Best mattress toppers for hip and neck pain

Top pick: The Rescue Hybrid Lux Mattress Topper (ViscoSoft) — 4 inches of gel-infused memory foam over a supportive base, which is the combination that cushions a sore hip without letting the shoulders and neck sink out of line. The TENCEL cover sleeps cooler than plain foam, and it's the most-reviewed option here.

Who the others suit:

• Nolah Mattress Topper — a firmer, denser 2-inch AirFoam for people who want pressure relief without a deep sink-in feel.
• Organic Latex Mattress Topper (Pocket Spring Store) — latex is springy and breathable; best if foam makes you hot or you want a more supportive, less "stuck" feel.
• 7 Zone Organic Latex Topper (Turmerry) — zoned latex for those who want firmer support under the hips and softer under the shoulders.
• Egg Crate Topper (Turmerry) — a light, low-cost cushioning layer if you only need a little softening.

One note: a topper helps the hip; for neck pain, your pillow's height matters as much as the mattress surface.