FAQ Frequently Asked Questions: Gertie Gear pet air beds

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Air bed? Won't the claws or nails pop it? TOP

NO, Gertie Gear pet air beds are "claw and nail proof" because the protective canvas undercover , which completely encases the inflatable tube is claw and nail proof. We have taken a sharp point, steel nail and scraped the canvas repeatedly -- and the steel nail does not rip through the canvas, so regular dog and cat nails can't rip through no matter how much they scratch.*

Of course, no matter how tough our canvas is, nothing is completely "chew proof" -- even small dogs can bite through solid bone and raw hide. If you have a "chewer" the Gertie Gear pet air bed is NOT for you.

*NOTE: when pets scratch at their bedding, it's called nesting. "Gertie" used to scratch (nest) in her old beds, but not in her Gertie Gear pet air bed. See the FAQ about "nesting" to find out why.

What if my dog/cat likes to scratch? TOP

Scratching (dog nails nor cat claws) cannot penetrate the canvas undercover which protects the inflatable. When pets scratch at their bedding it's called "nesting." When a dog/cat sits in a Gertie Gear pet air bed, the weight of the animal forms a "natural nest" which conforms perfectly to the shape of the animal's body.

"Gertie" used to "nest" in her old beds and she STILL scratches a lot when she sits on a blanket or towel. But now, that her Gertie Gear air bed makes the nest for her, she no longer scratches her bed -- she walks in, turns around a few times, realizes "it's perfect", then lies down. Presto!... no more scratching.

Of course we cannot guarantee that all pets will cease scratching completely, but we've witnessed at least a decrease even in the most avid scratchers.

Additionally, dog nails often have smoother edges and are thicker that cat claws. In such a case, even if a dog does scratch the slipcover, it's doubtful that he/she will tear the fabric. However, if your dog and especially a cat with front claws, loves to scratch, we recommend a slipcover fabric which takes a beating and/or does not fray.

For example, fleece is a resilient fabric. It stretches and its edges do not fray, even when torn. On the contrary, if a silky fabric gets snagged, like on a needle-like cat claw, its edges will fray like crazy, and most likely start to unravel when washed. If you have a cat that likes to scratch, DO NOT get a silky slipcover. Try a fleece or denim that will better hold up to the abuse.

Is the canvas washable too? TOP

YES, actually the canvas has been pre-washed and dried on hot settings to pre-shrink it before cutting and assembly. This extra step ensures that the canvas will maintain it's proper size and shape when washed regularly.

We recommend machine washing the canvas in warm water using your favorite non-bleach detergent. Since the zipper does not have any sharp edges, it is safe and appropriate to launder with blue jeans or other heavier fabrics.

Feel free to tumble dry the canvas undercover on low-med heat as well or air dry if you prefer.

Is the bed (canvas) waterproof? TOP

NO, the canvas is "water/moisture resistent" but not "water proof." The canvas is made of a cotton-polyester blend, tightly woven for stregnth and durability. It is some of the strongest canvas that the commercial marine industry has to offer.

If you're pet is incontinent or a heavy slobberer, try slipping a pee pad between the slipcover and the canvas undercover. When it's sandwiched between the covers, your pet can't push it out of the way and it can reduce the frequency of the need to wash the canvas.

What do you mean "natural nest" or "nesting"? TOP

When pets scratch at their bedding it's called "nesting." The goal is to "fluff" the material in order to create a comfortable area that surrounds and supports their body, and often for warmth as well. It's similar to how people fluff their pilllow, curl up in a blanket or use a body pillow for support.

When a dog/cat sits in a Gertie Gear pet air bed, the weight of the animal presses down on the canvas which is supported by the inflatable tube, and therefore acts much like a hamoc. Their weight forms a "natural nest" which conforms perfectly to the shape of the animal's body.

"Gertie" still scratches like crazy when she sits on a blanket or towel, and she used to "nest" in her old beds. Now that her Gertie Gear bed makes the nest for her, she no longer scratches her bed -- she walks in, turns around a couple of times, realizes "it's perfect", then lies down. Presto!... no more scratching.

Of course we cannot guarantee that all pets will cease scratching completely, but we've witnessed at least a decrease even in the most avid scratchers.

What is the weight limit for the air beds? TOP

The appropriate size bed is not determined by weight. Essentially, if a pet can lie comfortably on one of the beds, the animal's weight is not an issue and will not damage the inflatable. Think of the inflatable as simply a replacement for stuffing -- it doesn't really hold the weight of an animal. The weight is supported by the strength of the canvas that is wrapped around the inflatable tube.

The smallest bed of 30" diameter can hold any size animal that can fit on it. The same is true of the 36" and 46" beds. Do not jump on the air bed -- it is not a toy nor trampoline. However, an adult human weighing 240+ lbs can sit in/on the 46" assembled pet air bed without worry of damaging it or causing it to leak.

What is the correct size for my pet? TOP

The appropriate size bed is not determined by weight, but rather by height, length, and girth of an animal, in comination with how they like to lay on their bed.

Gertie on 30 FOR EXAMPLE:
"Gertie", the pure beagle shown, weighs about 23 lbs and measures 13" h floor to top of back, 26" from nose to butt and 7" at the widest point. She curls up comfortably in the size 30, but stretches out in the size 36 bed too. [LEFT: Gertie shown here on size 30" bed.]
"Jackie", the black and tan, beagle-shepperd shown, weighs about 33 lbsappropriate size for her shape but she often uses the size 30 (when "Gertie" gets to the size 36 first). [RIGHT: Jackie shown here on size 36" bed.]

If you are unsure of which bed size to choose, it's safest to error on the Jackie on 36 larger size. Since the nesting area and surrounding support is created by the weight of the animal in the center of the bed, a smaller pet will be just as comfortable in a larger bed, but if the bed is too small for the pet, they may not enjoy it as much.

NOTE: Measurements are approximate.

“SIZE 30” beds:
• Flat/deflated — 30” outer dia.
• Inflated — 26” dia. outer footprint, 12”-16” dia. inner nesting area, 5.5” height “head rest.”

“SIZE 36” beds with covers:
• Flat/deflated — 36” outer dia.
• Inflated — 30” dia. outer footprint, 14”-20” dia. inner nesting area, 6.5” height “head rest.”

“SIZE 46” beds:
["Harry", shown here on size 46" bed, is a 100 lb pure Golden Retriever]
• Flat/deflated — 46” outer dia.
• Inflated — 40” dia. outer footprint, 17”-26” dia. inner nesting area, 9.5” height “head rest.”

Harry on 46