Orthopedic vs. Memory Foam Dog Beds: Which Is Better?

A restful nap can feel amazing—and nobody knows that like your pup. Your furry friend deserves the most supportive and restful environment for their snooze sessions. From an orthopedic memory foam dog bed designed to ease a dog’s joints to a heated dog bed with a machine washable cover, there are many options for a small or large dog besides a regular dog bed. 

If you’ve been looking for an extra comfortable bed worthy of your pet, you might be weighing the pros and cons of an orthopedic vs memory foam dog bed. 

This article will explain the difference between memory foam vs orthopedic foam dog beds to help you figure out what kind of bed is best for your pup. 

The Difference Between Orthopedic Foam vs. Memory Foam Dog Beds

Orthopedic and memory foam are terms that are thrown around a lot when it comes to mattresses, but many people are unsure of their exact meaning.

• Orthopedic foam describes any kind of mattress material specifically designed to provide support to a person’s bones and joints. There are no rules about what does and does not qualify as an orthopedic mattress, but the term has been used to describe mattresses made out of a range of different substances, including memory foam. 

• Memory foam is a material made out of polyurethane that was first created by NASA as a way to provide cushioning in aircraft but was later found to work well in mattresses and pillows. Memory foam mattresses are special because they can mold themselves around an object and return to their original shape when that object is removed, allowing for people to have unique support built around their shape. 

But what does this mean for your dog?

Casper Dog Bed

Our durable dog bed is a perfect sleep environment designed around dog behavior.

Benefits of a Memory Foam Dog Bed

If your dog is always trying to jump in bed with you at night, in addition to showing how much they love you, it might also be a sign their dog bed isn’t giving them the support they need. 

This is especially important for dogs because they can spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping, depending on the breed. A memory foam mattress helps to protect your dog from hard surfaces and provide them with support for common health problems that occur in aging:

• Arthritis 
• Hip dysplasia 
• Back or muscle problems
• Joint problems 
• Soft tissue injuries 

The need for a supportive bed becomes even more important for dogs past a certain age that feel joint pressure more acutely or thinner breeds of dogs that don’t have a lot of natural padding to protect them from hard surfaces. Orthopedic beds provide them with the care and comfort they need to stay healthy. 

A memory foam pet bed might be exactly what your dog’s body needs over their regular dog bed. Casper’s 2-layer foam dog beds offer exceptional support and comfort for your four-legged friend. Your dog can enjoy a night of sleep so comforting and easy, you’ll want to get a Casper bed (built for humans) to match! 

Shop our memory foam dog beds– built for ultimate comfort in your dog’s slumber.

 The fact of the matter is that you cannot really compare orthopedic and memory foam dog beds. One is a distinction of what the bed is intended to do and the other is nothing more than a material. Most orthopedic dog beds are made out of high-grade memory foam, and this is due to the benefits discussed above.

How to Choose the Right Memory Foam Dog Bed 

While memory foam beds can be a perfect option for your dog, it’s important to find one that best suits your pet and you. Questions like how to wash a dog bed and why dogs scratch their bed are both important things to consider before purchasing. You’ll want to make sure that the memory foam dog bed you choose is durable against your dog’s natural instincts to scratch and that it comes with a machine washable cover for easy cleaning.

Additionally, here are some other key things to keep in mind when searching for your pet’s new bed:

• Bed Size – For your dog to enjoy their bed, it’s important to find one they can fit in comfortably. In general, the size breakdown for dog beds goes as follows:
  
  • Small – Dogs up to 30 pounds 
  • Medium – Dogs between 30 and 60 pounds
  • Large – Dogs between 60 and 90 pounds 
  • X-Large – Dogs over 90 pounds

• Foam Height – The problem with some orthopedic dog beds is that the foam isn’t thick enough to support your dog’s weight, which means they’re still essentially sitting on the floor unsupported. Make sure the dog bed you choose has at least 3 inches of memory foam, or up to 7 inches if your dog is particularly heavy. 

Supreme Comfort for Your Furry Friend

You want your dog’s bed to be as cozy and comforting as your own. So why not trust the same amazing sleep scientists behind Casper’s exceptional mattresses for people? 

Casper’s dog beds are designed with dogs’ specific needs in mind and have a two-layer foam base with a Visco Elastic Memory Foam on top to provide maximum comfort and a Polyurethane Layer below to give them the support they need. 

Check out Casper’s dog beds today to find the right bed for the furriest member of your family!

Sources: 

1. Slumber Search. Memory Foam vs. Orthopedic. https://www.slumbersearch.com/memory-foam-vs-orthopedic-comparison 
2. American Kennel Club. The Importance of a Good Dog Bed.  https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/the-importance-of-a-good-dog-bed/