Jessica
Looking for expert pet advice? WeLovePetz is here to help you.
Introduction: The Science of Snuggling
If you have ever seen a dog circle three times before collapsing into a tight ball, you have witnessed the ancestral instinct to “nest.” In the wild, this behavior conserved heat and protected vital organs. Today, it’s just adorable—but it’s also a sign that your dog craves security. The Bedsure Calming Dog Bed taps into this instinct with its “donut” design, creating a literal circle of comfort that promises to soothe anxious pets.
Endorsed by Oprah Daily, this bed has become a viral sensation for its ultra-plush faux fur and deep crevices that allow pets to burrow. But is it just a glorified pillow, or does the design actually provide orthopedic and emotional support? In this review, we analyze the “fluff factor,” the nightmare of washing faux fur, and whether this bed can withstand the “digging” ritual of a determined terrier.
Features and Technical Analysis
The Bedsure Calming Bed is more than just a ball of fluff; it has a specific architecture designed to mimic the feeling of a mother’s fur coat.
The “Donut” Architecture
The bed features a raised rim (bolster) that encircles a depressed center. This design serves two purposes: 1. Head Support: The rim acts as a pillow, aligning the spine for dogs who like to rest their heads while sleeping. 2. Security: The sunken center allows the dog to sink in, creating a sensation of being “hugged” by the bed. This deep pressure stimulation is a known technique for reducing anxiety in mammals.
Material Safety (OEKO-TEX Certified)
Cheap pet beds are often filled with mystery foam and chemically treated fabrics. Bedsure sets itself apart with Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certification. This means every thread and fiber has been tested for harmful substances. For a product that your dog will be burying its nose into for 12 hours a day, this safety rating is non-negotiable.
The Washability Factor
Here is where the engineering gets practical. For sizes XS to M (including the 23-inch model reviewed here), the entire bed is machine washable. There are no zippers to fumble with or stuffing to remove. You toss the whole donut in the wash. This is a massive advantage over beds with complex covers that never quite fit right after a wash cycle.
Hands-On Experience: The Nap Test
We tested the 23-inch Camel-colored bed with a 15lb Jack Russell Terrier (an enthusiastic digger) and a 10lb Tabby cat.
The “Sink” Effect
Upon unboxing, the bed needs about 24 hours to fully expand from its vacuum-sealed state. Once fluffed, the pile height is impressive. When the dog stepped in, he didn’t just sit on top; he sank slightly. This immediate contouring seemed to trigger a relaxation response. Within minutes, the dog was asleep with his chin resting on the rim.
Durability vs. Digging
Terriers love to “make the bed” by furiously scratching the surface before lying down. The faux fur held up surprisingly well to this abuse. No clumps of fur were pulled out, and the seams held tight. However, it is not chew-proof. If you have a teething puppy who destroys plush toys, this bed will likely suffer the same fate.
The Washing Machine Reality
We washed the bed on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble dried it on low. Crucially, the filling did not clump into lumpy balls—a common issue with cheaper beds. It came out looking just as fluffy as day one. Tip: Do not air dry it; the tumble dryer is essential to re-fluff the faux fur fibers.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anxiety Reduction: The donut shape creates a genuine sense of security for nervous pets. | Not for Sprawlers: Dogs who like to stretch out flat will find the rim restrictive. |
| Easy Cleaning: Being able to wash the entire bed prevents odor buildup deep in the stuffing. | Matting Risk: If dried with high heat, the faux fur can melt or mat (stick to low heat!). |
| Safety Certified: OEKO-TEX certification ensures no harmful chemicals are present. | Chew Vulnerability: Not suitable for aggressive chewers; it is essentially a giant stuffed animal. |
| Non-Slip Base: Rubber dots prevent the bed from sliding across hardwood floors. | Vacuum Packaging: Requires patience to fluff up; doesn’t look great immediately out of the box. |
Competitive Comparison
How does Bedsure compare to the original viral donut bed and a standard flat bed?
| Feature | Bedsure Calming Bed (This Review) | Best Friends by Sheri (The Original) | Amazon Basics Plush Bed (Budget) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material 🧵 | Long Pile Faux Fur (OEKO-TEX) | Shag Faux Fur | Swirl Plush |
| Support 🛏️ | High Bolster Rim | High Bolster Rim | Flat / Minimal Rim |
| Washability 🧼 | Whole Bed (Small Sizes) | Removable Shell (Zipper) | Whole Bed |
| Filling ☁️ | Polyfill (Standard) | AirLoft Fibers (Premium) | Polyfill (Thin) |
| Price 💰 | Value Friendly | Premium | Budget |
Analysis: Best Friends by Sheri uses slightly higher-grade filling that lasts longer, but the zippers can be a pain point. Bedsure offers 90% of the comfort for 60% of the price, and the whole-bed washability is actually more convenient for smaller sizes. The Amazon Basics flat bed lacks the calming “hug” effect entirely.
Final Verdict
The Bedsure Calming Dog Bed is a rare example of a viral product that lives up to the hype. It is not magic, but it is excellent engineering. By combining deep, soft crevices with a supportive rim, it creates a nesting environment that genuinely seems to soothe small dogs and cats.
For owners of Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, or nervous Terriers, this bed is a must-have. It provides a dedicated “safe space” that looks good in a living room. Just remember: this is for curling up, not for stretching out. If your dog sleeps like a log, get a mattress. If they sleep like a donut, get this.
Recommendation: Highly recommended for pets under 25 lbs who love to burrow. Buying a size up is usually a safe bet for extra comfort.
