A dog’s bed isn’t just a cushion on the floor – it’s their home inside your home. Owners ask a lot of questions before buying one, and rightly so. Here are the 20 most common questions answered in plain English.

📏 1. What size dog bed does my dog need?

Measure nose-to-tail when they’re stretched out, then add 15–20cm for wiggle room. Better too big than too small.

🛋 2. Do dogs really need a bed or will the sofa do?

Yes, they need a bed. It protects joints, keeps them comfy, and gives them a personal safe space. Your sofa is not a long-term solution.

🦴 3. What’s the best bed for an older dog with arthritis?

Orthopaedic or memory foam beds. They support hips, spine, and joints, helping reduce stiffness and pain.

⏳ 4. How often should I replace a dog bed?

Every 1–2 years, or sooner if the foam’s gone flat, the cover stinks, or your dog has destroyed it with chewing and digging.

💤 5. Are memory foam dog beds worth it?

Absolutely. Memory foam distributes weight evenly and is especially good for large or older dogs.

🧼 6. How do I wash a dog bed properly?

Removable, washable covers are a must. Foam cores should only be spot-cleaned. Never throw the whole bed in the washer.

🐕 7. What’s the difference between an orthopedic dog bed and a standard one?

Orthopedic = firm, high-density foam that supports joints. Standard = cheap filling that flattens quickly.

🛗 8. Are raised dog beds better than flat ones?

Raised beds allow airflow, keep dogs cooler, and get them off cold floors. Great for summer or outdoors.

🦷 9. Which dog beds are most chew-resistant?

Heavy-duty canvas, ballistic nylon, or reinforced stitching. No bed is 100% chew-proof, but some are close.

🩺 10. Can a dog bed help with joint pain or hip dysplasia?

Yes. Proper support eases strain on bones and joints. Memory foam or orthopedic foam is best.

🐾 11. What’s the best bed for a puppy?

Go waterproof and washable. Expect accidents. Skip memory foam until the chewing stage is over.

📐 12. How thick should the foam be in a dog bed?

Small dogs: 5–7cm.
Medium to large: 10–15cm.
Bigger dog = deeper foam.

💧 13. Are waterproof dog beds really waterproof?

Only if they have an inner waterproof liner. A removable waterproof cover protects foam best.

👃 14. How do I stop a dog bed from smelling?

Wash the cover weekly, vacuum hair, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda, and air the foam in sunlight.

🐩 15. Should I get one big bed or separate beds for multiple dogs?

Most dogs prefer their own. One bed often leads to squabbles.

🛌 16. Do dogs prefer soft beds or firm ones?

Medium-firm is ideal. Too soft = no support. Too firm = uncomfortable.

🧵 17. What’s the safest fabric for a dog bed?

Durable, tightly woven, non-toxic fabrics like canvas or polyester. Avoid loose threads or cheap fillings.

🔥 18. Are heated dog beds safe?

Yes – but only pet-specific ones. Never use a human electric blanket.

🚐 19. What’s the best dog bed for travel, camping, or campervans?

Foldable foam mats or raised travel beds – portable, washable, and durable.

😴 20. Why does my dog refuse to sleep in their bed?

Could be smell, placement, or comfort. Move it somewhere quiet, wash it, or add a blanket with your scent.

🐕 Find the perfect bed for your dog today.

Pick the right bed and you’re not just buying a cushion – you’re investing in your dog’s health and happiness. Supportive foam, washable covers, and the right size make all the difference.

🛋 Why Cushion Care Matters

Foam cushions aren’t just there to make sitting softer — they directly influence how you sit. Poor posture, especially over months or years, can cause or worsen back pain. In many cases, the culprit isn’t your back at all, but the furniture you’re sitting on. Good foam care & maintenance is essential.

New, supportive foam can transform the way your body is positioned. Correct posture takes strain off your spine and muscles, and for some people, that can mean the difference between daily aches and being pain-free.

For more information on how sitting affects back health, the NHS guide to sitting and back pain has clear, practical advice.

Quick Posture Check for Sofas & Chairs (how to check your seating posture)

Most modern sofas are low, with deep, soft-filled cushions that feel great in the showroom — but can encourage poor posture at home. Here’s a quick way to check if yours needs improvement:

1. Sit upright on your sofa or chair.
2. Slide your heels back until they touch the frame or valance of the sofa.
3. From there, slide your feet forward by roughly one foot-length.
4. Look at your knees:
   • If your knees are above your hips – the seat is too low or too soft. This tilts your pelvis backwards, putting extra pressure on your lower back.
   • If your knees are level with your hips – better, but still not ideal.
   • If your knees are slightly below your hips – this is the best position for spinal alignment and long-term comfort.

Even small improvements matter. You may not get your knees perfectly below your hips depending on the sofa’s design, but firmer, higher-density foam can lift you enough to make a real difference — sometimes turning constant back pain into no pain at all. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s sitting posture advice is another useful reference.

1️⃣ Cleaning Your Foam Cushions (how to clean foam cushions without damage)

Regular cleaning keeps foam fresh, odour-free, and performing well. Dirt and oils break down fabrics and can even affect the foam inside if left too long.

• Fabric sofas – Deep clean safely with our Fabric Care Kit or follow trusted resources like Good Housekeeping’s guide to cleaning fabric sofas.
• Leather sofas – Keep leather soft and crack-free with our Leather Care Kit and tips from Martha Stewart’s leather furniture care guide.
• Full range – Explore our Fabric and leather cleaning products.
• Protect from future stains – Our Fabric Protection Spray is perfect for repelling spills and marks. Little and often is the key — quick maintenance beats a big, exhausting clean-up every time.

2️⃣ Rotate & Flip for Even Wear (why rotating sofa cushions matters)

Without proper Foam care & maintenance cushions compress where they’re used most. The most support comes from the centre of the foam block, where weight is distributed evenly. If you regularly sit on the edge, you’re compressing a thinner section of foam — support drops, the shape changes, and you may start “rolling” toward the centre when you sit properly.

Rotating and flipping cushions keeps the foam wearing evenly, making them feel firmer for longer. Proper rotation also protects the sofa’s springs and frame. Once a cushion sags, the structure underneath takes more strain, and that can mean costly repairs.

Top Tip Fibre or feather cushions should be plumped & turned on a daily bases. Foam cushions no less the once per week,

3️⃣ Re-Wrap to Revive Comfort (how to make an old sofa cushion look new again)

If your cushions feel flat but the foam is still springy, the wrap is probably worn. Wrapping the foam in fresh polyester wadding restores volume and comfort instantly. Once you added the Polyester wrap ensure you practice good Foam care & maintenance

• Get quality Polyester Wadding for a professional finish.
• Use our Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive to secure it neatly and prevent shifting inside the cover.

For professional upholstery standards, you can reference the Furniture Industry Research Association.

4️⃣ Store Cushions Properly (best way to store outdoor cushions in winter)

For outdoor furniture cushions, storage is where most people go wrong:

• Never store foam and covers together in a damp shed or garage — moisture will create mould and odours.
• Best practice: remove the covers at the end of the season, wash them, and store them indoors until spring.
• Never store outdoor cushions outside under a tarp or cover. This traps moisture in, and you’ll find mould spots long before summer returns.

For more outdoor furniture care tips, see Better Homes & Gardens’ patio furniture maintenance guide.

✅ Keep Comfort for Years

Caring for your foam cushions isn’t just about looks — it’s about posture, comfort, and protecting your furniture. With a little maintenance, you can add years to their life. And when the time comes, Foam4U’s Foam Cut to Size service makes replacing them quick, easy, and perfectly fitted.

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