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Dear Wirecutter,
I enjoy having our dog, Jim, sleep in the bedroom with us, however, I am having trouble sleeping due to the licking, farting, and the dog’s presence disrupting my sleep. My partner doesn’t seem to be bothered by it and doesn’t mind the mess. Is there a compromise that we can reach?
F.B.
Dear F.B.,
Dealing with mismatched sleeping habits, whether it’s snoring, different sleep schedules, or a pet with disruptive behaviors, can make sharing a bed challenging. However, there are strategies to manage this dilemma for a more peaceful night’s sleep. Here’s what you can do:
Mask disturbing sounds
In a previous Ask Wirecutter column, we discussed the issue of being kept awake by irritating noises, such as from a humidifier. Using a white-noise machine, like our top pick LectroFan EVO, can help drown out both dog-related and other disruptive noises. Additionally, removing your dog’s collar can minimize jingling sounds as your pet moves around. Earplugs, such as our recommended Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs, can also provide relief.
Establish boundaries
Many dog owners on our staff have found success by not allowing their pets on the bed. Providing your dog with a comfortable alternative, such as a pillow or a nice dog bed at the foot of your bed, and using positive reinforcement can help your pup settle there for the night. You can gradually move the dog bed farther away from your own bed to create more physical and mental separation. Finding the right dog bed, such as our top-pick Majestic Pet Suede Bagel Dog Bed, is essential for your pet’s comfort.
If your dog is crate trained, you can allow them on the bed until bedtime, then politely move them off to the crate. As a compromise, consider using a body pillow for your partner to snuggle with.
Be mindful of your bedding
To manage the odor and dirt that comes with allowing a pet in your bed, it’s important to take extra care of your bedding. Wiping your dog’s paws after coming inside and washing your bedding more frequently can help. It’s reasonable for your partner, who wants the dog in bed, to take on the responsibility of keeping the bedding clean. If the smell bothers you more, consider taking on the laundry task. Adding a sheet or old blanket as a top layer can also protect your bedding.
- Changing your bed sheets every week is recommended, but if your pet sleeps in bed with you, consider changing them every three to four days.
- Wash duvet covers and blankets once a month, pillows once or twice a year, and comforters every few years, especially if your pet sleeps directly on them.
Upgrade your mattress
If your mattress is easily disturbed by movement, consider switching to a memory-foam mattress, which offers better motion isolation. Costco’s Novaform ComfortGrande memory-foam mattress is a cost-effective option with excellent motion isolation. Additionally, upgrading to a larger mattress size, if space allows, can provide more room for everyone to sleep comfortably.
Consider separate rooms
If none of the aforementioned solutions work for both of you, it may be worth considering sleeping in separate beds, especially if it improves your sleep quality. It’s important to prioritize a good night’s sleep for your overall well-being.
This article was edited by Jason Chen.
