Waterbeds have come a long way since their first inception in the 19th century. Higher quality waterbeds provide stellar support with water displacement technology to provide a restful sleep for you and your partner. There are a variety of waterbeds (http://www.wasserbetten1.com/) on the market, but remember, you get what you pay for. So invest a little more and you will receive a great night’s sleep.
Waterbed construction
Waterbeds come in two types: hard-side and soft-side beds. Both offer support and comfort, and it is up to the consumer’s preference to establish which bed is a perfect fit.
Hard-sided waterbeds borders the water-filled mattress with a wooden frame. The mattress typically sits on plywood supported by a platform. Hard-sided waterbed mattresses are larger than conventional mattresses, so an owner must purchase sheets and bedding to fit. The components of a hard-side bed include the vinyl mattress, safety liner, frame, platform and heater/control.
Soft-sided waterbeds feature sturdy foam around the mattress, which is zippered into a casing. The mattress sits on top of a platform, which can look like a box spring, and it rests on a metal frame. Soft-sided waterbed mattresses are the same size as conventional mattresses, so they can use the same size sheets and bedding.
Waterbeds come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from single to king, and can be boxed, rectangular or slightly oval.
Health benefits of using waterbed
Waterbeds provide support through the baffle. A baffle retards waves in the mattress. Some waterbeds use hydraulic cylinders, cells or fiber as a baffle to decrease water movement from one side of the bed to the other side. This means that the water is able to provide more support to your neck, back and legs instead of using wood or springs. The resistance applied to your body from the water is semi-firm but not uncomfortable, and the water displacement moves with your body’s movement, rather than pushing against it. The flotation support evenly distributes the weight as the waterbed conforms to your body’s shape. This support can be beneficial to those with certain health problems.
The flotation support provided by waterbeds can ease bone and muscle pain associated with getting older. People who are recovering from orthopedic surgeries or those who suffer from weakened bones and poor circulation may find relief in a heated waterbed. When the water is heated, it can relax muscles, increase blood circulation and ease arthritis pain. This alleviates pain and stiffness in the morning, making it easier to get out of bed. And people who do not suffer from pain in the morning are more likely to be cheerful and get more accomplished during the day.
Patients who are confined to lying on a conventional mattress experience pressure points, which can cause bed sores if left in one position long enough. The tissue at these points is compressed, constricting the blood vessels, which cuts off blood supply to the tissue cells. When the cells die, bed sores are formed. Due to the nature of a waterbed, bed sores are nearly impossible to get because the pressure applied is minimal when compared to a conventional mattress and is spread to the entire body, not just a few spots.
Pregnant women often have trouble sleeping, especially since they cannot lie on their stomachs. Waterbeds can be a therapeutic fix as it has been proven that pregnant women are able to sleep on their stomachs, even late into the pregnancy. Small waterbeds, the size of cribs, are recommended for infants to help in the growth and development, especially in premature babies. The lack of pressure points in waterbeds increases blood flow and circulatory growth in infants.
Don’t let the bedbugs bite
The materials used in the manufacturing of waterbeds is plastic, vinyl and leather. Dust mites and bed bugs need fabrics to live and breed, and since they cannot burrow into plastic or leather, they cannot survive. Because most surfaces on a waterbed can be wiped clean, people who suffer from allergies may prefer waterbeds over conventional mattresses which can harbor dust and minute bugs. Plastic mattress covers can make a crinkle noise when you roll around on them, but a waterbed makes very little noise and is unlikely to wake up the sleeper.
Waterbed myths
You’ll get seasick. A waterbed can flood your house. Every movement will wake up your partner. These are some common misconceptions many people have about waterbeds.
Getting seasick on a waterbed is a very notable achievement as it is nearly impossible to do. Cheaper waterbed models provide less support and baffles, so they may encourage a more rolling or wave movement of water. This is why you should invest in a higher quality waterbed and ensure a peaceful night’s rest. But overall, if your body is still, the water will be still, so there is no continuous rocking like on a boat.
Flooding is very unlikely from a waterbed. The majority of leaks are caused by pinholes or stress cracks, and even then, usually only a few gallons of water escape. However, due to the design of most waterbeds, a safety liner catches the water from leaks and overfilling.
Higher quality waterbeds use separate chambers on each side of the bed to decrease water movement from side to side. This means one person can roll over and their sleeping partner will not disturbed due to the design of the baffle.
Disadvantages to waterbeds
There are some disadvantages to owning a waterbed, including heating costs and the weight of the bed. If the waterbed is used regularly to ease muscle and joint pain, the price of heating the water can add a significant amount to your energy bill. Waterbeds are heavier than conventional mattresses and can be burdensome to move. And this added weight can cause havoc on older, worn floorboards. Some rentals do not allow water-filled furniture for fear of leaks and cracked floorboards; however, manufacturers state that any building that is up to code will withstand a waterbed.
Like with most products, you’ll never know how much you would benefit from a waterbed until you try one. With the health benefits, ease of cleaning and the level of comfort provided, it’s no wonder so many people enjoy waterbeds. But if you decide it just isn’t right for you, you can always delight your visitors by putting it in the guest room.










