Is there really a difference between orthopedic vs. memory foam dog beds?
They seem almost interchangeable, but they’re actually very different things!
Memory foam can be orthopedic (or not), but an orthopedic bed doesn’t’ always need to include memory foam.
If you’re confused, don’t worry; we’ll clear it up for you below.
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Orthopedic Vs. Memory Foam Dog Beds
Finding the perfect bed for your pup can be tricky. After all, there are a lot of good options out there.
One of the biggest challenges is choosing what type fits your dog’s needs.
You’ll probably ask yourself whether an orthopedic or memory foam bed is the right choice.
Let’s dive more into this issue to ensure you know the answer.
Looking more into this topic will consist of explaining what these terms actually mean.
I’ll also provide the pros, cons, and five examples of each type.
It should become clear what the next move is during your search for a perfect dog bed.
Orthopedic Dog Beds
The first thing a buyer has to know is what constitutes an orthopedic dog bed.
These products are designed to support your dog’s joints, body, and bones properly.
As a result, they’re all about providing enough comfort and support to alleviate any pain.
These aspects seem to make them an ideal choice for older or recovering dogs.
It’s why the term orthopedic tends to be used for beds or mattresses designed to stimulate joint and bone alignment.
But what people don’t realize is there isn’t a single material designated as orthopedic.
In fact, all this term means is the bed or mattress was made to support joints and bones.
It doesn’t define what materials lie inside the mattress.
My main point here is that any material capable of meeting these needs can be called orthopedic, even memory foam.
This issue makes researching into each orthopedic bed’s material a must. Otherwise, you might buy something that isn’t high-quality.
It’s something that has happened to me more than once.
So please, figure out what’s inside every orthopedic dog bed before making a final choice.
Pros:
- Stimulate joint and bone alignment
- Ideal for older dogs
- Alleviate pain
- Provides a dog with better posture
- Offer peak comfort levels
Cons:
- Can be difficult to decipher what the term means.
- More expensive
FYI, the rest of this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Five Examples of Orthopedic Dog Beds
Where applicable, we’ve included both the Chewy and the Amazon purchasing link.
Use the table below for a quick peek, then read on for more details.
1. Sealy Lux Quad Layer Orthopedic Dog Bed
This dog bed is a great option for any sized breed with its four different sizes.
I imagine any pupper will enjoy its peak comfort and support levels.
My Pit Bull would certainly love the relief that it’d provide her arthritis.
- Quad element: premium orthopedic dog bed with quad element foam for ultimate comfort and support
- Orthopedic Support: high quality therapeutic bed provides support for dogs of all ages and is comfortable for dogs with arthritis, joint or bone problems
- Machine washable: removable cover is machine washable
- Odor absorbing: this lux bed is built with a pro-charcoal base to help absorb orders, keeping your dog bed fresh
- Pets for vets: part of every purchase will benefit pets for vets
2. BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed
BarksBar’s Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed is a perfect choice for a dog with joint or body pain.
Its orthopedic foam will offer a great deal of support and keep them comfy.
Their sleep sessions will never be the same.
- Large Orthopedic Sleeper: 40” x 30” x 10" - Ideal for Medium to Large size dogs and also great for multiple smaller dogs. Can easily hold up to 100+ lbs and fitted for pets up to 36" in length.
- Inner Dimensions of Sleeping Space: 36" x 24" - Crafted with top-of-the-line workmanship and premium materials, it is built to both provide the ultimate sleep experience with superior overall comfort and to last. Perfect for dogs of any ages, especially older dogs with joint, bone or arthritic problems.
- Premium Materials include: (1) Ultra Soft Polyester Cover with a luxurious quilted design, (2) 3.5" of Solid Orthopedic Foam base for the optimal balance of comfort, reduced joint pain and improved health & mobility. (3) Extra Comfy Cotton-Padded Rim cushion to instantly contour to your pet's neck and provide constant support and decompression for ailing necks and heads.
- Sleek and Luxurious quilted design to improve any family's home decor. Comes with a built-in nonslip rubber backing on the bottom side of the cover to prevent any sliding on wooden and tiled floors.
- Easy to clean & maintain: Removable and Machine-Washable cover. Simply put it on gentle / delicate cycle. Even easier to spot clean and remove hair.
3. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
This option combines both memory foam and orthopedic qualities.
It offers the best of both types to ensure your dog will always have a fantastic place to sleep.
It’s easily one of the top dog beds available today.
- PREMIUM COMPONENTS & BETTER HEALTH: (i) SOLID 4 inch MEMORY FOAM base for superior overall comfort, reduced joint pain (arthritis) and improved health, mobility, & energy. (ii) Calming bed for dogs who suffer from anxiety. (iii) Recycled 'green' support bolsters are generously filled. (iv) Durable & comfortable polyester (65%) & cotton (35%) twill
- SMART DESIGN: (i) Base & bolsters provide optimal support & security. (ii) Water resistant & tear resistant cover. (iii) Non-skid bottom. (iv) Blends in seamlessly with your home. (v) Replacement covers available separately
- PEACE OF MIND: (i) Certi-PUR-US Memory foam. NO mercury, lead, formaldehyde, phthalates, & ozone depleters. (ii) Low VOC emissions for indoor air quality. (iii) Passes stricter European REACH safety standards.
- IDEAL FOR MEDIUM / LARGE OR MULTIPLE SMALLER DOGS: (i) 36 x 28 x 9 inches. Can easily hold 100+ pounds. (ii) [Search Pet Fusion large pet blanket for new matching Blanket]
- WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: (i) 'Bolsters' pre-loaded into cover, simply insert memory foam base & zip closed. (ii) EASY TO CLEAN, cover is machine washable. (iii) Simple to spot clean & remove hair. Tumble dry on gentle setting. Do not use bleach. (iv) 12 month/1 year warranty on any part that is broken due to manufacturer defect.
4. MIXJOY Orthopedic Dog Bed
Medium and small breed owners would adore this option from MIXJOY.
Your dogs will be able to curl up and enjoy being surrounded by total comfort.
It comes in four different colors to provide a little style choice, as well.
- ★ Super Comfort & High quality: with faux shag fur, the round bed is ultra soft, warm and comfortable for your lovely friends. Urable nylon and luxurious faux fur come together help your pets restful sleep for improved behavior and better health.
- ★ Small Pet Bed: The bed is about 23”x 23”, perfect for your cat, or small dog up to 25lbs. Raised rim design to make your dog and cat can curl up, have fun, provide head and neck support and promote feelings of security without no worries!
- ★ Lightweight & Portable: this cozy bed is lightweight and portable for travel. It is very easy for transportation and convenient to carry it in the car; this petfusion dog bed could let your pets to stay comfortable during camping and travelling when outside.
- ★ Easy Care: washing machine and dryer---Machine wash, gentle cycle. Tumble dry, low heat. Machine washable for the bed makes your pets are easier to keep a comfortable and clean sleeping space.
- ★ User-friendly Design: available in beautifully natural colors, different colors can easily meet with any room’s décor! Animals are our friends, if you have any issue of our products, please contact us directly and we are eager to rectify it!
5. Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed
Large breed owners will find this option more than suitable.
It’s made from therapeutic foam that’ll help soothe a larger dog after their walks.
The pillow-top feature will also provide a nice resting place for their big heads.
Check out our complete Big Barker Dog Bed review for more details.
- Dog Beds for Large Dogs: Finally, your big furry friend can stretch, curl up, and rest comfortably all on one bed; Thick, quality-assured foam and soft microsuede make Big Barker beds the only orthopedic dog beds for large dogs
- Clinically Shown to Reduce Joint Pain: Study data has shown that our raised dog beds help ease joint pain and improve mobility; The headrest supports your pet’s head while they sprawl across the rest of the giant dog sofa bed
- Washable Microsuede Cover: Big Barker’s covers are machine washable & smell-resistant; The fabric is designed to withstand rubbing, digging & nesting; Easily remove the zippered cover for shrink-free washing, stain cleaning, or even quick replacement
- Intuitive Zippered Design: We’ve designed our beds with the zipper tucked in & seams sleekly incorporated to keep your pup comfortable; Not only is the microfiber material durably woven, it’s designed to look great in your home
- Elevated Foam Dog Bed: Our foam dog furniture is made in the USA, sustainably sourced & quality-assured to not flatten or pancake over time; Let your best friend rest easy in a soft & durable raised bed backed by a 10-Year Warranty by Big Barker
Memory Foam Dog Beds
Unlike the term orthopedic, memory foam refers to an actual material.
It’s a blend of polyurethane and additional chemicals, which offer its low resilience qualities.
This material has a unique backstory as NASA made it in the 70s.
Its development was intended to be used as airplane cushioning.
But since then, memory foam has become a wildly popular material in the mattress and pillow industries.
Its popularity stems from its ability to bounce back into original shape and contour pressure.
These qualities allow the beds to adjust based on the weight provided.
Basically, memory foam beds will adjust to whatever is laying on them for a more aligned and comfortable sleeping session.
But these products aren’t without their faults. Low-tier memory foam may sag after extended usage.
Dog owners with larger breeds should look into soft memory foam bedding due to this issue.
For instance, my large Pit Bull has made several memory foam beds sink in the past.
But a soft memory foam bedding was able to fix this issue.
Buyers should also know there have been reports of toxic odors and off-gassing from this material.
This issue will only exist in treated or low-tier memory foam and causes respiratory inflammation.
It’s why making sure your bed has high-quality memory foam is essential.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Affordable price tags
- Many options available
- Promote better posture
- Retractable qualities
Cons:
- Reports of toxic odors and off-gassing being released from low-tier memory foam
- Prone to sagging
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Five Examples of Memory Foam Dog Beds
Again, we’ll give you both Amazon and Chewy links when possible.
1. BarkBox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed
This product’s a machine washable, convenient option for dogs who have some joint pain.
In fact, it’s proven to do wonders for pups with hip dysplasia and body aches.
Cats often find themselves enjoy this dog bed, too, which could cause some territorial issues.
- Perfect Size for Your Pup: Our medium platform dog bed is 29” x 18” x 3" and comfortably fits breeds like Pug, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Dachshund, and other similarly sized dogs up to 40 lbs.
- High-Quality Comfort: The therapeutic cooling gel memory foam comforts your dog by relieving body aches, joint pain, hip dysplasia, and arthritis.
- Water-Resistant & Machine-Washable Cover: Keep your dog’s bed looking and smelling fresh and clean. The water-resistant, zippered cover slides off seamlessly for convenient clean!
- The Modern Mattress Bed: This fabulous platform mattress bed will quickly become your pup’s favorite. With both therapeutic and cooling memory foam, this bed is easy to step into and even easier to fall asleep on. And, every bed comes with a free toy and some BARK magic, so your pup is bound to love it. Just make sure to give the mattress up to 72 hours to fully expand.
- 100% Happiness: From the makers of BarkBox, this bed and all of our other products are made by dog people to make dogs and their people the happiest they can be. And with U.S.-based customer support, we’re always here to help.
2. Furhaven Memory Foam Pet Dog Bed
This model would be an excellent option for any dog breed.
It’s available in a multitude of sizes that could fit anything from a Chihuahua to a Golden Retriever.
Every pup could benefit from being comforted by its top-tier memory foam.
- ERGONOMIC SUPPORT: The sloping contoured form factor promotes superior ergonomic comfort and provides optimum orthopedic support for dogs and cats; the open mattress design also gives pets plenty of room to sleep in a variety of different positions
- SLEEP SURFACE: The sleep surface features quilted micro-velvet fabric that is gentle on noses and paws for enhanced snuggling comfort
- EASY ON JOINTS: The memory foam top helps cushion pressure points and improve body alignment; the contoured form factor provides enhanced orthopedic support for the neck, back, hips, and joints to help ease discomfort and encourage restful sleep
- CUSTOMER ASSURANCE: Comes with a 90-Day Limited Coverage against material defects and may also qualify for our 60-Day Worry-Free Program; restrictions apply: purchases from unauthorized 3rd party resellers may not be covered by Furhaven
- PRODUCT DETAILS: Gray; Jumbo, 30" x 45" x 6" (2.5" Center; 6" Edges)
- CERTIPUR-US: Our foam is 100% manufactured in the USA and independently tested to meet CertiPUR-US standards for emissions, content, and durability; made WITHOUT formaldehyde, phthalates, mercury, lead, and ozone depleters
- IMPORTANT: Not suitable for pets with excessive teething or destructive chewing behavior
- EASY CARE: The removable dog bed cover is completely machine washable for your convenience; for more specific washing instructions, please refer to the hang tag and/or seam label (if applicable)
3. BarkBox 2-in-1 Memory Foam Dog Cuddler Bed
One of my favorite dog beds available due to its fantastic design.
It’s completely enclosed by a raised wall that offers multiple resting spots for a dog’s head.
My Beagle looks to elevate his head on armrests, which this bed a godsend for him.
- Perfect Size for Your Pup - BarkBox medium bed is 29” x 18” x 5” and great for breeds like Pug, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Dachshund, and other similarly sized dogs up to 40 lbs. Just remember, give the mattress up to 72 hours to fully expand.
- Cozy Couch Bed - Enjoy this couch-style bed with firm, quality bolsters that make it easy for doggo to step into and even easier to relax on. Also, a free toy comes with every bed because your pup loves to play as much as they love to sleep.
- Soft and Supportive Foam Mattress - Enjoy a 2” foam base that’s perfect for therapeutic support and joint relief. Soft plush material and three supportive pillow-like bolsters for all sleeping positions. Anti-skid bottom keeps the bed in place.
- Water-Resistant Lining & Machine Washable Cover - Enjoy a simple clean-up with our 2-zipper design, allowing for an easy removal of the machine washable cover for those unexpected accidents.
- 100% Happiness - From the makers of BarkBox, this bed and all our other products are made by dog people to make both dogs and their people the happiest they can be.
4. Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam Bed
This bed is a bit more straightforward its design than these other memory foam options.
But it’s an excellent choice for something looking to put a bed inside their dog’s crate.
It could provide them comfort when isolated in there during specific situations.
- ORTHOPEDIC MEMORY FOAM: 4-inch-thick bed features 2 inches of comfort memory foam and 2 inches of high-density support foam to support dogs, cats, and other pets
- COMFORT AND JOINT RELIEF: Soft, supportive memory foam helps relieve achy joints, arthritis and hip dysplasia
- 100% WATERPROOF: Soft and quiet polyurethane encasement beneath the fabric cover protects bed against accidents, messes, and smells
- MACHINE WASHABLE: Super soft, zippered velour cover has a non-skid bottom, resists dirt and hair, and is easily removeable and machine washabl
- EASILY FITS CRATES: Designed to fit inside standard crates to keep your pet sleeping comfortably; or can be used outside of a crate for plush comfort
5. PETMAKER Memory Foam Dog Bed
PETMAKER’s Memory Foam Dog Bed could be an amazing choice for a pup who likes to lounge around during the day.
Its design features two inches of memory foam and orthopedic foam to ensure breathtaking sleeping sessions.
- XL DOG BED – At 46-inches long, 27-inches wide, and 4-inches of memory foam, this large dog bed has the perfect combination of comfort and support for dogs of all ages, sizes, in perfect health, as well as those who suffer from arthritis.
- 2-LAYERS OF FOAM - The dog bed features 2-inches of orthopedic memory foam at the base, 2-inches of egg crate style foam on top that distributes their weight evenly to limit pressure points, and is covered in lush fabric for cuddling comfort pets love.
- MACHINE WASHABLE COVER - This plush dog bed has an attractive polyester fabric cover with a zipper so it can be removed for easy cleaning as needed. For best results, machine wash or clean with a light vacuum.
- VERSATILE USE - This dog crate bed is ideal for kennels, crates, placed directly on the floor, or anywhere leisure and luxury for your pet is needed. It has a non-slip base to keep the cushion stable as your pet gets on or off crate bed.
- PRODUCT DETAILS – Materials: Polyester Fabric, Polyurethane Foam, and Memory Foam. Dimensions: (L) 46” x (W) 27” x (H) 4 This bed for dogs can support dogs weighing 65-95lbs and can be used on the floor, in a car, or as kennel pad. Color: Tan.
Final Recommendation
Both these types offer some great benefits, which is why I offer a simple solution.
Why not combine them and get an orthopedic memory foam mattress?
The PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed is a great example of one.
Hopefully, you’ll follow my suggestion and get one for your favorite friend.
Do you have any other questions about orthopedic vs. memory foam dog beds? Share below.
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Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API