How to Choose the Right Waterbed for You

Your Guide to buying the best Waterbed

Overview

A waterbed is a unique sleeping solution that offers a range of benefits to its users. From providing excellent support and pressure relief to being a stylish addition to any bedroom, this guide will provide information on what to consider when purchasing a waterbed. We’ll discuss the various types of waterbeds available and the pros and cons of each. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the best mattress, frame and accessories to make sure your new waterbed meets all your needs. Finally, we’ll provide advice on how to maintain your waterbed and keep it in good condition for years to come.

Key features

  • Size: What size do you need? Do you need a twin, full, queen, or king size waterbed?
  • Liner: What type of liner do you need? Do you need an extra cushioning layer, an adjustable-fill mattress, or other type of liner?
  • Mattress Fill: What type of fill do you need for the mattress? Will you need a water bladder, solid foam core, or other type of fill?
  • Heater: Do you need a heater to keep the waterbed warm? If so, select a heater that is compatible with the waterbed.
  • Frame: What type of frame will you need to support the waterbed? Consider both the size and the material of the frame.
  • Accessories: What accessories will you need to accompany your waterbed? Consider items such as mattress protectors, sheets, pillows, and more.
  • Cost: What is your budget? Waterbeds can range in price depending on size, type of fill, and other factors.

See the most popular Waterbed on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Support: Waterbeds provide excellent support, as the water in the bed helps to evenly distribute body weight. This ensures that there are no pressure points that can cause discomfort.
  • Durability: Waterbeds are very durable and can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.
  • Temperature: Waterbeds can be heated, providing a unique and comfortable sleeping experience. The temperature of the bed can also be adjusted according to the user's preference.
  • Motion: Waterbeds have a unique motion that is soothing and can help you relax and fall asleep faster. The motion also reduces tossing and turning at night.
  • Low Dust: Waterbeds are low dust and are more hygienic than traditional beds, as there is no need to use a mattress cover or box spring.

Cons

  • Cost of Waterbeds - Waterbeds can be expensive when compared to other types of beds.
  • Weight - Waterbeds can be very heavy, which can make them difficult to move.
  • Maintenance - Waterbeds require more maintenance than other types of beds, including periodic refilling and draining of the water, and checking the temperature.
  • Heating - Waterbeds require a heating system to keep the water at a comfortable temperature, which can be expensive.
  • Leaking - Waterbeds are prone to leaking, which can cause water damage and other issues.
  • Size - Waterbeds can be difficult to fit into small bedrooms.

Best alternatives

  1. Memory Foam Mattress - A mattress composed of memory foam which contours to the body and helps evenly distribute weight.
  2. Latex Mattress - A mattress composed of latex foam, which is known for its elasticity and contortion to the body.
  3. Hybrid Mattress - A mattress composed of both memory foam and latex foam, offering the benefits of both materials.
  4. Innerspring Mattress - A mattress composed of a steel spring core, surrounded by layers of foam and fabric for comfort.
  5. Airbed Mattress - A mattress composed of an air chamber, which can be inflated to different levels for comfort.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

Common questions

  1. What size Waterbed do I need?
    The size of Waterbed needed depends upon the size of the room and the size of the bed being replaced. For a full-sized bed, a king-sized Waterbed is suggested, while a queen-sized Waterbed is best suited for a twin-sized bed.
  2. How much weight can a Waterbed hold?
    Waterbeds can typically hold up to 800 pounds of weight, but the exact capacity depends on the size and make of the bed.
  3. How often do I need to fill my Waterbed?
    Waterbeds should be filled every three months to maintain optimal firmness.
  4. What type of heater do I need for a Waterbed?
    Waterbeds require a special type of heater known as a waterbed heater. These heaters are designed to regulate the temperature of the water in the bed, ensuring a comfortable sleeping temperature.
  5. Are Waterbeds noisy?
    No, Waterbeds are generally not noisy. However, some models may be slightly louder than others due to the type of mattress material used.
  6. Are Waterbeds easy to maintain?
    Yes, Waterbeds are relatively easy to maintain. The main maintenance tasks include filling the bed with water every three months and keeping the bed clean.
  7. Can I use a regular mattress cover on a Waterbed?
    No, a regular mattress cover cannot be used on a Waterbed. A special Waterbed mattress cover is required to protect the bed from moisture and spills.

Trivia

In the early days of waterbeds, some people even went so far as to build special furniture with waterbeds built into it. One such example is the 'Wet Desk' that was an actual desk designed with a built-in waterbed inside. This desk was meant to be a multi-purpose piece of furniture, allowing you to relax while you worked, or work while you relaxed. It was a bit of a novelty item, but it shows just how far the waterbed craze had gone in the 1970's! [Source: https://www.hunker.com/13415880/the-history-of-the-waterbed]

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.