We Know: All About Waterbeds

What is a waterbed?

A waterbed is a bed in which the mattress is filled with water instead of being made from springs, foam, and padding like traditional mattresses. You can purchase hard-sided waterbeds or soft-sided waterbeds.

What is a hard-sided waterbed?

A hard-sided waterbed has a water-filled mattress that is contained by a rectangular wood frame. It rests on a plywood platform that may or may not include a headboard and drawers underneath.

What is a soft-sided waterbed?

A soft-sided waterbed is made of a frame of sturdy foam that encases the mattress that is filled with water. The mattress and the platform resemble a traditional mattress. This means it can be used with traditional bedroom furniture.

How are waterbeds constructed?

While original waterbeds had one water chamber with the exterior made of rubber, creating a wave effect, current mattresses are more stable. Current waterbeds have both air, water chambers (still made of rubber), and are interconnected. Fiberfill is also added which makes the surface more stable. Waterbeds are also heated with temperature controls.

What are the advantages of waterbeds?

  • Waterbeds can be heated for extra warmth in the winter, to relax muscles and improve circulation.
  • The buoyancy eliminates painful pressure points.
  • A waterbed eliminates the possibility of dust mites, which can cause allergies. Bed bugs are also eliminated.

What are the disadvantages of waterbeds?

  • Heating waterbeds can be costly.
  • It is difficult to find sheets for hard-sided waterbeds
  • Moving a waterbed is very difficult because it must be drained and disassembled.
  • Waterbeds are very heavy and not recommend for old homes.
  • Waterbeds can leak and and are difficult to repair.

What can I do to conserve energy when using a waterbed?

  • Purchase a soft-side waterbed, as it is better insulated
  • Purchase a waterbed that has less water to be heated (shallow mattress).
  • Consider purchasing one of the waterbeds on the market that does not require a heater.


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