You see the words "memory foam" on many dog beds. Behind them is a specific foam, very useful for some dogs and less necessary for others. This guide helps you work out whether your dog needs it.
How memory foam works
Memory foam, also called viscoelastic foam, reacts to heat and body weight. It sinks gently under the heavy areas, such as the hips and shoulders, and supports the lighter areas. When the dog gets up, it slowly returns to its original shape.
A cushion filled with fibres reacts differently. Under a heavy dog, the filling settles bit by bit and forms dips. The pressure points then end up feeling the floor. A foam of good thickness keeps a more even surface and spreads pressure better.
The dogs that benefit most
Older dogs
With age, many dogs become stiff, especially when they wake up. A bed that supports the joints well helps them rest and get up. If your dog limps, struggles to get up or hesitates at the stairs, show them to your vet. A comfortable bed goes alongside veterinary care; it does not replace it. Our guide to the bed for an older or arthritic dog covers this case in detail.
Large and heavy dogs
The heavier the dog, the greater the pressure on the elbows and hips when they lie on a hard surface. Some large dogs even develop calluses on their elbows from lying on tiles or wooden floors. A thick foam limits this contact.
Dogs that sleep stretched out
A dog that lies on their side with legs stretched out needs a flat, wide surface. A mattress suits them better than a bed with a raised edge, where their legs quickly end up outside.
Dogs recovering from an operation
After an operation or an injury, your vet may advise a firm, stable bed. Follow their instructions, especially on movement and jumping.
The dogs for whom it is less necessary
A young, light dog in good health sleeps well on many types of bed. Memory foam is still pleasant for them, but you can choose first according to how they sleep. A small dog that likes to curl up in a ball mainly wants a bed with a raised edge that surrounds them.
A dog that digs at and chews their bed raises a different question: foam does not stand up to teeth. In that case, work on the behaviour first, and keep an eye on your dog at the start.
What to check before you buy
- Thickness: for a heavy dog, a thin layer flattens and the dog feels the floor. Compare the total thickness to your dog's weight.
- Dimensions: the dog must be able to stretch out fully. Measure them lying down, from the nose to the base of the tail, and add a margin.
- The cover: it should be zipped and removable, because the foam itself cannot go in the washing machine.
- Fabric strength: claws quickly wear out a fragile fabric. The Martindale cycle count measures resistance to rubbing: the higher it is, the longer the fabric lasts.
- Height: an older dog must be able to step onto it without effort.
An example: the Carré mattress
The Purré Carré mattress measures 130 × 85 × 18 cm. It is filled with memory foam and made in Poland. Its POSO corduroy cover is tested to 35,000 Martindale cycles, and it comes off so you can wash it in the machine at 30 °C. It is designed for large dogs and for those that often change position. Before you slide it under a desk or into a furniture alcove, compare the available space with its dimensions.
For a smaller dog that prefers to curl up, the Nino bed also comes with memory foam, in sizes XS to L. Our guide to choosing the bed size helps you find the right one.
Looking after a memory foam mattress
Vacuum the cover every week to remove hair. Wash it according to the label, with the zip closed. Do not wet the foam: if there is an accident, dab with a barely damp cloth, then leave it to air-dry away from a radiator.
In short
- Memory foam spreads body weight and relieves pressure points.
- It helps older dogs, heavy dogs and dogs that sleep stretched out most.
- Check the thickness, the size and the removable cover.
- A dog that limps or struggles to get up should see a vet, whatever bed they have.