Sharing Bedroom Space With Pets? How to Select a Mattress

If like many of our homeowners you need a mattress that works for both you and your furry friends, read on. Our guide shows you how to choose the right mattress while maximizing bedroom space.

How To Select the Best Mattress for Bedroom Space With Pets

woman sitting on a mattress - not sharing bedroom with pets — Photo by Ecosa.com

Sleeping should be straightforward, but pet owners know the struggle of making room for a cat sprawled out and a dog that snores. As per the Psychology Today, 76% of pet owners out of 1,000 surveyed allow their pets to sleep in their beds, showing how widespread this habit is. (1)

But designing a comfortable sleeping space for both humans and pets doesn’t have to be a complex undertaking. There are many mattress types that can fit your lifestyle, even with pets.
This guide will assist you in selecting the right mattress and making the most out of the space you share with your pets.

Recognize Your Sleep Needs and Pet Habits

Do you sleep with a big dog that likes to sprawl out or a cat that curls up at your feet? Many pet owners discover that bigger mattresses give them the space they need to sleep comfortably alongside their pets.
Think about sleep positions as well. Side sleepers might need more room compared to back sleepers, especially with pets who like to snuggle close.

If you are sharing bedroom space with pets notice where your pet prefers to sleep on the bed, too. Some pets enjoy being right next to their owners, while others choose their own spot. Knowing these space preferences can help you figure out how much bed surface you need to keep both you and your pet comfortable.

Select Mattress Size Based on Pet Size and Bedroom Space

For those with really massive space, king size mattresses are a good option, especially when sharing with larger pets or multiple furry friends.

Just make sure to measure your bedroom first and leave enough walking space around the bed.

Meanwhile, for rooms under 10’ x 10’, a king-sized bed might overwhelm a small room. Opting for a queen (60” x 80”) or full (54” x 75”) mattress can balance comfort and space. And if your pet prefers stretching out, consider a low-profile platform bed—these sit closer to the floor, making it easier for older pets to climb up while saving vertical space. (2)

Focus on Durable, Scratch-Resistant Materials

cat sleeping on a bed — Sharing bedroom space with pets especially cats should lead you to choose robust materials and possibly scratch proof furniture

Photo by Fabricio Trujillo

Sharing bedroom space with pets will challenge a mattress’s durability. Their claws can tear fabrics, and their fur gets embedded in fibers, so it’s wise to choose tightly woven, durable covers. Materials like latex or high-density foam are better at avoiding sagging and punctures than soft pillow tops. Make sure materials are certified non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals, too, particularly if your pets tend to lick or chew surfaces.

Evaluate Motion Isolation for Restless Sleepers and Active Pets

Just like people, pets move around a lot in their sleep. So, if you’re someone who wakes up easily, you need a comfortable mattress that reduces motion transfer. Memory foam is excellent for this because it molds your body and absorbs any movement, stopping it from spreading.

Hybrid mattresses, which use a mix of foam layers with individually wrapped coils, also offer both good support and motion isolation. Meanwhile, if possible, avoid mattresses made entirely of springs, as they usually pass along any movement across the entire bed.

Opt for Waterproof or Stain-Resistant Surfaces

Many pet owners worry about their pets soiling their mattresses, with 18% having this concern. A good waterproof cover is then essential for protecting against accidents like pee, drool, or muddy paw prints. It serves as the first line of defense against these issues. (1)

When selecting a mattress cover, choose breathable materials and hypoallergenic ones to ensure you and your pet stay comfortable and don’t get too hot.

A waterproof mattress protector will help you protect and care for your bed.

Photo source – Ecosa.com

Incorporate Easy-Clean Features Into Your Mattress Choice

Living with pets means dealing with fur and dander, so choosing the perfect mattress that simplifies cleaning is essential. Look for models featuring smooth, non-porous surfaces that naturally resist pet hair accumulation, along with tightly woven covers that prevent fur from becoming trapped in seams.

For mattresses without built-in washable covers, regular maintenance with a handheld vacuum can help keep debris at bay. But when more thorough cleaning becomes necessary, consider using a portable steam cleaner.

Reinforce Edge Support for Pets Who Lounge on the Bed’s Perimeter

Pets often love to rest on the bed’s edges. If these edges aren’t well-supported, they can start to sag from the constant weight over time. To prevent this, choose a comfortable mattress with strong edge support.
High-density foam borders or reinforced perimeter coils, for example, are good options. These features help the bed maintain its shape and durability. They also provide a comfortable and supportive space for both you and your pet.

Establish a Pet-Safe Mattress Height

The height of your bed is important for your pet’s comfort and safety, too. For most adult dogs, a mattress height of 14 inches or more works well. However, older pets and smaller breeds require a lower bed height of 8 to 10 inches to prevent injury from jumping. (3)

If you are regularly sharing bedroom space with pets, keeping the bed height low not only ensures your pet’s safety but also promotes their independence. If you can’t lower the bed, consider using pet stairs. Opt for a compact design that blends well with your bedroom furniture.

Adapt Your Choice As Needed

The mattress you buy might be perfect now but may not fit your pet’s needs in the future. Puppies grow into larger dogs, and older pets might have trouble moving easily. So, choosing a mattress that you can adjust is smart, as it lets you change the firmness or add cooling layers when needed.

How to Select a Mattress When Sharing Bedroom Space With Pets in Summary

Sharing bedroom space with pets makes specific demands on your bed and bedroom furniture. You have to make choices to protect your sleep and comfort, and to accommodate your pets.

Picking the right mattress while making the most of your bedroom space with pets requires being practical and planning ahead. By matching your mattress to your pet’s habits and your spatial constraints, you create a comfortable sleep environment that helps everyone get a restful night. Regular upkeep and small tweaks over time also ensure everything stays functional, showing that living with pets can be smooth and restful, even in smaller spaces.