Classic protection, no-nonsense design. The BENCMATE Navy Blue Inflatable Recovery Collar protects your dog's wound, incision, or irritated skin from licking and biting — without cutting off their peripheral vision or making mealtime an engineering problem. Where the hard plastic cone turns every food bowl into an obstacle, the BENCMATE collar sits at the neck and leaves the rest of your dog's world intact. Eat normally. Sleep normally. Recover without added misery.
Cats wear it too. The BENCMATE collar is designed and vet-approved for cats as well as dogs. Most adult cats take Small (4"–7" neck); kittens and petite cats take X-Small (up to 5"). It sits low at the neck, so your cat keeps full vision and can still groom their face and front paws — no cone panic, no refusing to eat.
The soft barrier that actually stays in place. The collar's inflatable chamber wraps evenly around the neck, holding its position through sleep, walking, and the occasional attempt to reach the incision anyway. It doesn't spin. It doesn't ride up. It doesn't require repositioning every two hours. The velcro closure holds a firm, consistent fit for the full recovery window — typically 7 to 14 days post-surgery, or as long as your vet recommends.
Full size range, including Medium+ and Large+. Available in Small through XX-Large, with Medium+ and Large+ variants for dogs who fall between standard sizes. Measure your dog's neck snugly at the base of the skull, add half an inch, and match to the size chart below. Nylon outer, PVC inner. Velcro closure for adjustable fit. Machine-wash cover; air-dry.
Navy blue: the collar that means business. Some choices don't need a lot of explanation. Navy is clean, serious, and calm — the same color you'd choose for anything you want to look right without trying too hard. It blends into daily life and stays out of the aesthetic drama so you can focus on what actually matters: your dog getting better.
What's in the box: 1× BENCMATE Navy Blue Recovery Collar, 1× inflation straw, 1× velcro strap. Size guide: Small (neck 4–7"), Medium (7–11"), Medium+ (11–14"), Large (14–18"), Large+ (16–18"), X-Large (18–21"), XX-Large (21–23"). Valve holds 24–48 hours per inflation. Wipe clean; do not submerge. 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Large vs Large+ — which one? Both fit a 16"–18" neck. Large (14"–18") is the standard-depth fit; Large+ (16"–18") is the Extra Coverage version — the ring extends deeper, so a pet can't bend around it to reach a belly incision or a wound on a leg or tail. If the neck measures 14"–16", Large is the one that fits. If it measures 16"–18", choose Large for head, ear or neck wounds, and Large+ when the wound is on the body — or when your pet has beaten a cone before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an inflatable recovery collar better than a hard plastic cone?
Yes, for most dogs. An inflatable collar like BENCMATE keeps your dog's peripheral vision fully intact, lets them eat and drink from their bowl at a normal angle, and allows comfortable sleep in any position. Hard plastic cones restrict all of these things. Vets recommend inflatable collars as the preferred alternative for post-surgical recovery, hot spots, skin allergies, and wound protection.
How do I choose the right size BENCMATE collar for my dog?
Measure your dog's neck circumference snugly at the base, where the collar will sit. Compare that measurement to the neck range shown on each size in the size selector on this page, and choose the size your pet's neck falls within. If your dog is between two sizes, always size up. The adjustable velcro strap fine-tunes the fit within each size.
Can my dog eat and drink normally while wearing the BENCMATE collar?
Yes. The inflatable collar sits at the base of the neck and does not extend past the chin or in front of the face, so your dog can lower their head to eat and drink from a standard bowl without any obstruction. This is one of the key advantages over hard plastic cones, which often prevent dogs from reaching floor-level bowls.
Can my dog sleep comfortably while wearing it?
Yes. Dogs can curl up, rest their head on the collar like a neck pillow, and sleep in any of their usual positions. The soft inflatable material doesn't press into the floor or force the head up the way a hard cone does. Most dogs settle into their normal sleep routine within 1–2 nights of wearing the BENCMATE collar.
How long should my dog wear a recovery collar after surgery?
Most vets recommend keeping a recovery collar on for 10–14 days after routine surgery (spay, neuter, laceration repair), and up to 21 days for orthopedic procedures. Follow your vet's specific instructions — the rule of thumb is to keep the collar on until the incision is fully closed and your vet has confirmed healing at a recheck appointment.
Can cats use the BENCMATE inflatable collar?
Yes. BENCMATE collars are designed and vet-approved for both dogs and cats. For cats, use the XS size (neck up to 5") or Small size (neck 4"–7"). The soft, inflatable design is especially well-suited for cats after spay or neuter surgery — it doesn't block vision and allows normal grooming of the face and front paws.
How do I inflate and put on the BENCMATE collar?
1. Thread your pet's everyday collar through the inner ring loops of the BENCMATE collar. 2. Use the included inflation straw to inflate the collar through the air valve until it is firm and fully rounded. 3. Place the collar around your pet's neck and fasten the velcro strap. The collar should sit snugly — you should be able to slide two fingers underneath it. Re-inflate via the valve as needed; it typically holds air for 24–48 hours.
How do I clean the BENCMATE collar?
Remove the inflatable inner chamber and machine-wash the outer fabric cover in cold water on a gentle cycle. Air-dry only — do not tumble-dry or heat-dry, as heat may damage the PVC inner chamber. Wipe the inflatable inner chamber with a damp cloth; do not submerge it or put it in the washing machine. The valve seal should be kept dry.
Is the BENCMATE Navy Blue collar vet-approved?
Yes. BENCMATE inflatable recovery collars, including the Navy Blue variant, are veterinarian-approved for use after surgery, for skin allergies, hot spots, and wound protection in both dogs and cats. The inflatable design has been endorsed by vets as a more comfortable and practical alternative to traditional hard plastic e-collars.
What's the difference between Large and Large+?
Both sizes fit a neck measuring 16"–18". Large fits necks from 14"–18" at standard depth, while Large+ (16"–18") is the Extra Coverage option — its ring extends deeper, making it much harder for your pet to bend around the collar and reach a wound on the belly, legs, or tail. If your pet's neck measures 14"–16", choose Large. If it measures 16"–18", choose Large for head or ear wounds and Large+ for body wounds or determined lickers.
My pet's neck is over 23 inches — what should I order?
XX-Large is our largest size and fits necks up to 23". We don't recommend sizing down — a collar that can't close properly won't stay on or protect the wound. If your pet's neck measures over 23", contact us through our contact page before ordering and we'll help you find a solution.
