Foam type decides how a dog bed feels on joints, how long it lasts, and how easy it is to live with. Memory foam supports weight evenly and resists early sagging. Egg crate foam is lighter and breathes better, which helps hot sleepers. Bolsters add a place to rest the head and can make curlers feel secure. Covers change the daily cleaning experience and temperature. This guide explains each piece in plain language so you can match foam, bolsters, and covers to your dog and your home.

Why foam type matters for dogs with joint issues

Older dogs and large breeds benefit from a surface that spreads pressure across elbows, hips, and shoulders. Vets commonly recommend supportive foam for seniors and arthritic dogs because it can reduce pressure points and make resting easier. Look for true support first, then adjust for cooling or warmth with the cover and room conditions. Washable covers are a quality-of-life feature for you and help keep the foam cleaner for longer.

Memory foam vs egg crate

Memory foam
A solid slab that conforms to body shape and helps prevent bottoming out. It is usually heavier, can feel warmer, and tends to last longer than lighter foams when sized correctly. Many orthopedic beds use layered memory foam or sturdy foam with bolsters for head and neck support.

Memory foam is a dense, viscoelastic material that molds to your dog’s body, distributing weight evenly and easing joint strain. According to AKC guidelines, this type of foam is particularly effective for senior dogs or those with arthritis.

Solid memory foam with bolsters is often used in premium builds, giving dogs both contouring support and a place to rest the head. A good example is the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed Review.

Egg crate foam
A convoluted surface that promotes airflow and runs cooler. It is lighter and typically more affordable. The tradeoff is support and longevity, since peaks can compress sooner under heavy dogs. Egg crate mats are common for crates and warm climates. Always check thickness and intended weight range.

The role of bolsters

Bolsters are raised edges that give head and neck a natural rest point. Curlers and head-resters enjoy the added support and sense of enclosure. For seniors, keep step-in height low so getting on and off the bed stays easy. Remember that bolsters reduce the interior lying area compared to the outer footprint, so size up if your dog stretches out. Many orthopedic picks combine a solid foam base with bolster frames for comfort and posture.

Sofa-style bolsters add a sense of enclosure, helpful for curlers. You can check how that looks in the Furhaven Orthopedic Foam Dog Bed Review.

Cover materials explained

Covers change temperature, shedding, and cleaning. Sherpa and faux fur feel cozy and warm, which suits colder rooms or thin-coated dogs. Oxford and twill fabrics are tougher, shed hair more easily, and are simpler to wipe down between washes. Most removable covers are machine washable, but always follow care labels to avoid shrinking or early wear. If the bed will live in a crate or a high-traffic spot, a durable fabric with a zipper you can reach quickly saves time on laundry day.

Foam thickness guidelines

Aim for enough depth that elbows and hips do not sink to the floor when your dog settles. As a simple starting point, small dogs often do well with 2 to 4 inches, medium dogs with 3 to 5 inches, large dogs with 5 to 6 inches, and XL or giant breeds with 6 to 7 inches or more. Seniors and very heavy dogs benefit from the upper end of these ranges. Thickness is only one factor. Density and build quality matter, so rely on the brand’s chart and real measurements, not just the size label on the tag.

Safety and foam certification

Look for CertiPUR-US when shopping memory foam. This program tests flexible polyurethane foams for content, emissions, and durability through independent labs. It was designed for mattresses and furniture and also applies to pet beds that use certified foam. If a product claims certification, confirm the brand lists it clearly on the product page or materials.

Quick comparison table

Real examples you can sanity check

A premium memory foam build with bolsters suits head-resters that need joint relief. A low-profile egg crate mat fits better in a crate and runs cooler for thick-coated dogs. Removable covers cut cleaning time. As an example reference, many orthopedic listings on major retailers call out machine-washable covers and sturdy zippers. Verify the cover type and care instructions on the specific model before buying.

If you’re looking for a budget mat that still supports XL breeds up to 100 pounds, see our Bedsure XL Dog Bed Review.

FAQs on foam, bolsters, and covers

Is memory foam better than egg crate for senior dogs
Memory foam distributes weight and reduces pressure points, which helps seniors and dogs with arthritis. Egg crate runs cooler but tends to compress sooner under heavy use.

Do bolsters really help
Yes. Dogs that curl or rest the head benefit from the extra edge support. Keep step-in height friendly for seniors.

Are covers truly washable
Most removable covers are machine washable. Follow the care label and consider durable fabrics like oxford for heavy use.

What foam thickness is right for large and giant dogs
Plan for 5 to 7 inches or more when you want lasting support and less sag for heavy dogs. Match thickness with real length and width measurements.

Is CertiPUR-US important
It shows the foam met independent standards for content, emissions, and durability. It is a useful safety signal when shopping memory foam beds.