Waterbed Mattress

Waterbed Mattresses have changed quite a bit since they were popularized in the 60’s and the surge in the market back in the 80’s. Although those original hard sided, full motion models are heavily criticized for causing back pain, modern waterbed mattresses have changed to deal with the problems of the old.

Waterbed mattresses are typically categorized in terms of motion, such as full motion, semi-waveless, and waveless. Often there will be an association with the degree of “wavelessness” via a percentage. This number doesn’t represent anything in specific, but indicates a degree of how fast the mattress will stop rocking after to get into it. For example, a 95% waveless waterbed mattress would stop rocking in less that 2 seconds. This is largely due to new fiber inserts which also provide lumbar support and of course the “swishing” effect and are often referred to as waveless, fiberfill or baffled waterbeds. Fiber layers are part of the composition of the bladder, being an internal component which the water would surround. Varying degrees of firmness can be achieved depending on the number of these lumbar layers which means that going to a supplier to test the firmness you prefer is a necessity. This might be a bit of a challenge as many retailers are not selling waterbed mattresses. However, if you live in or near a large center, with a bit of shopping around you should be able to find someone with a few options.

Traditionally, there was only the wood enclosed waterbed mattress (called hardsides) which essentially contained the bladder of the waterbed within the usually wooden frame. Today, there are many variations of the soft side waterbeds which look quite similar to a conventional inner spring mattress but contain a waterbed bladder on the inside. These typically have a mattress cover on them built up as a either a plush pillowtop or foam.

There are many waterbed mattresses that also have two bladders on the interior of the soft side variety. This allows for different “firmness” on either side of the bed for couples to have control over their individual preferences, and to eliminate the “hill and canyon” effect of the lighter person/heavier person in a full motion bladder. These mattresses can have different numbers of lumbar layers as well as water quantities.

Of course, if you are still in love with the old school full motion waterbed mattress, they are still available through online suppliers. However, those are typically not recommended as they almost certainly will lead to back problems. There were times in college that I thought I never wanted to sleep on anything else but a full motion waterbed mattress, since my girlfriend was a big fan when she stayed over. Needless to say, the periodic joys of waterbed copulations ended up being largely outweighed by the frequent backaches and we eventually purchased a new bed.

Fundamentally, the waterbed mattresses do what they are intended to do, namely provide a reduction in pressure points via even force distribution. Air mattresses use a similar concept to provide an even distribution of pressure often with the added benefit of customizable pressure adjustment on the fly. Waterbed mattresses have come along way and the modern designs can be really comfortable. I have never purchased a new one, but during my time as a mattress salesman there was quite a lot of interest generated by them and several customers said they would never sleep on anything else again.

The bottom line is that everyone needs to find a bed that suits them best. The best way to do that is to go test them out for yourself. Good luck finding retailers that are still selling these beauties however, after the 90’s crash due to back related complaints, waterbeds really fell off the map. As mentioned earlier though, if you are in a large center, there should be one still selling them.

Good luck!