress for back pain?

The best memory foam mattress for back pain depends on your preferred feel and sleep position. Medium-firm options such as the Novilla Bliss Queen, MLILY EGOHOME King and Zinus Green Tea models offer a balance of contouring and support.

People who prefer a softer surface may choose the Novilla king or a topper.

Is memory foam good for back pain?

Memory foam may help relieve pressure by contouring around the body, but it does not guarantee relief for every sleeper. A medium-firm feel is often a useful starting point because it can cushion pressure points without the deep sinking of a plush mattress.

Ongoing pain deserves advice from a qualified health professional.

Is a firm or soft mattress better for back pain?

Many people with back pain prefer medium-firm support, but the right choice depends on body shape, sleep position and personal comfort. A soft topper can help if your current mattress is too hard, while a firmer mattress may suit you if you feel stuck or unsupported on plush foam.

How thick should a memory foam mattress be for back pain?

A 10- to 14-inch mattress gives shoppers several foam profiles to compare. Thickness alone does not determine support.

Look at the foam layers, firmness, base compatibility and your preferred feel.

A 4- or 5-inch topper can change surface comfort, but it cannot correct a mattress that lacks basic support.

How long should memory foam expand before sleeping on it?

Expansion time depends on the model. The Zinus mattresses may need 24–72 hours, Novilla commonly states up to 72 hours, MLILY states 12 hours, and the toppers need about 24–72 hours.

Keep the room ventilated and follow the product's setup instructions before judging the final feel.