How to Choose a Waterbed – Your Buying Guide

When waterbeds first came into existence, they were considered to be a symbol of luxury and extravagance. Although not as popular anymore, waterbeds are still often chosen for the added comfort they offer. However, opting for a waterbed calls for some thinking and a proper research, so you don’t face any inconveniences later.

Things to consider before deciding to go for a waterbed

Find out the advantages and disadvantages: The first and foremost thing to do is to find out how a waterbed is different from a regular mattress. Knowing the plus points and any possible minus points go a long way in making up your mind about it, letting you know if it would answer your personal needs.

Read about the pros and cons of a waterbed

Check the weight standards: It is often erroneously believed that especially build floors are required to support the weight of a waterbed. Although waterbeds are heavier than regular mattresses, they are no heavier than a refrigerator, or a large wooden wardrobe. Some landlords may have some restrictions about bringing a waterbed into an apartment, especially on the upper stories. So, check with any regulations before you can go for it.

Check your energy consumption limits: Waterbeds always require a heater to keep your bed warm and comfortable. While it does not always need extremely high levels of energy, if you live in a particularly chilly area, it might actually affect your overall power consumption levels.

Things to keep in mind when choosing your waterbed

It is always a good idea to talk to someone with firsthand experience of using waterbeds. If you have a friend who uses a water mattress, ask them what works for them and what difficulties they have faced over the years.

Features you should look for

Added lumbar support: Some mattresses come with extra short fiber layers to provide proper lumbar support. The fiber thickness may vary from one manufacturer to another.

Floatation and tethering: Look for products with floatation and tethering as floatation provides extra support to keep the fiber layers tout while a proper tethering system helps to keep your bed linens in place. Usually, a thick band of elastic is attached at all the corners to hold the sheet in place.

Reinforced corners: Most waterbeds come with reinforced corners to prevent the mattresses from coming apart at the corners as the corners get pulled every time the sheets are changed.

Protective covering: Although mattresses without a protective cover work just fine, it is better to go for one with extra protection to prevent a puncture or tear due to accidents, especially if you have kids or pets at home.

Waterbed Types and  Standard Sizes
Hard-side Waterbeds Waterbed, where the water filled mattress is fitted within a wooden frame or platform. The mattress or bladder itself is quite soft, without any defined structure as it is supported by the wooden frame.
King Size	72″ x 84″	Buy
Queen Size	60″ x 84″	Buy
Super Single Size	48″ x 84″	Buy
Soft-side Waterbeds Comes with a rigid foam cover having sturdy sides with the water filled vinyl layer placed within the foam layer. So, these water mattresses can be used in place of conventional foam mattresses.
California King Size	72″ x 84″		Buy
King Size	76″ x 80″		Buy
Queen Size	60″ x 80″		Buy
Double Soft-side	54″ x 75″		Buy
Twin Soft-side	39″ x 75″		Buy

 

Motion types of Waterbed Mattresses
Free flow: The water is allowed to move freely through the mattress, making you feel like you are floating when lying in your bed.	Read Reviews
Semi-waveless: Mattresses with resin or foam inserts that act as baffles, reducing the wave action.	Read Reviews
Waveless: Higher concentrations of fiber, foam and resin material reduce the wave action even further.	Read Reviews

Once you understand what you are looking for in your waterbed and what to expect in your hunt for the perfect product, your task becomes easier. Go ahead and check out different products, keeping the above points in mind.