Orthopedic canine beds have several different types of lining.
Memory foam is one of the most desired human orthopedic mattress linings because it provides both firm support, and great comfort for the body due to its ability to mold around the body.
This material is also used in some dog beds.
Egg crate foam lining can also be found in dog beds, but it is only used in human mattress toppers or pads, it is not liner for the actual mattress itself.
So if you have a large dog you really may wish to consider whether egg crate foam lining is suitable and strong enough.
Let's have a look at the properties of memory foam and egg crate foam to find out why the latter is not used in human mattresses, so you can then better decide which lining may be best to choose when selecting an orthopedic canine bed.
Construction of Memory Foam This lining is made from open cells.
In a nutshell imagine billions of interconnected balloons with holes in them.
Once pressure from the human body resting on the mattress is applied, air shifts from one cell to another.
The foam then contours around that pressure, to relieve pressure points and support the weight of the body.
When not it use, it reverts back to its original shape, making it a very durable filler material.
For this reason it is also a popular material in high quality beds for dogs with joint complaints.
Construction of Egg Crate Foam This foam takes it name from the form of cardboard egg crates, having many bumps and dips.
Unfortunately this material is also thin and collapsible.
So it is not used as human mattress filler.
The main purpose it serves with human orthopedic beds is as filler for mattress pads and toppers.
Applying this to dogs, it may provide ample support for a small or lightweight dog, but not for a large or heavy one.
The latter may quickly wear through egg crate filler, losing the benefits for which the bed was purchased.