Sunheir Washable Pee Pads Review - Heavy Duty Reusable Option
Comprehensive review of Sunheir Washable Pee Pads. Extra thick construction for maximum absorbency and durability.
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When your dog weighs 70 pounds and produces correspondingly large accidents, standard puppy pads simply don't cut it. Many washable pad brands target small dogs with thin, lightweight construction that becomes overwhelmed by large breed volume. Sunheir recognized this gap and built their reputation on heavy-duty pads designed for demanding situations. Currently ranked #4 in Amazon's Reusable Dog Training Pads category with over 15,000 reviews, Sunheir has clearly resonated with large dog owners. We conducted a comprehensive six-month test with our 75-pound Labrador Retriever to determine whether these thick, premium pads justify their position as a market leader.
Sunheir Washable Pee Pads
Key Features
- ✓Extra thick heavy-duty construction
- ✓4-layer waterproof design
- ✓High absorbency capacity
- ✓Reinforced edge stitching
Pros
- +Amazon Best Seller in category
- +Thicker than most competitors
- +Excellent for large breeds
Cons
- −Takes longer to dry due to thickness
- −Can be bulky when folded
First Impressions: Noticeably Different Construction
The moment you remove a Sunheir pad from the packaging, you understand why they call it 'heavy-duty.' These pads are substantially thicker than competitors like GORILLA GRIP or Paw Legend, measuring approximately 0.5 inches thick compared to the 0.2-0.3 inch thickness common in the category. The quilted top surface has a plush, almost mattress-pad quality that feels premium to the touch. The edges are finished with reinforced double stitching that looks built to withstand repeated washing and active dog behavior. Our initial weight measurement showed each large pad (36x41 inches) weighing approximately 1.2 pounds, nearly double the weight of standard washable pads. This heft translates directly to increased absorbency capacity and durability, though it also means longer drying times. The pads arrive vacuum-packed to reduce shipping size; they expand to full thickness within a few hours of unpackaging.
Deep Dive: The 4-Layer Protection System
Sunheir's performance stems from its well-engineered 4-layer construction, which we examined by carefully opening a test pad. Layer one is a soft microfiber polyester top that feels gentle against sensitive skin. The microfiber wicks moisture downward efficiently, keeping the surface relatively dry even after use. Unlike some cheaper pads that use a single thin fabric, Sunheir's microfiber layer is quilted with batting underneath, creating the plush feel. Layer two is the absorbent core, consisting of high-density cotton blend fibers. This layer is notably thicker than competitors, measuring approximately 0.3 inches by itself. We estimated absorbency capacity at roughly 5 cups of liquid, significantly exceeding the 2-3 cup capacity of standard washable pads. Layer three is the TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) waterproof membrane. TPU is the same material used in high-end rain jackets and outdoor gear, chosen for its flexibility, durability, and consistent waterproofing through hundreds of wash cycles. Unlike cheap PVC backing that can crack and fail, TPU maintains integrity over time. Layer four is a polyester backing with raised silicone dots for grip. The dots are densely distributed and provide excellent traction on hard floors, though performance on carpet is similar to other brands.
Large Breed Testing: A 75-Pound Lab's Verdict
Our primary test subject was Cooper, a 75-pound Labrador Retriever with age-related incontinence requiring overnight protection. Large breed incontinence presents unique challenges: higher urine volume per accident, greater body weight pressing moisture into the pad, and more movement during the night. Over six months, Cooper used the Sunheir pads nightly, averaging one accident per night of approximately 300-400ml. The pads consistently absorbed this volume without surface pooling or leakage. Even when accidents occurred near the edge of the pad, the reinforced stitching contained the liquid effectively. Cooper has a habit of circling and scratching before lying down, behavior that quickly destroys flimsy pads. The Sunheir pads showed no stitching failure or fabric tearing despite this rough treatment over 180 nights. The quilted surface also provided cushioning that Cooper seemed to find comfortable, often choosing to sleep on the pad even on nights without accidents. For large breed owners dealing with similar situations, the extra absorbency capacity of Sunheir pads makes a meaningful difference in overnight protection reliability.
Washing Performance Through 100+ Cycles
Durability claims are meaningless without long-term testing, so we tracked pad condition through over 100 wash cycles during our six-month test. Our washing protocol: cold water wash with pet-safe detergent, tumble dry on medium heat. After 25 washes, pads showed no visible degradation. Colors remained consistent, stitching intact, absorbency unchanged. After 50 washes, we noticed slight pilling on the microfiber surface, purely cosmetic with no functional impact. The quilted pattern remained pronounced and the pad felt as thick as new. After 100 washes, the pilling had increased but the pad remained fully functional. Absorbency testing showed approximately 10% reduction in capacity from new, still exceeding most competitors' baseline capacity. The TPU waterproof layer remained completely intact with zero leakage. Edge stitching showed no loosening or unraveling. Based on the trajectory of wear, we estimate these pads could easily handle 200-300 wash cycles before functional degradation becomes significant. That's potentially 2-3 years of daily use for most owners.
The Drying Time Reality
Every benefit comes with a tradeoff, and for Sunheir pads, that tradeoff is drying time. The same thick construction that provides superior absorbency also holds more water after washing. In our testing, these pads took approximately 90-120 minutes in a standard dryer on medium heat to dry completely. Air drying took 8-12 hours depending on humidity. Compare this to thinner pads that dry in 45-60 minutes or 4-6 hours air dried. This extended drying time has practical implications. You need more pads in rotation to ensure dry ones are always available. We recommend a minimum of four pads for daily use: one in use, one in the wash, one drying, and one ready. For overnight protection specifically, three pads can work if you wash in the morning and use the dryer. The good news: the pads emerge from the dryer soft and fully restored, with no stiffness or crunchiness that affects some cheaper pads. The quilted surface actually becomes softer after several wash cycles.
Size Options and Selection Guide
Sunheir offers their heavy-duty pads in multiple sizes, which is important given their focus on large breed applications. Small (18x24 inches): Suitable for small dogs under 20 pounds or as a secondary protection layer. Medium (24x36 inches): Good for medium dogs 20-50 pounds or as crate liners. Large (36x41 inches): Their most popular size, suitable for large breeds 50-90 pounds or as bed protection. Extra Large (48x54 inches): Designed for giant breeds or multi-dog households. For Cooper, our 75-pound Lab, the Large size provided adequate coverage with a comfortable margin. We positioned the pad on his orthopedic bed, covering the area where he typically sleeps. The pad stayed in place well, though we added a fitted sheet over it for additional security. For giant breeds or dogs who move significantly during sleep, the Extra Large might be worth the upgrade despite the increased drying time.
Value Analysis: Premium Price, Premium Performance
At $26.99 for a 2-pack of large pads, Sunheir pricing falls in the mid-to-upper range of the washable pad market. A similar GORILLA GRIP 2-pack runs about $32.99, while budget options like Paw Legend start around $19.99. Is Sunheir worth the price? For large breed owners or heavy wetters, absolutely. The increased absorbency capacity directly addresses the failure mode that makes cheaper pads inadequate for demanding situations. The reinforced construction survives rough treatment that would destroy thinner pads. And the proven durability through 100+ wash cycles means lower cost-per-use over time. For small dog owners with minimal incontinence issues, Sunheir is probably overkill. The extra thickness and absorbency won't provide meaningful benefits, and you're paying for capacity you won't use. In those cases, a standard-duty pad offers better value. The sweet spot for Sunheir: dogs over 40 pounds, overnight protection scenarios, senior dogs with incontinence, or any situation requiring maximum absorbency reliability.
Final Verdict
After six months of daily use with a 75-pound Labrador, Sunheir Washable Pee Pads have earned our strong recommendation for large breed owners and demanding incontinence situations. The heavy-duty construction delivers meaningfully superior absorbency and durability compared to standard washable pads. The 4-layer design with TPU waterproofing has proven completely leak-proof through over 100 wash cycles. Yes, the thick construction means longer drying times, requiring more pads in rotation. And yes, the premium pricing exceeds budget alternatives. But for owners who have experienced the frustration of overwhelmed pads and midnight cleanup sessions, the extra investment in Sunheir pays off in reliable performance and peace of mind. If your situation involves large volumes, rough treatment, or overnight protection needs, these heavy-duty pads deliver exactly what they promise.