thoughts on making memory foam dog beds?

Leister Square · #1 01/15/14, 09:48 AM

Hi there! Does anybody see any issues with buying a twin memory foam topper ($47.99 on overstock today, 4" thick with 14 great reviews) to make two large dog beds? My dogs are older and I believe they would benefit from more padding in their favorite dog beds. I plan to cut it to size and possibly round a corner or two to fit. Cover with an old sheet, maybe even make it zippered so I can remove for washing. Also, where is the tightwad January 2014 thread? Did I miss something-has it been moved? Thanks in advance!

secuono · #2 01/15/14, 09:57 AM

Add a waterproof layer as well, you'll never get it dry once it gets wet, never.
I would rather use the white foam board from Lowes as a base, then use regular foam 2-4in thick on top. Then add a waterproof layer and then the nice top cover that can be removed. Add vent holes on the underside for air. The regular foam has more of an ability to release water and it's usually cheaper.

Dorothea · #3 01/15/14, 10:38 AM

i would get some fleece fabric and tie it on like you would to make a blanket..if you just lay in on top of the dog beds.. the dogs might chew it up at least mine did

Alice In TX/MO · #4 01/15/14, 12:23 PM

I would make the cover of heavier fabric. I like to use old jeans or other denim.

Leister Square · #5 01/15/14, 12:48 PM

Thanks for the ideas. I see I was wrong about the price of the twin 4" memory foam making it a less attractive option. $67.99 not $47.99. Still thinking about it.

Becka03 · #6 01/15/14, 12:52 PM

what an excellent idea- believe it or not- I have a topper we bought for our camper - and I ended up not needing - I have been looking for a good use for it!
Thanks for posting.... My Sheltie/Lab mix- she is getting older and probably could benefit from this!

danarutan · #7 01/15/14, 01:06 PM

We have a toddler bed & mattress for our older Golden Retriever-- it's soft and gets her up off the cold floor, but not to high for her to get up on--- found it on craigs list in my town for $15 & came with a fitted sheet I can take off and wash.

littlebitfarm · #8 01/15/14, 01:41 PM

I bought a crib mattress from Walmart for about $35. Already waterproof. Just add some sheets or wrap in a blanket.

I also have a regular dog bed that went flat over time. I added a layer of memory foam to the existing stuffing and it works fine.

Leister Square · #9 01/15/14, 02:13 PM

I would do a crib mattress but I need to cut it to conform to their "beds" now. They have these nice beds with --well-- bolsters is the best I can describe it surrounding 3 sides. The "mattress" part fits inside it and there is are 6-8 inch sides on the bed. The shells of the beds are fine, but the fiberfil pads are shot. My dogs are 10 and 8, both big, and the 8 year old has arthritis in her leg poor thing.

SFM in KY · #10 01/15/14, 03:52 PM

I've not used memory foam but I have used the 'eggcrate' foam they used to use for hospital geriatric beds very successfully. Depending on the dog, I made covers or just 'wrapped' the foam in a sheet or light blanket.

Leister Square · #11 01/15/14, 04:47 PM

That would be a lot cheaper than memory foam...may have to consider that one on the way to the store!

Helena · #12 01/15/14, 09:02 PM

I just passed up a crib mattress at a local thrift shop the other day. Though about getting it for my older dog..but was wondering if she would "claw" it and rip it. I think I might see if it is still for sale..

Leister Square · #13 01/15/14, 09:10 PM

Yeah, hopefully it'll still be there. My dogs thankfully don't tear beds up, but I know it can be a real problem!

Awnry Abe · #14 01/15/14, 09:12 PM

Costco has memory foam dog beds for $45. (Right next to all of the other essential items for a comfy Roman lifestyle). Your idea nets at least 2 for the same $ if you can find the resources. Like it.

Joshie · #15 01/17/14, 07:41 PM

At Christmas got an orthopedic dog bed for our Lab, Rebel, at Sam's. It cost about $30. I think it is a far better solution than memory foam. A mattress guy once told me that memory foam toppers aren't usually thick enough to be of much help. He said that it squishes down too compactly to be much good unless it is somewhere in the 6" range. I really like Rebel's bed. He tore his ACL a year ago so the floor is kind of hard on his nine year old body.

Our bed was made by ARLEE Home Fashions. I think that one of the things Rebel likes about the bed is the large bolster on one side. It gives him something to lean against and gives added support.

Jennifer L. · #16 01/17/14, 08:09 PM

I use memory foam in dog beds all the time. I use commercial dog bed covers because I have a Yellow Lab who will dig through anything. A sheet would take her two paw swipes to get through. They last several years if they don't get wet (and then mildew).

I have a king sized 4" memory foam topper on my living room floor right now ready to cut up.

farmhome5 · #17 01/17/14, 08:24 PM

I have two older Labs and they each have their own crib mattress. I got them for free on a FB Pass It Along site. I'm sure you could also check out craigslist. They love them!

Leister Square · #18 01/17/14, 09:10 PM

The crib mattress idea is intriguing. Joshie, my dogs loves the bolsters too. It just needs something inside, and I still believe I'll go with memory foam, if I can find a good price. Was at Salvation Army today just checking out other possibilities. No crib mattresses to be found.

Joshie · #19 01/18/14, 12:07 AM

Rebel's

The cover is washable. The orthopedic foam round pillow comes out of the cover as does the bolster insert.

This is Rebel's bed:
www.samsclub.com ---> Pet beds ---> Canine Creations Bolster Pet Bed $34.98 available online right now

Ours is the chocolate model 59-60449AST, item #1179

7thswan · #20 01/18/14, 07:38 AM

Saw foam matress topper at Wallymarts for 9.94.