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.
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Top Pick
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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Top Feature:
Numerous size options
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Top Feature:
Supportive
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Top Feature:
Superior support
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Top Feature:
Cozy donut cuddler
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Top Feature:
Perfect for XL breeds
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N/A
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$86.95
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$137.95
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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.
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.
- Good price, removable cover, 4 inches of memory foam
- Padding may not hold up
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.
- Thick foam, non-skid bottom, water and tear resistant
- Easy to clean
- Superior support
- Expensive for those on tight budget, no waterproof liner
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.
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.
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
You may also like: Top 10 Best Dog Beds for Rottweilers
Five Examples of Memory Foam Dog Beds
Again, we’ll give you both Amazon and Chewy links when possible.
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Top Pick
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Primary Rating:
3.5
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Top Feature:
Good for hip dysplasia
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Top Feature:
Many sizes
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Top Feature:
Enclosed style
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Top Feature:
Waterproof
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Top Feature:
Great for lounging
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$33.99
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N/A
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$34.96
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$29.95
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
