Buying guide
Orthopaedic dog beds: memory foam or egg-crate foam?
What memory foam and egg-crate foam do in a dog bed, how thick they should be, and how to choose between a bolster bed and a flat mattress.
"Orthopaedic" on a dog bed describes how it is built: a firmer foam base rather than a loose fibre fill. It is not a medical claim, and if you are worried about your dog's health, your vet is the person to ask. What it does tell you is that the bed is designed to hold its shape under the dog instead of squashing flat.
Memory foam
Memory foam moulds slowly to the dog's body and springs back slowly when the dog gets up. It is dense and heavier than other foams, which is why memory-foam beds are usually the more expensive ones. Several beds in our orthopaedic range use a memory-foam layer, and the product page says so.
Egg-crate foam
Egg-crate foam has a ridged, wavy surface, like an egg box. The ridges spread the dog's weight and let air move through the foam. It is springier than memory foam and lighter, and it is common in mid-priced beds.
Both together
Some beds layer the two: a memory-foam slab on top of an egg-crate base, or the other way round. The product page lists what each layer is where the listing says.
How thick should it be?
Thickness matters more for heavier dogs. A thin foam layer under a heavy dog will compress to the floor. The beds in this range run from an 8cm foam crate mattress to bolster beds that stand 24 to 25cm tall overall. Where a listing states the foam depth, we show it.
Bolster or flat?
A bolster gives a dog a headrest and something to lean on. A flat mattress has no step to climb, so it is easier for a stiff or small dog to get onto, and it fits a crate. Neither is better for every dog. Watch how yours sleeps: if they lean on the arm of the sofa, a bolster will suit them.
The cover matters as much as the foam
Look for a removable cover with a zip, so you can wash it, and for a waterproof liner or backing if there is a chance of accidents. A bed whose foam cannot be protected will smell sooner than one whose cover can be taken off.
Give it time
Foam beds are often compressed for delivery. Pat the foam firmly in several places and leave the bed for a day or two so it can recover.