So, this is how long the latest cooling bed lasted ...
The first one we got lasted about three years. Which was very impressive. The second one about half a year, and this one about the same.
There was one year in between we tried other things.
Those other things did not leak, that's true. But they didn't do much of a job in the cooling and comfort department either. In fact, they ended up source of frustration and wasted money.
That's why, in the early summer, we decided to bite to bullet and get back to the cooling bed we knew that worked and Jasmine loved.
Because this one was a third generation, with some improvements, including outer material which seemed sturdier, we did hope it might take a while before it leaks. But we didn't hold our breath. I mean, it is a water bed after all, it's bound to leak sooner or later, right?
That's also why we bought two, just to have a backup.
We didn't think we were going to need the backup that soon but it is what it is.
I was a little worried this one might leak a little faster, because it felt more sloshy after filling. Fortunately, the leak was very tiny and slow, just as before. In the seam, just as before.
The beds come with a two year warranty, so I guess it's kind of good that it leaked BEFORE the warranty ran out. You know how it is, things are typically programmed to break a day AFTER the warranty expires.
Dealing with the K&H customer service was hustle free, they were very polite and forthcoming.
We didn't even have to return the whole thing (I was wondering whether the shipping might cost more that buying a new bed). All they asked for was the filling cap with a bit of material around it. So we sent that to them, awaiting our replacement.
Yes, we want a replacement, not our money back.
We made our peace with the fact that these things are destined to spring a leak at some point.
The bottom line is that these beds work and Jasmine loves them.
So we'll keep getting them. Now we just hope we get the replacement before the one we're using now starts leaking. I'm kind of joking. We'll see.
It's not that they get much abuse. None of the dogs tried chewing them or have at them in any other way. Besides, they're supposed to be resistant to that. So far it's always been the seam that was the weak point. Nature of the beast, I guess.
In spite of this flaw, the K&H Cool Bed III still has our vote.
It would be nice, though, if the one now in use lasted a little bit longer. But if it doesn't, c'est la vie, we'll get another one.
Update
January 13, 2013
Our replacement bed has arrived, thank you, K&H. Truly wonderful customer service!
Related articles:
K&H Cool Bed III: Ooh, It's Cool!
The first one we got lasted about three years. Which was very impressive. The second one about half a year, and this one about the same.
There was one year in between we tried other things.
Those other things did not leak, that's true. But they didn't do much of a job in the cooling and comfort department either. In fact, they ended up source of frustration and wasted money.That's why, in the early summer, we decided to bite to bullet and get back to the cooling bed we knew that worked and Jasmine loved.
Because this one was a third generation, with some improvements, including outer material which seemed sturdier, we did hope it might take a while before it leaks. But we didn't hold our breath. I mean, it is a water bed after all, it's bound to leak sooner or later, right?
That's also why we bought two, just to have a backup.
We didn't think we were going to need the backup that soon but it is what it is.
I was a little worried this one might leak a little faster, because it felt more sloshy after filling. Fortunately, the leak was very tiny and slow, just as before. In the seam, just as before.
The beds come with a two year warranty, so I guess it's kind of good that it leaked BEFORE the warranty ran out. You know how it is, things are typically programmed to break a day AFTER the warranty expires.
Dealing with the K&H customer service was hustle free, they were very polite and forthcoming.
We didn't even have to return the whole thing (I was wondering whether the shipping might cost more that buying a new bed). All they asked for was the filling cap with a bit of material around it. So we sent that to them, awaiting our replacement.
Yes, we want a replacement, not our money back.
We made our peace with the fact that these things are destined to spring a leak at some point.
The bottom line is that these beds work and Jasmine loves them.
So we'll keep getting them. Now we just hope we get the replacement before the one we're using now starts leaking. I'm kind of joking. We'll see.
It's not that they get much abuse. None of the dogs tried chewing them or have at them in any other way. Besides, they're supposed to be resistant to that. So far it's always been the seam that was the weak point. Nature of the beast, I guess.
In spite of this flaw, the K&H Cool Bed III still has our vote.
It would be nice, though, if the one now in use lasted a little bit longer. But if it doesn't, c'est la vie, we'll get another one.
Update
January 13, 2013
Our replacement bed has arrived, thank you, K&H. Truly wonderful customer service!
Related articles:
K&H Cool Bed III: Ooh, It's Cool!
We've been looking at cooling beds. We just got a cooling memory foam pad for the human bed and the dogs adore it. We're trying to find a smaller version of the same material, since it doesn't have water, but if we can't find it, we'll definitely give this a try!
ReplyDeleteCooling memory foam? We found that the "non-water" ones don't cool well enough and/or long enough. Now, for yourself, you probably wouldn't want that much cooling action anyway. But for Jasmine this is heaven.
DeleteThis cool bed has only the one flaw, and that is that sooner or later it will leak. Fortunately, the leak has always been tiny, so it's not like you get your house flooded.
Everything else about this bed is perfect, at least from a dog's perspective. It's comfortable (supposedly orthopedic) and has really good cooling action that lasts.
I've never heard of a cooling bed. We don't have much of a need for one here in Washington except for a few weeks each year when temperatures skyrocket. I'll have to look for an option for our dogs that'll help keep them cool.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience.
Kimberly
You're lucky! We're in Ontario and can get quite a long and hot summers. That said, though, Jasmine loves using it in the Winter also (and we do keep the house rather cool)
DeleteDid you ever notice your dogs switching spots on bare floor? Lay down some place for a while, they go some place else? That's because the floor, initially cool, warms up and they move seeking cooler ground.
So even when it's not overly hot, this bed is still useful. Jasmine uses it year round and spends most of her time on it.
Have you tried a ChillSpot? I have one. (I have a review on my blog with photos.) It doesn't have water, so it doesn't leak. It has an insulated base with aluminum tiles and freezer pods. It works pawsome!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Pepper
I've seen it. How does it work for you? Isn't it too cool when freshly filled? What happens when the ice melts? How long does the ice last?
DeleteWe checked it out but didn't look very practical to us and we were wondering about the temperature variances.
The bed we're using simply has an air temperature, at all times.