Waterbeds

Each waterbed mattress varies dramatically from the next with many size, shape, and construction options available for individual preference. For instance, some types of waterbeds only come in "special sizing," while others feature conventional mattress sizing, and some feature shapes or construction options that improve personal comfort or mattress durability. It is for this purpose, we have compiled a quick reference for consumers to understand the ins-and-outs of waterbeds.

• Basic Waterbed Classification
• Motion Systems
• Dual Systems (Dual Bladder or Tube Systems)
• Fill Levels
• Heating Systems
• Lumbar Support Systems
• Waterbed Sizing
• Waterbed Component Construction

Waterbeds primarily consist of three types, hard-sided mattresses, soft-sided mattresses and conversional mattresses.

• Hard-Side Mattress – The hard-sided mattress is the classic waterbed form. It is a vinyl, water-containing mattress that may also contain some type of wave-reduction system within its one or two bladders. Because it has no built-in edge reinforcement, it MUST be housed within a wood/MDF (medium-density fiberboard frame) to keep its shape and support its seams. This is then placed on a specially designed waterbed deck and pedestal that distribute the weight of the bed over its entire area. So as to not lose valuable storage space, many of these include a built-in under-bed storage system. While this style of waterbed can offer the same comfort and support that a soft-side can, it is a bit more difficult to enter and exit due to its rigid framed sides.

• Soft-Side Mattress – The soft-sided mattress features specially engineered sides of sturdy foam that retain the mattress’ shape instead of having to place it within a hard boxed frame. It, therefore, can simply be placed on a conventional foundation, or box spring, which then rests upon a heavy-duty metal bed frame with a center support, is dressed in conventional linens and even attached to standard head and footboards. Contained within these revolutionary soft sides and a zippered upholstered fabric cover (making it look exactly like a conventional spring mattress) is the vinyl, water-containing mattress, which may then contain some type of wave-reduction system within its one or two bladders, or multiple tubes. Due to its conventional sizing and ease of entry and exit, this is the most popular waterbed design today.

From these two basic types of waterbeds, there are four types of Motion Systems that can be applied to either a hard-side or a soft-side waterbed. These levels of wave-reduction methods include different amounts of fiber batting, water chambers, and occasionally air chambers to control the natural motion of the basic free-flowing waterbed.

• Free-Flow – (No Motion Reduction) The traditional waterbed design, this mattress contains no fibers (wave-reduction materials). When properly filled, it is soft and loose and allows more motion than any other mattress which can last for 15-20 seconds or more. Any movement by one sleeper is transferred to the other, easily causing sleep disturbances. Touching the bottom is easy if it is not filled perfectly and entry and exit can be tricky.

• Semi-Waveless – (50% Motion Reduction) When properly filled, it is plush but stable, allowing only about 5-8 seconds of motion with a very small price increase. Sleepers rarely effect one another and a large person should seldom touch bottom if care is exercised getting in and out. Entry and exit are significantly simplified.

• Waveless – (75% Motion Reduction) When properly filled, it is extremely stable, allowing only 2-4 seconds of motion. While this mattress still offers the feeling of sleeping on a waterbed, sleepers should no longer be disturbed by one another. It is impossible to touch bottom at this level of wave-reduction and entry and exit are easy.

• Ultra Waveless – (95-99% Motion Reduction) When properly filled, this mattress has little to no movement. It is filled almost entirely with layers of fibers or baffles that absorb the water’s motion, allowing the mattress to simply readjust to your body’s shape as you move in your sleep. Sleepers definitely are not disturbed by one another, and it is impossible to touch the bottom at this level of wave-reduction. Entry and exit are easy.

When two individuals are sharing a bed, it is obvious that each may be completely uncomfortable with the preferences of the other, or perhaps one is of significantly less weight than the other. In such cases, a dual system waterbed is preferred. Dual Systems can be referred to as Dual Bladder systems, which are available in hard or soft-sided mattresses, or as Tube Systems, which are only available in soft-sided mattresses. In dual systems, sleeping preferences can be individualized for both sides of the bed.

• Drastically minimizes disturbances and unequal water distribution between sleepers
• Can support different Motion System preferences
• Can support separate heating preferences
• Can support addition of Lumbar Support Systems on one or both sides

Waterbeds come in three standard fill levels, meaning the depth of the water that is contained within your mattresses bladder or tubes.

• Shallow Fill – Shallow fill is typically only offered in soft-sided mattresses that contain tubes. It is the shallowest water depth for a waterbed available with only 3.5-4.5” of water in each chamber.
• Mid-Fill – Mid fill mattresses contain a median water depth, with 5-6” of water in the chamber(s).
• Deep Fill – Deep fill mattresses contain the greatest water depth available for a waterbed, with 7-8" of water in the chamber(s).

Heating Systems for waterbeds are specially designed for this purpose only, with specifically engineered covers that prevent the possibility of fires and mattress damage. They are placed below the vinyl mattresses in order to stabilize the water temperature to, typically, that of normal skin temperature. This is a very therapeutic feature that is actually advised by many medical professionals as a form of back, muscle and arthritis therapy. The Heating System does not run continually. It is, in fact, monitored by a thermostat that can be set to any desired temperature. Therefore, although this feature does cost a bit extra (usually between $4.50-$9.00 a month at $0.075/kWh, depending on temperature setting), the price is not exorbitant. These systems are highly recommended for all hard-side mattresses, but are optional for soft-sides. However, they do add a level of extra comfort.

These systems provide extra support in the mid regions where the body is heavier. When beds with added lumbar support are properly filled they tend to be firmer and more lifting because of their special added layers. Patented fibers give the bed a buoyant, hi-loft that is firm yet malleable enough to conform to your shape. These systems are also advised by many medical professionals as a benefit for those with back, muscle and arthritic pains.

Waterbed sizing is very important to consider when choosing a waterbed. The hard-sided versions do not come in standard sizing, sometimes making linen fitting awkward and difficult. However, the soft-sided versions ARE made with conventional mattress sizing.

Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) – Today’s waterbeds are constructed of a heavy duty vinyl formulated for water containment. This is generally poly vinyl chloride, or PVC, which can commonly be found for water containment in household piping. This vinyl varies in thickness between manufacturers from 20-27mm thick. While 20 mm is adequate, heavier gauges of vinyl are more resistant to punctures. However, it should be known that developments in vinyl production have made internal pressure within the mattress non-existent. Therefore, a new vinyl waterbed will NEVER burst.

Seams – There are three main types of seams that are used by manufacturers in order to provide long-lasting, water-tight seals.

• Butt Seams – This means that two pieces of vinyl have been brought together and seamed, as in clothing.
• Radial Lap Seams – This involves an over-lapping of two pieces of vinyl that leaves a flat seam on the surface of the mattress.
• Reinforced Corner Panel Seams – This is a proven, three-dimensional seam that provides reduced seam area, 100% overlapping construction and “Bottom Edge Seating,” which drastically increases reliability. This is the best seam construction used.

Baffle – When Motion Systems were previously discussed, this term was used to notate the materials within the mattress chambers in addition to water that aid in wave-reduction. In particular, this can be hydraulic cells, cylinders or fibers that retard motion, and are connected to the inner mattresses by tethers, keeping each baffle in place for the entire life of the mattress.

Safety Liner – Safety liners are simply extra precautionary measures that have been taken to prevent water damage should your mattress ever be severely punctured or damaged. Proper installation of these vinyl barriers is very important, as it acts as your last line of defense in such instances.

Frames – Frames, of very different types, are required for both soft-sided and hard-sided mattresses. While soft-sided mattresses simply require a heavy duty version of your typical metal bed frame with a center support, hard-sided beds require quality wood and/or MDF constructed frame with deck and pedestal to reduce all unnecessary stress on the mattress seams. Remember, this is the only factor that maintains the shape of your hard-sided mattress, so frame construction is very important to allow a full lifespan for your mattress.