by Jake Smith
With our athletic Labs, I am always carefully observing them for any limps or gimps. Having dealt with torn cruciate ligaments, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and the aches and pains of aging, I’m mindful of doing what I can to help minimize their discomfort. And since our Labs sleep about 21.8 hours each day, much of that mindfulness revolves around their dog pads.
Over the years, I think we’ve tried just about every variety of bed, and none of them stand up to the Orvis Recovery Zone series of dog beds. In the literature that accompanies the bed, Orvis claims “45+ years of expertise, 12 prototypes tested, 5 vet experts consulted, and 3 years in development” for the Recovery Zone series, which focuses on those dogs that lead an active lifestyle. And really, they all do to a certain degree. Now, they can begin to experience relief and recovery while sleeping to help minimize aches and pains when they get up the next day.
The difference in this bed compared to any other I’d experienced started right when I opened the box. It felt like a bed-bed, like you’re getting one of those fancy memory foam mattresses for yourself, all rolled up and compressed for shipping. Kajun stood ready to stake his claim to it as I unboxed it, but this was destined for elderly Cici
Orvis calls their fill material a “bi-component foam” consisting of 4” medium-density solid foam base with a 1” Serene Foam top layer. This combination is meant to “evenly distribute weight, minimize pressure points on joints and muscles, and increase circulation,” as well as promote airflow and enhance breathability. We noticed it right away the first night as Cici didn’t get up and pace and pant, which she tended to do because she felt too hot on her old bed.
The foam is encased in a water-resistant liner, helping to prevent accidents from getting all the way into the bedding material, whereas in other beds, it never seems to fully wash out. All of the covers are, of course, machine washable.
However, it is their construction – and deconstruction – that I appreciated the most from a household standpoint. Let me explain.
I tested the Couch Bed style, and it was the first dog bed I’ve seen with “some assembly required.” I haven’t had to be walked through a dog bed setup before, but the video Orvis produces, available through the QR code in their instructions (and reprinted here), provides an easy-to-follow three-minute video.
All different fill material options aside in all different brands of dog beds, what I find most appealing about this bed’s construction – and the necessary steps in assembling it – was that deconstructing the bed in order to wash it is exceedingly simple. Being able to completely remove the memory foam portions without it falling apart in your hands, bunching up, or spilling all over the place lets you hit the cover hard with whatever is necessary to get out tough stains and odors. And unlike some other beds, you can wash just the cover. I’ve never liked having to put a bed in the wash that still has some of the fill material in it because it either couldn’t be removed – and therefore took forever to dry – or it could but failed to be stuffed back close to its original form.
Being able to completely remove the memory foam chunks and easily reinstall after washing the cover actually allows you to wash the cover more often, making it appear close to new each time it comes out of the dryer.
The Recovery Zone series of beds – which refers to the foam mattress construction – also offers several options depending on your dog’s likes and needs. There are three different shapes, three different covers, and multiple sizes; prices vary among them all. These beds are not cheap, but I honestly have a hard time seeing how they would ever be destroyed. Of course, my Labs are now on the older end of the rainbow.
Shapes: These include the Couch, with a supporting bolster on three sides; the Den, with the bolster completely around the bed; and the Lounger, which is flat with no bolster.
Covers: These include FleeceLock, a covering of sherpa fleece; a ToughChew cover, with a chew-, tear-, and puncture-resistant cover bonded to a ripstop nylon base, guaranteed or Orvis will refund your money; and a Fur-Masking Microweave cover that is human-grade upholstery and soft-quilted.
Sizes vary as to the overall size of the bed and the size of the sleep surface on those with the bolster:
Medium Couch: 38½” x 25½” full bed, 26½” x 19½” sleep surface
Large Couch: 44½” x 30½” full bed, 32” x 24” sleep surface
Medium Den: 36” x 30” full bed, 26” x 20” sleep surface
Large Den: 42” x 34” full bed, 32” x 24” sleep surface
Medium Lounger: 36” x 24”
Large Lounger: 42” x 28”
Visit www.orvis.com/recoveryzone-dog-bed-care.html, where you’ll also find some helpful articles on dogs and beds.
Orvis’s Recovery Zone beds truly feel like a game-changer for our best friends.
