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How to Buy a Waterbed Mattress

What Is a Waterbed Mattress?

In your search for the perfect pillow top or king size memory foam mattress, you may have come across information about waterbeds and asked yourself, what is a waterbed mattress?

A waterbed mattress is a type of bed mattress that is filled with water elements, rather than just an innerspring system or foam layers. Water mattresses are a classic and novel alternative to the innerspring and foam mattresses popular today. We offer many different types of waterbeds in a variety of sizes. From the ultra-modern Flotasia pillow-top, mid-fill king-size waterbed, to the classic American Sleep super single free flow waterbed Mattress. Whatever waterbed mattress you are looking for, we have the perfect mattress kit for you.

How to Pick a Waterbed Mattress

For a great night's sleep, you need a comfortable bed with lumbar support that cradles your body and helps relieve pressure points. A water bed can provide this support and be just as good for you as a traditional coil spring mattress. Also, many of today's waterbeds come with a waterbed heater which can help relieve pain in the back and legs.

Aside from the comfort of your bed, the cost is an integral part of the buying process. The price of a waterbed will vary based on size and features. Most waterbeds range from $50 up to $2,000. The higher priced models usually have more features such as wave reduction and dual temperature control.

Why Choose a Waterbed Mattress?

Sleeping on a waterbed is a popular treatment for many people who suffer from back pain or arthritis. A waterbed is a pleasant sleeping environment because it provides the following:

• Total body and back support
• Relief from pressure points
• A hygienic sleeping surface
• Controllable sleeping temperature

Understanding Waterbed Types

There are two main types of water bed systems: hard-side waterbeds and soft-side waterbeds. The type of frame and waterbed sheets you need for your bed depends on if you purchase a hard-side waterbed or a soft-side waterbed. The design and usability of each of these types are very different, so it is essential to do your research before you choose the best water bed for you.

Hardside waterbeds

Thought of as the traditional waterbed, this hard-sided bed is an unstructured mattress that is composed of a vinyl casing filled with water. They resemble air mattresses because they can be emptied and rolled up for moving, but they're more durable and not temporary like air mattresses. The hard side waterbed sits inside a wood frame made specifically to hold the waterbed bladder. This type of bed needs both a specialty waterbed frame and specialty sheets that are made specifically to fit this bed. We also encourage the use of a safety liner, for added protection between the vinyl mattress and wooden frame. Since the length of the hard side waterbed is larger than standard mattress measurements, these types of beds are distinguished as California King, California Queen, and Super Single. The sizes of these beds are:

• Super Single Hardside Mattress: 48 inches by 84 inches (4' x 7')
• California Queen Hardside Mattress: 60 inches by 84 inches (5' x 7')
• California King Hardside Mattress: 72 inches by 84 inches (6' x 7')

Softside waterbeds

The newer and more popular soft-sided waterbed consists of smaller water-filled chambers, surrounded by layers of foam and upholstery. The softside waterbed mattress looks just like a traditional innerspring mattress. These mattresses can use standard sheet sets and can be placed onto any wood frame or box spring base you already have. These beds can easily transition into your current bedroom furniture without having to buy a special waterbed bed frame or waterbed sheet set. The measurements of these bed sizes are:

• Twin Softside Mattress: 39 inches by 75 inches (3'3"" x 6'3"")
• Double Softside Mattress: 54 inches by 75 inches (4'6"" x 6'3"")
• Queen Softside Mattress: 60 inches by 80 inches (5' x 6'8"")
• King Softside Mattress: 76 inches by 80 inches (6'4"" x 6'8"")
• California King Softside Mattress: 72 inches by 84 inches (6' x 7')

How Do Different Types Of Waterbeds Work?

Today's waterbeds have come a long way and are available with a variety of features that help keep you comfortable and slumbering all night long.

• Free flow waterbeds: A free flow waterbed has a single water chamber that is filled. This bed can provide up to 20-30 seconds of wave motion.
• Semi-waveless waterbeds: A semi-waveless waterbed comes with a partial wave reduction system that makes them less wavy than the free flow mattress. This bed provides up to 8 -10 seconds of wave motion.
• Waveless waterbeds: A waveless waterbed offers additional foam lumbar support with multiple water-filled bladders that provide both support and limited wave motion. This bed offers 0 - 5 seconds of wave motion.

FAQs - Waterbeds

Do waterbeds keep you cool?

The water inside a waterbed tends to keep the bed and sleep surface cool. In winter months, waterbed users need to use a heater to make sure the water in the bed stays at an optimal and comfortable temperature.

How long do waterbed mattresses last?

Depending on care and maintenance, you can expect your waterbed to last between 10 and 20 years.

Is a water bed good for you?

A waterbed can be good for those who suffer from back pain or like to manage the temperature of their sleeping environment.

Are waterbeds dangerous?

While many adults find waterbeds relaxing and therapeutic, it is not a recommended mattress for children or babies.

Is a waterbed useful for sciatica?

The comforting contours of a waterbed coupled a personalized heating unit in a waterbed mattress can help those suffering from sciatica manage their pain levels.

What maintenance is required for a waterbed?

Be prepared to fill up your waterbed at home and to do yearly maintenance. This consists of adding conditioner to the water and fixing any potential leaks to the mattresses water bladder.

Is Sam's Club White Glove Delivery available for waterbeds?

Unfortunately, White Glove Delivery is not available on any of our waterbeds for sale.

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